Tips for taking on Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada or Samanala Kanda [Butterfly mountain] is a tall mountain in the hill country in Sri Lanka. The mountain is called Sri Pada [sacred footprint] because there is a shape of a 5 ft footprint at the summit. Buddhists believe that it is the footprint of Lord Buddha, Hindu’s believe that it is the footprint of God Shiva and Christians and Islamists believe that it is that of Adam. There is a shrine at the summit to the Buddhist Deity ‘Saman’, who is charged with protecting the mountain.

Every year, thousands of devotees of all ages, sizes and physical capabilities climb to the top on foot to worship the footprint during the season, which starts on the full moon poya day in December and ends on the full moon ‘wesak’ poya day in May. It is possible to climb the mountain during the off season as well, but it is slightly more difficult due to rain, strong winds and mist. Also, the pathway is only lit up during the season time.

This was my first time climbing Adam’s Peak, which is unusual for me, having traveled all around Sri Lanka since I was a kid. It was the one place that I hadn’t got a chance to see yet. I’ve been talking about going for the last two years and finally, I added it to this year’s list of New Year’s resolutions! Here are a few tips from my experience to help you with your Adam’s Peak Adventure!

Tip 1 – DO NOT GO ON WEEKENDS!!!

Don’t do it, just don’t! Before we went, everyone told us not to go on a weekend, especially Saturdays because of the crowd. But we went anyway. We were informed that it would take 7 hours to climb to the top with a crowd. So we timed it and started the ascent at 11 PM so that we would make it to the summit to see the sunrise at 6 AM. But, the particular Saturday that we chose, was so overcrowded that it took us 10 and a half hours!!!! The last 500 meters took us about 4 hours. We were squashed into a stagnant crowd and ascended one step every 10-15 minutes. The last bit was more of a mental challenge than physical! So the best time to go is during the season, but on a weekday.

The crazy crowd!

Tip 2 – The Route

There are 6 trails to climb the mountain. The Hatton-Nallathanniya trail is around 5 KMs shorter than the others, but it is also the steepest, with over 5000 steps. It is also the most crowded route. The second most popular is the Ratnapura-Palabaddala trail.

 

The trails...

Tip 3 – Take a Jacket

It gets quite chilly at Adam’s Peak, especially at the summit, so yoga pants, a tshirt and a jacket/hoddie is the best combination.

Tip 4 – You have to see the sunrise!

Talk to the locals in the area and find out what time is best for you to start the climb on that day. We planned for 7 and it took us 10.5, so we weren’t at the summit for sunrise, but we were lucky enough to get a good view of it from where we were.

Worth it for this view!

Just before sunrise!

There isnt anything like it!

Tip 5 – Try the Beli Mal Tea

All along the way there are rest stops selling refreshments. You should have some Beli Mal Tea with a piece of hakuru [jaggery]. It’s a refreshing warm drink made from the bael flower. Promise me you’ll try it?!

Time for a break

A sign that says 'Lets drink Beli mal'

Tip 6 - Partake in the rituals

There are several rituals that the devotees undertake while going up. There’s no harm in joining them and getting the most out of your Adam’s Peak experience. Join them in the religious kavi [poems] and chants, light incense sticks and thread a needle through a pack of herbs at the ‘Indikatu pahana’ [Needle lamp] and string it along the pathway up. This was done in the olden days to show the path to the top so that no one would get lost. Similar to Hansel leaving a trail of breadcrumbs! You should also ring the bell at the summit. The number of times you ring the bell signifies how many times you’ve climbed Adam’s Peak. While we were there, one lady rang it 12 times!

Light incense sticks 

Threading the needing through the bag of herbs

...And string it along the path.

Ringing the bell at the summit

Tip 7 – Power through

You’re going to want to turn back at some point. I know I did. The last 500 meters was the most challenging, and I thought about quitting and turning back every 5 minutes. But you shouldn’t!  I powered through and I’m so glad I did. I felt accomplished and I was lucky enough to watch the sunrise…

Tip 8 – You can do it!

