Rathnapura Palabathgala Trail to Sripada (Adam’s peak)

Trail Difficulty: Strenuous

Trail Head: Siripagama, Rathnapura

Nearest Town: Siripagama

Nearest City: Rathnapura

Access to Trail head: Paved road. Public Transport is available from Rathnapura to Siripagama. Trail head is just 100m from Siripagama bus stop. Account 1.5 hours from Rathnapura if driving and 2.5 hour if pubic transport is used.

Colombo -> Rathnapura [100km on A4] -> Malwala [7.5km on B391] -> Palabaddale [12km on B265] -> Siripagama [2.5km]

Total distance fromColombois 122km

Trail End: Sripada (Adam’s peak)

Total Length: 8.5 km

Elevation Gain: 2000m (Elevation at Trail Head: 250m | Elevation at Trail End: 2250m)

Approximate time: 8 – 12 hours

Hiking Season: Official Sripada season begins in December and ends in April. This is the period of best weather. Avoid long week-ends and full-moon days during this period unless you enjoy a crowded trail 🙂

An off-season climb can also be extremely rewarding since you will completely be away from any civilization or human contact until you reach the peak. Select a dry moth, July or August, since the trail can be extremely hazardous to pass during monsoon months.

Permit Required: NO

This trail goes through the evergreen rain forest of the peak wilderness sanctuary and it is closer with the nature compared to the popular Hatton – Maskeliya route toAdam’s peak. Low land vegetation (tall trees – thick canopy) covers the trail at the beginning and vegetation gradually transforms to a mountain cloud forest (shorter, more heavily stemmed, moss covered trees) towards the trail end. Peak wilderness sanctuary is among the best areas for birds and butterflies inSri Lankaas well.

Being a trail leading to a place of worship, a significant portion of it has well made steps, some dating back to the 11th centaury. Most of the tricky sections have metal bars/ chains fixed as support to make the passage easy and safe. There are sheltered rest stops called “Ambalamas” approximately every 1.5 KM. These ambalamas are suitable for an overnight stay if required. During Sripada season, the trail is lit-up at night.


0 to 4km: This trail starts off with a long, steep ascent. For four kilometers you will be climbing steps, cement steps first and uneven rock steps there after. Average grade is slightly over 1:4 with frequent brief sections exceeding 1:3.  This portion of the trail will elevate you to 1300m from 250m at the trail head (siripagama). By the time you complete this you are at the top of the first peak (point01) out of the seven peaks (Adam’s peak being the 7th) you have to pass during the hike. None of the first six peaks is as prominent as the Adam’s peak as they are surrounded by a number of small mountains.

4km – 6.5km: This portion is predominantly a natural trail. Steps and other forms of support is only available at most difficult to pass points. Regular climb ups-climb downs will be experienced as the trail passes over four more less prominent peaks.  This section ends at “Haramitipana Ambalama”.Adam’s peak rising like a pinnacle from the surrounding peaks can clearly be seen from this location.  At Haramitipana this trail meets another trail from Kuruwita Erathana. The place at which the two trails meet is known as “Galwangediya”

6.5km – 7.7 km: A section of uneven stone steps. This portion of the trail goes over the sixth and the last of the less prominent peaks and ends at “Adiyamalathenna Ambalama”, the last rest stop before the final climb. The last portion of the trail which is the steepest ascends starts here.

 7.7km – 8.5 km: This section of the trail elevates you from 1960m at “Adiyamalathenna” to 2250m at Adam’s peak over a mere 800m length. An average grade of 1:3 with certain sections close to 1:2 makes this the hardest climb of the journey. This section is called “Mahagiridamba”. There are steps cut on the stone and a protective metal side rails from start to end of this section.

