Stayed in a village at the foot of Adam's Peak in the hill country to continue with the pilgrimage theme. It is Sri Lanka's holiest mountain (2,200m) and pilgrimage for all religions depending on which legend you believe - some think it is where Adam first set foot on earth, others think that Buddha's foot print is here as he stepped towards paradise.... but me n G were mainly here for the views and sunrise....
Stayed in lovely guest house for 2 pounds (cheapest yet) but didn't spend much time in bed as up at 2.30am to get to the top before dawn. 5 mile climb and over 5,000 steps - ideal! The route well lit with hundreds of pilgrims - most barefoot, many carrying
kids, lots of old grannies being helped up by family members (judging by the speed of some of them I think they might still be up there now). Lots of teahouses along the way so good excuse to stop.
kids, lots of old grannies being helped up by family members (judging by the speed of some of them I think they might still be up there now). Lots of teahouses along the way so good excuse to stop.It was so bizarre at the top, literally hundereds of people - it was really cold and many had slept there to get a good spot for sunrise. Well worth it though - aaaaaaamazing sunrise above the clouds and views across the whole of Sri Lanka. It took 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down, and the old legs still ache three days on....
Check out the crowds (and spot the yellow hair)....
Sunrise over t mountains....
The shadow from Adams Peak...
Back down at 8.30am and took bus and train to another town in the hill country for the night. Had to stand on both for 4 hours, not ideal after the climb :-(
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