the southern Hill Country, this lofty peak has sparked the imagination for centuries and been a focus for pilgrimage for more than 1000 years It's variously known as Adam's Peak (the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven), Sri Pada (Sacred Footprint, left by the Buddha as he headed towards paradise), or perhaps most poetical- ly as Samanalakande (Butterfly Mountain where butterflies go to die). Legends attrib- ute the huge footprint crowning the peak to St Thomas, the early apostle of India, or even Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage season begins on poya day in December and runs until the Vesak festival in May. In season, pilgrims and tourists alike make the climb up the count- less steps to the top. At other times, the summit's temple can be unused, and is often obscured by clouds.

The peak is accessed from the nearby tourist village of Dalhousie