Kuruwita Erathna Trail to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)

Trail Difficulty: Strenuous

Trail Head: Adevikanda, Erathna (near entrance to mini-hydro power plant)

Nearest Town: Erathna                         

Nearest City: Kuruwita

Access to Trail head:

Route to Adevikanda, Erathna

Colombo-> Awissawella -> Ehaliyagoda ->KuruwitaTown[80km] -> Erathna[11km] -> Adevikanda[3km] (approximately 94km)

Roads are paved all the way up to the trail head from the Kuruwita town onA4 Highway. Public transport is available from Kuruwita to the trail head during the sri pada season. Off season this will be limited to the Erathna town. Account for 40 mins from Kuruwita if driving and 1.5 hours on public transport.

Trail End: Sripada (Adam’s peak)            Total Length: 12km

Elevation Gain: 1850m (Elevation at Trail Head: 400m | Elevation at Trail End: 2250m)

Approximate time: 8 – 12 hours

Hiking Season: Official Sri Pada season begins in December and ends in April. This is the period of best weather. Avoid long week-ends and full-moon days during this period unless you enjoy a crowded trailJ.

An off-season climb can also be extremely rewarding since you will completely be away from any civilization or human contact until you reach the peak. Select a dry moth, July or August, since the trail can be extremely hazardous to pass during monsoon months.

Permit Required: NO

Kuruwita – Erathna trail to Sri Pada is the third most popular trail leading toAdam’s peak. This trail is much difficult to tackle than the most popular Hatton-Nallathanni route.

While this trail is about 3km longer than the second most popular Rathnapura – Palabathgala route, the trail conditions and the surrounding environment is very much similar to the Palabathgala trail. In fact these two trails meet 2km before the summit.

0 to 3.4km:  The first 3.4km of this trail is mostly an intense continuous climb. There will be brief flat or less intense sections, but they rarely last for more than 100m at a stretch. This section of the trail mostly goes through the disturbed forest and abandoned tea fields and therefore the trail is fairly broad and open. Steps and other forms of support is available only at most difficult point. The rest of the trail is a rough track over boulders and rocks for the most part.

This climb ends at the top of a mountain known as “Warnagala” meaning “The colourful rock”. “Warnagala” possibly got its name because of the large, exposed rock bed on its side. A stream flows over the large rock bed creating a beautiful large waterfall called “Warnagala falls”. Unfortunately at present most of the water have been diverted to generate hydro power and therefore the true beauty of the fall can only be seen during the wet months (off season).

Important land marks you will pass during this stretch would be

 “Jambolagaha-Yata” Ambalama (A Permanent Rest Place) at 1.6km from trail head (Waypoint: ES06)

“Diamondgala” ambalama (A Permanent Rest Place) at 2.6km from the trail head (Waypoint: ES11)

The intake basin of the penstock of the power plant (where the large pipes carrying water to the turbines collect water diverted from the stream) at 2.8km from the trail head (Waypoint: ES12)

“Saman Dewalaya” & Buddha Statue about 50m from ES12 (Waypoint: ES13).

An important land mark (and an attraction) that should not be missed in this section is the “WarnagalaFalls”. The first glimpse of the waterfall (or the exposed rock bed during the dry season) can be seen high up in the mountain at round 1.2km from the trail head (Waypoint: ES04). As you climb, around 2.2km from the trail head, the trail goes over the side of this rock bed (Waypoint: ES04). There is a small bridge like structure and steel bars on the trail to help climb the rock bed.  After passing the small bridge look for a trial on to your right side through the forest. This trail will take you to the large rock bed of the waterfall (Waypoint: ES10) (less than 100m walk). Even during the dry season, there are several large pools filled with crystal clear water and during rainy season you can see the magnificent cascade of water over the large rock bed.

This continuous climb ends as you reach the top ofWarnagalaMountain, 3.4km from the trail head.

