Mar
10
In central Sri Lanka is the most famous mountain on the island, Adam’s Peak. It holds religious significance for the island’s Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. Once a year pilgrims from around Sri Lanka make the trek to the top of the mountain. Though I was not there during the pilgrimage I decided to climb to the top. To do so I had to wake up at 2:00 AM in order to catch the sunrise at the top. The image above was taken near my hotel the evening before. The climb had significant vertical elevation about 3,000 ft and a round trip distance of roughly 6 miles. Not the most difficult trek but certainly a workout.
The entire climb was in darkness. I arrived at the summit a little early and waited in a man’s house who tended to the temple that was constructed at the top. Other travelers slowly started to arrive and we drank tea as we waited for the sun to rise. Around 5:30 the black sky started fading into the faintest hint of blue. Soon the morning light began to fill the valleys below. The view was worth getting up for.
As the sun finally rose, the shadow of the Adam’s peak was cast onto the clouds below.