If you think you’re too old or unfit to climb Adam’s Peak, you’re wrong. If I can do it, and if devotees well over the age of 70 can do it, then so can you. It’s not a race. You could take your time, take breaks and do it at your own pace. It is not an impossible thing to do if you are willing!

Do it for this view!

Tip 9 – Get a foot massage on the way down!

One the way down, you could get a Siddhalepa herbal foot massage. It is perfect because at this point your legs will feel like blubber and your feet would be so tired after hours of going up and walking down.  

Colombo: An honest review of the things to see and do in Colombo

Colombo is a city where there’s so much and yet so little to do… So to help you navigate through what you should do while you’re in Colombo, I’ve compiled a list of popular tourist attractions and reviewed them with my honest opinion.

Dutch Museum

This somewhat lesser known attraction in the heart of Pettah is what used to be a large two storied house built in the 17th century by Thomas Van Rhee, The Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka from 1692- 1697. It is now a museum that holds over 3000 artifacts from when the country was under the Dutch rule. After you get over the fact that such a large building exists on a crowded street in Pettah squashed between the tiny shops, you start to appreciate the beauty of its architecture and the artifacts that are held within. What impressed me the most was the old well that’s in the corner of the courtyard!

The trade route - right at the entrance

Colombo National Museum

The architecture of the building is pretty impressive and there’s a cool skeleton of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling, but other than that, it’s not very exciting. Not really worth a visit in my opinion… maybe just a drive by.

Zoo

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, also known as the Dehiwala Zoo is not really worth a visit or even a drive by!

Old Parliament Building, Town Hall Building, Cargills Department Store, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

All of these are interesting buildings to drive by!

The Cargills Building

The Town Hall Building

The Old Parliament Building

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malaka Temple and the Beira lake

These three are all very close to each other and are great places for photography. The two temples are very touristy though. So if what you’re looking for is to experience what a real Buddhist temple is like, look for a local area temple. My neighborhood temple, Balapokuna is lovely and peaceful in the evenings. I’d recommend going on a paddle-swan-boat on the Beira Lake to anyone though. It is a lot of fun!

Buddha Statues inside the Gangaramaya Temple

The Seema Malaka Temple

The Beira Lake

Viharamahadevi Park

This large Park opposite the Town Hall Building and next to the Museum is a scenic place to take a casual stroll or even for a work out in the evenings.

One side of Viharamahadevi Park

Galle Face Green, Galle Buck Lighthouse and Sambodhi Chaithya

This is a must-do in my opinion, not during the day though because of the heat. The best time to go is in the early evening to watch the sunset and then stick around for all kinds of street food. Be warned though, it’s not for the ‘weak-tummied’. Weekends and public holidays are better because there’s a crowd of people flying kites and playing games on the green.

Galle Face Green

Towards the North of Galle Face Green, close to the Kingsbury Hotel is the Galle Buck Lighthouse. It’s a quiet spot to watch the sunset from.

The Galle Buck Lighthouse

Wander a little further down the road and you’ll see the Sambodhi Chaithya which is a temple built above the road on two arches. Climb 11 levels and 300 steps and you come to the entrance of the charming temple and get a great view of Colombo city.

The Sambodhi Chaithya

St. lucia’s cathedral

One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Sri Lanka, St. Lucia’s is definitely worth 

a visit.

Wolvendaal church

A masterpiece of Dutch architecture, Wolvendaal Church should be added to your list of places to visit in Colombo. With its thick walls and high arched ceiling, this building from 1757 was built to last and is full of history.

The organ inside Wolvendall Church

Independence square

This too would have fallen into the ‘drive by’ category a few years back. However now, the grounds around Independence Square have been developed into a park where many healthy people exercise in the evenings. There’s a museum under the building that’s worth checking out as well.

Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

This Hindu Kovil is an ideal place to soak in some culture and marvel at the sculptures as well as the rituals.

The Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

There’s only so long a person can go without enjoying some well-earned R&R on the beach…! ‘What is the best beach in Sri Lanka?’ is a frequently asked question from most of my clients. To answer that question, in a tropical island surrounded by miles of amazing beaches, there is no one-best-beach. It depends on the season and what you want from your beach holiday.