3.4 to 6 km:  As you reach the top of Warnagala Mountain, after passing a scenic outlook where the trail goes over a rock bed with iron bar laid for support (Waypoint: ES16), you will see the trail transforming in to a narrow foot path through dense, undisturbed forest. These 2.6km is an easy and interesting walk along the edge of a cliff with a river flowing deep in the valley. Because of the forest canopy the trail is well shaded from the sun, the forest is full of interesting wonders such as little flowers and streams, and the trail is more or less flat (with only occasional, very brief climb ups and downs).

The only “Ambalama” or permanent rest place you find in this section is the Ambalama at “Seethagangula” or “IcyRiver” (Waypoint: ES22). At the point, which is located exactly 5km from the trail head; the trail meets the river that was flowing in the valley, at a point where two streams merge. There is a beautiful large natural pool with crystal clear water. You can bath in the river if you can handle the temperature!

As you walk about 1km from this point you will again have to start a section of continuous climb (Waypoint: ES24).

6km to 10km: You will experience frequent, intense climbs during this section as you make about a 500m elevation gain. There will be flat sections intermittently but they will not last long. The trail still goes through the dense forest for the most part and very irregular. Underfoot conditions are not smooth at all.

At about 7.7km from the trail head you will reach Buddhist shrine and a small temple called “MedahinnaTemple” (Waypoint: ES28)

At about 9km from the trail head, you will reach a somewhat flat area with a large bed rock and a permanent resting place (Waypoint: ES32). This is called the “Idikatupana” or “GeththamPana”. As the trail goes over this bed rock, take a look behind you. You will see an interesting landscape with a prominent square shape mountain in the backdrop seen over layers of trees. If you happen to be at this place in the late evening you will be able to witness a memorable sunset scene. There are few places in this section of the trail where you find this square spare mountain creating interesting compositions, the sunset scene at this place is the best out of all of them in my opinion.

Passing this point as you climb another 1km along the rough trail, you will reach the resting place called “Galwangediya” where the Rathnapura-Palabathgala Trail meets the Kuruwita – Erathna Trail, 10 km from the trail head (Waypoint: ES33)

10Km to 12km: There are few resting places in the next 100m from ES33. The last of this bunch situated at 100m from Galwangediya (Waypoint: ES34). This entire area is a high altitude plain and it’s called “Haramitipana”. From “Heramitipana”Adam’s peak rising like a pinnacle from the surrounding peaks can clearly be seen making it clear that from this location it is a single continues climb to the summit.

Passing “Haramitipana Plain” you have to tackle a somewhat intense and continuous climb on an irregular rocky trail for about 1.2km to reach the last permanent resting place before the summit which is called “Adiyamalathenna” (Waypoint: ES35)

From this point the steepest ascend of the trail has to be tacked. This section is called “Mahagiridamba” or “The Great Rock Climb”. This entire 800m of length is a steep climb. The last 600m is so steep that the steps are continuously aided with steel bars on both sides. As you reach the summit it feels more like walking in the Sky as the steps are so steep.

12km from the trail head you reach the summit of Sri Pada which is the 5th highest and the most prominent peak in Sri Lanka (Waypoint: ES38).

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

  • The summit can be extremely windy & cold, be prepared if you plan to stay there for a considerable time.
  • Except during the late months of Sripada season, the probability of rain is quite high. (Thunder storms during monsoon months May – July, Sep – Nov). Be prepared with a rain coat and water proofing for electronics such as cameras.
  • Leaches may occasionally bother you, especially in the lower sections of the trail.
  • Small shops pop up on the way to the mountain top offering all sorts of food and refreshments during Sripada season.
  • Drinking Water is plentiful. Water from streams is generally safe to drink without treatment.
  • Make it a point to be at summit before sunrise to witness how the distinctive shape of the mountain casts a triangular shadow on the surrounding plain.
  • The best approach would be to start from the trial head on a late morning, reach “Galwangediya” or “Heramitipana” by the evening, spend the night there and climb up to the summit before the sunrise.
  • The sheltered rest spots or “Ambalamas” are suitable for an overnight stay if required. During Sripada season, the trail is lit-up at night.

