Do You dare to travel the Adam’s peak in Off-Season? | 5% to sl-charity

The Iconic sacred mountain of Sri Pada or commonly known as Adam's peak among tourists is a must visit place in the island nation of Sri Lanka. The mountain stands at 2,243 metres above sea level and is located in the Central Highlands, a picturesque lush landscape, often shrouded in morning mist creating heavenly scenery on the top and it takes certain amount of courage to bare the hardships on the way top.

Off Season

"Adam’s peak at off season has completely different set of challenges."

Expedition of Adam's peak during seasonal time is already widely popular but in the off-season, you’ll have to face completely different set of challenges. The season begins with the full moon poya day of December and ends in Full moon poya day (Vesak) of May. In the remaining 6 months, the off season, all the shops, utilities, water and electricity is cut in the trail and the occasional off season travelers, who dare to take the challenge, has to cook their own food most of the time.

Trails

There are 3 main trails to the top: Hatton-Nallathanny being the most popular, Kuruwita-Erathna being the most beautiful. But, I recommend the Ratnapura-Palabaddala trail for any rookies, much safer than the Kuruwita road and more adventurous than Hatton road.For the most parts Ratnapura trail is stairs-covered with 14000(9km approx.) stairs and quite a few resting places, nothing but 4 walls and a roof, to lay down for a minute or two to ease the muscles.

Rain Rain and More Rain!

The most significant thing about off-season is the massive rainfall through the day, creating amazing scenery around, making waterfalls and water streams pouring down on the stairs. In my view, it is the biggest hardship in the off season as well as the most wonderful thing to love about off season. The locals believe that the polluted steps by pilgrimages or travelers throughout the whole season is washed away by the rain and reset the conditions for the brand new season for the next time.

The Legend

There are few intriguing stories behind the off-season travel or off-season pilgrimage. It is not a myth that Mother Nature takes control of the things in off season and wild animals like leopards and elephants roam freely in that time period. It is said that season is for humans to visit and the off-season is for the animals to visit Adam’s peak, which is a pretty true fact.

"Season for humans,off-season for nature"

Some happened to see a White Ghostly elephant going for the pilgrimage. This is believed to be the soul of God "Saman" who is the guardian of the mountain as the legacy is written.

Prepare Yourself

Be prepared to Heavy rainfalls, thunderstorms and Blistering cold.There are no shops, get your own refreshments but water will be available from streams if you won't mind drinking them.

If you take the Ratnapura-Palabaddala trail, the seldom bus takes an hour to reach the trail head at Palabaddala temple and start the journey as early as possible. with no rush and gentle walking, you can reach the "Galwangediya Ambalama"- the resting place,within 7,8 hours at a junction where Kuruwita and Rathnapura trails meet.

From there You can spend the night and cook your own meals if you bring the goods. Since there it's another 2-3 hour hike to the top. Therefore start the journey by 2.30-3.00 a.m and you'd be all set to see the unique sun rise, the ultimate price of the hard journey from top of the mountain and the far sight of tall buildings of Colombo will double your amusement.

"It will be one of the most unforgettable experience that one could get, the cloud cover beneath you and you'll truly feel as you're above the Heaven!"

So do you dare to take the Challenge?