Tag 35+36: Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka - Pilgrimage like Buddhists

After completing our training camp in Ella, it was time to climb the real Adam's Peak.

First, we had to take a 6-hour train ride to Hatton. The time flew by and the view was breathtaking. We traveled through mountains, passed small villages, and continued through tea plantations and forests.

Upon arriving in Hatton, we waited for an hour for the bus that would take us up and down the mountains on narrow, dilapidated roads. After another 2-hour drive, we arrived exhausted in Dalhousie around 8pm.

Before going to bed, we quickly got water and snacks for the 7km hike that we started at 2am.

In the darkness, we set off wearing sweaters and jackets. It didn't take long for us to encounter other pilgrims who, like us, had embarked on the challenge of climbing 5200 steps and 1000 meters in elevation.

But why would anyone start at 2am? Well, firstly, because it gets extremely hot during the day and the exertion would be even higher. And secondly, for the beautiful sunrise that can be admired from the summit.

The ratio between tourists and locals was very balanced.

Upon reaching the top, there is a small temple where you can see the golden footprint of Buddha. It is said that every good Buddhist should climb Adam's Peak at least once in their life.

The temperature while we waited with the crowd for the sunrise was freezing.

But the wait in the cold was soon rewarded, as the colors of the sunrise were breathtaking.

The crowd quickly dispersed as the sun rose in the sky. We stayed a little longer to observe the ceremony of the locals before we made our way back.

The temperature quickly rose back to 28 degrees. However, we found the return journey much more enjoyable than the ascent, and we enjoyed the beautiful day with a view of the valley.