Hatton, Nallathanni Trail to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)

Trail Difficulty: Strenuous

Trail Head: Nallathanni,DalhousieBridge

Nearest Town: Maskeliya                      
Nearest City: Hatton

Access to Trail head:

Route1: from Colombo

Colombo -> Awissawella [58km on A4] -> Ginigathhena [53km on A7] -> Diyagala [5km on A7] -> Norton Bridge [7km on B71] -> Maussakelle [16km on B328] -> Nallathanni, Dalhousie [11km on B149]. Distance fromColombois 150km

Reoute2: from Hatton

Hatton -> Dickoya[4km on B149] -> Norwood [6km on B149] -> Maskeliya [8km on B149] -> Maussakelle [3km on B149] -> Nallathanni, Dalhousie [11km on B149]. Distance from Hatton is 32km

Roads are paved all the way up to Nallathanni,DalhousieBridge. Public Transport to Nallathanni is available from Maskeliya town.

Trail End: Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak summit)                   Total Length: 5km

Elevation Gain: 1000m (Elevation at trail head: 1252m | Elevation at trail end: 2230m)

Approximate time: 5 – 7 hours

Hiking Season: Official Sripada season begins in December and ends in April. This is the period of best weather. Avoid long week-ends and full-moon days during this period unless you enjoy a crowded trail.

An off-season climb can also be extremely rewarding since you will completely be away from any civilization or human contact until you reach the peak. Select a dry moth, July or August, since the trail can be extremely hazardous to pass during monsoon months.

Permit Required: No

Hatton – Nallathanni route is the most popular trail to the summit of Sri Pada orAdam’s peak. This trail is the shortest amongst the conventional trails leading to Sripada (other popular trails are Rathnapura, Palabaddala Trail and Kuruwita, Erathna Trail). Not only it is short, it is also the trail that starts off from the highest elevation which makes it the trail with lowest elevation gain.

Being the most popular trail, it is well paved for the most part. Sections where the trail climbs up are always aided with well laid cement steps. The facilities along the trail such as rest spots, drinking water etc. are also better compare to the other trails.

 

0 to 2.25km: As you start off from the Nallathanni Bridge on B149 (Waypoint: NS01), get on to the broad estate road. This estate road winds along the mountain slope of the tea estate with the river flowing in the valley beneath on to your right hand side. There will be small shop on the sides of this section of the trail in very close intervals during the season. You will experience a minimal ascend in this section of the trail and therefore steps and other forms of aid is almost absent.

By far this is the easiest section of the trail. This section ends at the end of the tea estate where the access steps to the “Japanese Temple” start (Waypoint: NS03)

 

2.25km to 3.30km: As you leave the estate footpath you will have to climb steps for about 100m to reach the temple (Waypoint: NS04), passing the temple continue to walk along the broad trail. You will now realize that climb has some what intensified. Rather than just walking along an almost flat trail, now you have to climb few steps every few meters, occasionally climbing for several meters at a stretch. After passing the temple, the trail is now going through the peak wilderness sanctuary. However during the season you may not feel like walking through a montane forest sanctuary due to the crowd and the small shops that pops up all the way from the trail head to the end.

About 300m from the temple you will reach a brief flat section of the trail known as “Gangule Thenna” (Waypoint: NS06). This is a permanent rest stop.

Passing “Gangule Thenna” continue to climb up along the trail with moderate ascend as described before until you reach the “Seethe Gangula”, 3.30km from the trail head (Waypoint: NS07). At this place the trail crosses a small stream with ice cold water on a bridge. You can have a nice bath at this point if you can handle the temperature! Also there is a permanent shelter for resting at this palce.

 

3.30km to 4.45km: As you cross the bridge at “Seetha Gangula”, prepare yourself for a stretch of intense ascend with almost non-stop climbing along steps. For the most part the steps are made out of cement and are well laid but there are sections with stone steps which have been partly washed away (roughly from 3.7km to 4.2km).