For Surfers

If catching a wave is all that you’re interested in, the beach for you is Arugambay, one of the best surf spots in the world. The surfing season is from April to October.

For Divers

From November to April, the West Coast is what’s ideal for diving enthusiasts and Colombo is the best spot on the West Coast with over 10 wrecks and several picturesque reefs. From May to October however, the dives are best on the East Coast in Passikudah.

  

Photo credit to Island Scuba...

For Snorkeling

During the West Coast beach season, Hikkaduwa is best for snorkelling and Nilaveli Beach on the East Coast is best during the East Coast Beach season.

For Whale and Dolphin Watching

Depending on the wind and the waves, November to April is the best season to see Blue Whales, Spinner Dolphins, Sperm whales and sometimes even Killer Whales in Sri Lanka. Mirrissa on the South Coast and Kalpitiya on the West Coast are the best places to experience this.

For active days and lively nights

Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are the best if action is what you’re looking for. There’s the beach, plenty of water sport options and many restaurants and bars along the beach who most often host beach parties at night.  

Unawatuna Beach

Quiet Beaches

If you want to avoid the crowds and spend your time on a deserted beach, I’d recommend Thalpe… There are some lovely beach bungalows in Thalpe and it is much more peaceful when compared to busy beaches like Unawatuna.

Calm Beaches

In my experience, Passikudah Bay beach during its season is the most calm… It’s almost like a shallow salty swimming pool with no waves and is ideal for people who are not too confident in the sea.

Whatever you’re into, it seems like Sri Lanka has a beach that you’ll love…!

Want to find out more about beaches in Sri Lanka? Email me on gbot@mylankandream.com!

The best spots to watch the Sunrise and Sunset in Sri Lanka

It’s been super rainy the last few months in Sri Lanka, so I decided to dedicate this post to the sun! It’s not often that one interrupts their busy schedule to appreciate a good sunrise or sunset…  but when the stars align and you are at the right place at the right time, a bright and colourful sunset is a captivating moment.

Here are a few spots around the Sri Lanka where you have the chance to witness an exceptional rise or setting of the sun. Don’t forget to add these to your travel bucket list!

Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak, also known as ‘Samanala Kanda’ [butterfly mountain] is a mountain that is known for the ‘Sri Pada’, the sacred footprint. The climb is most often done in the night time to avoid the midday heat. You would start at around 10 PM so that you reach the top in time to get a cloud’s view of the sunrise which is nothing short of breath-taking. Check out this time lapse video and imagine how it’d be to see it first-hand…!

Sigiriya

The view from the top of Sigiriya Rock, where King Kassapa built his fortress is gorgeous enough as it is… add an amazing sunset and you’ve got perfection!

View of the sunset from on top of Sigiriya Rock

Jaffna

You don’t need great seas and mountains to make a beautiful sunset… watching it go down over Palmyra palms is more than satisfying…

The sun setting over Palmyra Palms

Galle Face

Galle Face in Colombo is a popular place for the romantics to cuddle up and watch the sun set over the horizon. Whether is it from the terrace at Galle Face Hotel, on the pier at Galle Face Green or from the steps of the Buck Light House, everyone shares the same remarkable view…!

Watching the sunset from the Galle Face Green Pier...

Arugambay

Arugambay, one of the best beaches for surfing in the world is a good spot to watch the sunrise as well. Although you need to wake up early to see it, you won’t be alone because the surfers rise early to catch the best waves at dawn.

An Abay Sunrise!

Galle Fort

The Fort, an enchanting attraction in Galle, with its heavily Dutch influenced architecture takes you back in time to when the country was under the Dutch rule. Watching the sunset from the top of the Ramparts it a definite ‘must-do’.

Sunset from the Ramparts

Trincomale and Passikudah

The East Coast Beaches are among the best places to watch the sun rise while swimming in the sea…

Sunrise over the infinite pool at Maalu Maalu Resort in Passikudah

Marine Drive and Mount Lavinia Beach

These two options on the West Coast are perfect for the sunsets too!

