It is a 2243m high mountain peak with a large footprint on the summit. The mountain is a remarkable pilgrimage site that has been worshiped by people of four main religions, as recognized by Buddhists as Buddhikha’s footprint, Hindus as Shiva’s footprint, Muslims as Adam’s footprint, and subsequently, the Portuguese as St. Thomas the Apostle.
In his third visit to the island, Buddha visited the mountain and left his footprint, according to the country’s great chronicle, Mahawamsa.
This island’s second-highest peak rises magnificently and provides an unobstructed view of land and sea. As a result, the peak served as a landmark for ancient maritime Arabs who traveled to Sri Lanka to trade in jewels, spices, and ivory. When they saw the prominent conical peak miles offshore, they thanked God for bringing them safely to the island.
The pilgrim season to the sacred mountain begins in December and concludes in April each year.
On the peak, the footprint has curved into a massive boulder.
The genuine footprint is supposed to be under the massive boulder, on a blue sapphire.
Marco Polo (1254-1324), a prominent Venetian trader and adventurer, and itinerant Arab pilgrim Ibn Batuta alias Abu Abdullah Mohammed (1304-1377) have both visited the peak to pay their respects.
Additional information
Nearby Attractions
The most popular nearby attraction
- Nuwara Eliya Town (70km)
Accommodation
Accommodation (within 10km)
- Star Classified hotels- No
- International Chain Hotels- No
- Boutique Hotels- No
- Resorts- No
- Ayurvedic Hotels- No
- Inns/Guest Houses- Yes
- Hostels- Yes
- Homestays- Yes
- Eco Hotels- Yes
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
Distance from (estimate)
- CMB Airport- 131km (travel time: 5hrs 20min)
- Colombo City- 134km (travel time: 4hrs 30min)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress- 208km (travel time: 5hrs 40min)
- Anuradhapura Ancient City- 253km (travel time: 6hrs 20min)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 218km (travel time: 5hrs 50min)
- Kandy City- 88km (travel time: 3hrs)
- Galle Dutch Fort- 225km (travel time: 5hrs 30min)
* The time and distance are only given to give you an idea. There are stopovers between the two locations. The cities listed above are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time
Season
- December to April