As you elevate yourself along the trail you will start to get a glimpse of the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the valleys. The trail will also get closer to vegetation as you proceed along it. Enjoy the views and tackle this section slow and steady.

The only notably flat section encountered in this stretch is at 400m from “Seetha Gangula” (Waypoint: NS08). This is also a permanent resting place. Passing this point you will again have to tackle steep steps. There are infrequent brief flat sections but they don’t last for more than few meters.

4.45km from the trail head and after 1.15km of hard climb you will reach “Idikatu Pana” the place where the most difficult and the final climb starts (Waypoint: NS11).

 

4.45km to 5.2km: From “Idikatupana” (waypoint: NS11) the steepest ascend of the trail has to be tackled. This section is called “Mahagiridamba” or “The Great Rock Climb”. This entire 750m of length is a steep climb. In this section the steps are continuously aided with steel bars on both sides. As you reach the summit it feels more like walking in the Sky as the steps are so steep. Strong, cold winds can also be experienced. The view in to the distant mountains and the valleys will become quite spectacular. It always help to take short, frequent breaks to enjoy these magnificent views.

12km from the trail head you reach the summit of Sri Pada which is the 5th highest and the most prominent peak in Sri Lanka (Waypoint: NS12).

 

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

Please don’t litter. During the season a large number of people climb along this trail and littering, especially polythene, exerts and immense pressure on the sensitive eco-system of the peak wilderness sanctuary. Please take all your garbage back to the base with you.
The summit can be extremely windy & cold, be prepared if you plan to stay there for a considerable time.
Except during the late months of Sripada season, the probability of rain is quite high. (Thunder storms during monsoon months May – July, Sep – Nov). Be prepared with a rain coat and water proofing for electronics such as cameras.
Small shops pop up on the way to the mountain top offering all sorts of food and refreshments during Sripada season.
Take a water bottle with you can keep it filled with water sources found at rest spots.
Make it a point to be at summit before sunrise to witness how the distinctive shape of the mountain casts a triangular shadow on the surrounding plain.
During Sripada season, the trail is lit-up at night

Deraniyagala, Udamaliboda (Ihala-Maliboda) Trail to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)

Trail Difficulty:  Tough

Trail Head: Pandeniya River Crossing, Near Dikelikanda Village, Udamaliboda

Nearest Town: Deraniyagala                           Nearest City: Awissawella


Deraniyagala, Udamaliboda (Ihala-Maliboda) Trail to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)



Access to Trail head:

Pandeniya River Crossing, Near Dikelikanda Village, Udamaliboda

Colombo -> Awissawella [58km on A4] -> Dehiowita [8km on A7] -> Deraniyagala [13km] -> Ihala-Maliboda (Tea Factory) [15km] -> Pandeniya river crossing, Near Dikelikanda Village, Udamaliboda [6km] (approximately 94km)

Roads are paved all the way up to the Ihala-Maliboda tea factory. From Ihala-Maliboda, most of the remaining 6km are paved but few unpaved sections make it only drivable with a vehicle with high ground clearance.

Reliable public transport is available only up to Deraniyagala. From Deraniyagala to Ihala-Maliboda busses are available but reliability and frequency in not great.

Account for 2hrs to reach the trail head from Dehiowita if driving and 4 hours if using public transport + on foot.

Trail End: Sripada (Adam’s peak)            Total Length: 12km

Elevation Gain: 1700m (Elevation at Trail Head: 555m | Elevation at Trail End: 2250m)

Approximate time: 8 – 12 hours

Hiking Season: Official Sri Pada season begins in December and ends in April. This is the period of best weather. Avoid long week-ends and full-moon days during this period unless you enjoy a crowded trail when you approach the summit J.