Mount Lavinia Hote and the sunset

Ella Gap

Ella gap is a very picturesque sight… Adding a Sunrise into the mix makes it a thousand times better…!

Sunrise over Ella Gap

The 10 best Hotels for Honeymooners in Sri Lanka

I’m at that point in my life when so many of my friends are getting married and planning their honeymoons… So a question I get asked often is ‘where is the best place to go on honeymoon?’ Personally, I think it’ll be just as amazing to travel around Sri Lanka as it is to go abroad… and cheaper too!

So here’s a list of my top 10 personal picks in Sri Lanka for honeymooners:

Ulagalla

This by far is hands down the most amazing hotel that I’ve been to in Sri Lanka. Located in Thirippane, close to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Ulagalla has a traditional vibe mixed with modern comforts. Each villa room is hidden away and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding greenery. It also comes with a living room area, a deck and your own private plunge pool…!!!

The oil lamp that you light as you check in...

The villa, the deck and the plunge pool

Maya

A touch less extravagant when compared to Ulagalla, Maya is located in a little town called Beliatta which is close to Tangalle. It is on this list because of its simple and elegant charm. It is a beautifully restored old colonial style bungalow that is a great place to just relax and enjoy the breeze… The large garden at Maya ends with a paddy field… so it looks like the garden is endless…!

One of the lounge areas

The infinite garden...

Tea, cake and a light breeze = perfection.

Hunas Falls

This one’s the most popular hotel for Sri Lankan Honeymooners! A soon to be 'Small Luxury Hotel', the main attractions at Hunas Falls is the cosy weather, the scenery and the waterfall hidden behind the hotel… It’s located close to Kandy but away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s perfect for nature lovers…

The waterfall...

How about a romantic boat ride?

Aditya

If the beach is what you’ve got your eye on, Aditya Resort in Galle is what I’d recommend…! Each Suite at Aditya has it’s own unique layout and décor… and of course, they all have private plunge pools…!

A private plunge pool with an amazin view!

One of the suites...

Kandy House

The Kandy House is a 200-year-old manor house which was built by the last Chief Minister of the Kandyan Kingdom. It was restored to become an award winning boutique hotel that maintains its old school elegance but with modern comfort for guests.

Old school elegance...

The infinite pool...

Jetwing Vil Uyana

A property that’s similar to Ulagalla, Vil Uyana also has chalet type rooms called dwellings that are on stilts and placed within paddy fields. Each of them have private plunge pools as well. Whether you call it eco-living or rural simplicity… Vil Uyana is an ideal place for your honeymoon!

A dwelling on stilts...

Warwick Gardens

Another property done by Jewting Hotels, Warwick Gardens takes you back to the colonial era when the British Planters used to run the tea estates…  This very cosy property in located close to Nuwara Eliya and is surrounded by tea estates and lush mountains. The view is amazing.

The living area

The cozy bedroom

The view from the garden

The Wallawwa

Located very close to the Katunayake airport, the Wallawwa is ideal for your first day in Sri Lanka to rest after a long flight. This too is an old colonial home with a modern twist. My favourite feature is the pool!

The poolside at the Wallawwa

Leopard Safaris

This one is a very different option to the others on the list. Leopard Safaris provides luxury tented camping in the jungle. If you want a unique honeymoon, this is what I’d suggest! They offer two campsites, one at the Yala National Park and the other at the Wilpattu National Park. It is a truly exceptional experience.

Dining under the stars at the Campsite

Tamarind Hill

This is one of my all-time favourites…! Yet another old colonial manor house turned boutique hotel in Galle, Tamarind Hill is so relaxed and airy with its open spaces and its lovely courtyard…

The living area

The courtyard - my favourite!

As usual, I had to cut down my list of around 20 hotels to the top 10 so as to not bore you! So don’t limit yourself to this list… there are many other good properties out there. These are just my personal favourites!

If you’re planning on having your honeymoon in Sri Lanka, get in touch and I’ll help you out!