THE HAWAII & ASIA SERIES PT11
COLOMBO – DALHOUISE – ADAM’S PEAK
After my earlier experience with a cute scam artist LINK I made off on the train towards Kandy.
THE JOURNEY WAS 5 HOURS, HOWEVER I WISHED IT NEVER TO STOP!
I had no idea I had booked the best seat on the train. The back carriage has it’s seats facing backwards and panoramic windows meaning you get this unusual view of the area you are travelling away from.
WHERE IS ADAM’S PEAK?
The train ride of a lifetime pt1
THE SEATS
The seats were good but I would be lying if I said I sat on them beyond the first 2 minutes. Now if anyone has been to Sri Lanka you will know its allllll about the train ride through the lush mountains. If you visit Sri Lanka and for whatever reason only want to do one thing, then this would be it. There are so many other highlights but nothing really comes close.
I spent the entire journey hanging out the door. Not once did I get tired or sick of the view, it’s the only seat I would choose! I don’t encourage anyone to just hang out of a loving train so just bear in mind to watch out for trees, posts and the chance of whatever you are holding onto to come away!
THE GRAND ADAM’S PEAK HOTEL
After a few hours of wondering why I didn’t visit this place early I had arrived at Hatton train station. From here it’s a 1hr 30min bus trip to Dalhouise (Nallathanniya) where I checked into The Grand Adam’s Peak Hotel and the beginning of the hike.
The train ride of a lifetime pt1
RELATED READ: GETTING CHASED BY POLICE IN AUSTIN
Adams Peak (Sri Pada / sacred footstep) is best ascended for sunrise and as there are 5 – 6,000 steps it can take anything from 2-4 hours. However technical climbing ability is not required and I came across people of all ages and fitness levels, and I mean all ages!
I was up and away from the hotel by 2am and made the short work to the start of the hike. I fully expect to be on my own most of the time but even from the bottom there were people handing out bracelets.
The train ride of a lifetime pt1
ADAM’S PEAK
The hike is also frequented by locals who are attracted by both its beauty and religious importance. Buddhists believe that Buddha’s footprint is located here; whereas Hindus believe it belongs to Shiva. Christians and Muslims however, believe that it is Adam’s first step after being banished from the Garden of Eden.
The summit can be cold before sunrise however so be sure to bring an extra jumper and even some bottoms as I was freezing. The sunrise was stunning as you would expect and it was definitely worth the hike.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s not the most convenient of hikes as it involved more than 1 form of public transport but when I return I fully plant to do it again!!
NEXT UP
Back onto the train for part 2! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
97/229
This post is part of The Hawaii & Asia Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