An off-season climb on this trail in not recommended unless you are an experienced adventure seeker. The first 8km of this trail goes through thick, remote forest and weather conditions during monsoon months can be extremely hazardous. Flash floods and clod weather are real threats when it rains hard.

Permit Required: NO

Deraniyagala – Ihala maliboda trail is one of the least traveled trails leading to Adam’s peak. It is one of the toughest out of the trails leading to Sripada as well, simply because most of the trail is a though walk through the dense forest of peak wilderness sanctuary on a narrow footpath with rough underfoot conditions.

It also involves crossing several waterways, with the risk of flash floods. The first 8km is no where close to any human presence and this remoteness also adds to its difficulty.

Therefore it is not recommended to attempt this trail during off-season unless you really know what you are doing. Even during the season, one should be well prepared and most importantly, start early when attempting this trail.

The first 8km of the trail from Pandeniya River until it joins the Kuruwita Erathna trail is an overall ascend along the mountain side of “Heen Piduruthalawa” mountain. Therefore you have to walk uphill frequently but the steepness of the climb is generally moderate except for few occasional steep sections. Also ascend is not continuous. There are a plenty of flat sections as well as few brief descends along the way as you have to tackle contours in the slopes with ample water flow.

0 to 6.9km:  As you cross the Pandeniya River at the trail head (Waypoint: UM01), you will have to climb up from the river bank to the broad, unmistakable trail inside the protected area. The trail moves slightly in to the forest, but continues to be along the river valley. With in the first 500m, underfoot conditions will fast change to a rough walk over roots, boulders on the wet forest floor with plenty of leeches welcoming you to this rough and tough terrain (Waypoint: UM03).

About 750m from the trail head, the trail will start moving away from the river valley (Waypoint: UM04). Up to about 1km from the trail head, it is an overall mild ascend with occasional ups and downs until a continuous ascend is encountered at around 1km form the trail head (Waypoint: UM05).

As you climb about 500m more, you reach a beautiful complex of streams cascading down to the river in the valley from the mountain side crossing the trail (Waypoint: UM07 & UM08). Crossing these streams, and after a brief flat section, the trail continue it’s ascend with average steepness but continuously. Underfoot conditions are quite rough and the trail is now a narrow foot path.

The trail moves uphill in this fashion for the next 1.5km. The trail moves progressively away from the river in the valley as it moves both uphill and around the mountain side. Around 3km from the trail head, as the sound of the river completely disappear in the distance, you will encounter a section of steep ascend (Waypoint: UM12).

Once you tackle this steep section, you will again start to hear a stream in the valley below from distance (Waypoint: UM13). With in the next 200m the trail will climb up to this stream along the mountain side and cross it (Waypoint: UM14). After crossing the stream, and after another brief flat section, the trail goes back to its usual rhythm of moderate ascend on a narrow, rough forest trail and quickly move away from the stream. The short hard climbs become more infrequent and brief flat sections become more frequent. Overall it becomes bit easy to walk after passing the above stream compared to the section up to the stream. This state of the trail will remain for about 500m more after which you again have to tackle a steep ascend which will last for about 200m and then you reach flat section of the trail. Around 4.8km from the trail head, you will start a steep continuous descend (Waypoint: UM17).

As you descend about 150m, the intensity of descend becomes less (Waypoint: UM18). The trail continues to climb down until you reach another stream (Waypoint: UM19).

After crossing the small stream, the trail will be a steep climb for a very brief section (Waypoint: UM20) and then become more or less flat. Overall it slowly descends to reach the valley of the upper reaches of “Kuru Ganga” river (Waypoint: UM26) in next 1.75km. This 1.75km is an overall mild descend but there is a mix of short ascends, longer flat walks and occasional sharp descends. You will also cross two small streams (Waypoints: UM23 & UM25) in this stretch.

 

6.9km to 8km: Once you reach the Kuru Ganga River (UM26), which is also called the “Seethagangula” or “Icy River” on this route, you should take a careful assessment of the water level of it. This is one of the rivers which have a very bad reputation of flash floods.

To continue the hike, you have to cross this river. The continuation of the trail on the opposite bank of the river is located about 25m upstream from UM26, the location where you reach the river (Waypoint: UM27).

The trail on the opposite bank will be mostly flat for the next 500m. There is a very mild ascend overall. The trail moves along the river bank and you will continuously hear the stream in the valley on your left hand side. This will continue until you reach a point where the trail splits in to two, with the left branch taking a sharp descend to the river and the right branch taking a sharp turn uphill and start moving away from the river (Waypoint: UM28).

After an intense climb for about 100m after the UM28, the trial will again become more or less flat (Waypoint: UM29) for another 200m after which you will encounter a some what continuous descend (Waypoint: UM30). With in the next 100m you will reach the Kuruwita Erathna Road (Waypoint: UM31).

 

8km to 12km: The next 1km along the Kuruwita trail will again be a continuous climb. The trail is broad now but the frequent boulders will make underfoot conditions difficult.

At about 9km from the trail head, you will reach a somewhat flat area with a large bed rock and a permanent resting place (Waypoint: UM32). This is called the “Idikatupana” or “GeththamPana”. As the trail goes over this bed rock, take a look behind you. You will see an interesting landscape with a prominent square shape mountain in the backdrop seen over layers of trees. If you happen to be at this place in the late evening you will be able to witness a memorable sunset scene. There are few places in this section of the trail where you find this square spare mountain creating interesting compositions, the sunset scene at this place is the best out of all of them in my opinion.

Passing this point as you climb another 1km along the rough trail, you will reach the resting place called “Galwangediya” where the Rathnapura-Palabathgala Trail meets the Kuruwita – Erathna Trail, 10 km from the trail head (Waypoint: UM33)

There are few resting places in the next 100m from UM33. The last of this bunch situated at 100m from Galwangediya (Waypoint: UM34). This entire area is a high altitude plain and it’s called “Haramitipana”. From “Heramitipana”Adam’s peak rising like a pinnacle from the surrounding peaks can clearly be seen making it clear that from this location it is a single continues climb to the summit.

Passing “Haramitipana Plain” you have to tackle a somewhat intense and continuous climb on an irregular rocky trail for about 1.2km to reach the last permanent resting place before the summit which is called “Adiyamalathenna” (Waypoint: UM35)

From this point the steepest ascend of the trail has to be tacked. This section is called “Mahagiridamba” or “The Great Rock Climb”. This entire 800m of length is a steep climb. The last 600m is so steep that the steps are continuously aided with steel bars on both sides. As you reach the summit it feels more like walking in the Sky as the steps are so steep.

12km from the trail head you reach the summit of Sri Pada which is the 5th highest and the most prominent peak in Sri Lanka (Waypoint: UM38).

 

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

Take extra care when crossing major streams. Chances of flash floods are quite high when it rains.
The first 8km of the trail is NOT lit-up even during Sripada season and therefore that section can only be tacked in daylight. If it gets dark before you reach Kuruwita Trail, spend the night in the forest and start in the morning. Wondering in the dark is a sure way to get lost.
Except during the late months of Sripada season, the probability of rain is quite high. (Thunder storms during monsoon months May – July, Sep – Nov). Be prepared with a rain coat and water proofing for electronics such as cameras.
Leaches will be there in hundreds in the first 8km up to Kuruwita Road.
Unlike in other routes, there are no shops or even a single sign of human in habitation for the first 8km, even during Sripada season.
Drinking Water is plentiful. Water from streams is generally safe to drink without treatment.
Make it a point to be at summit before sunrise to witness how the distinctive shape of the mountain casts a triangular shadow on the surrounding plain.
The summit can be extremely windy & cold, be prepared if you plan to stay there for a considerable time.
 
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