A hike up Sri Lanka's Adam's Peak is a deeply spiritual experience for many of the island's Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims.
Adam's Peak: A spiritual ascent —
A hike up Sri Lanka's Adam's Peak is a deeply spiritual experience for many of the island's Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
The 2,243-meter peak is one of Sri Lanka's highest mountains. It lies among the southern Central Highlands of the Ratnapura district, 150 kilometers east of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo.
High point —
The 2,243-meter peak is one of Sri Lanka's highest mountains. It lies among the southern Central Highlands of the Ratnapura district, 150 kilometers east of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
Many of the thousands of pilgrims who daily flock to Adam's Peak tackle the route barefoot.
Barefoot pilgrims —
Many of the thousands of pilgrims who daily flock to Adam's Peak tackle the route barefoot.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
Today, a stone staircase helps most Sri Lankans tackle the peak several times during their lives. Pilgrimage season runs from December to May.
Pilgrimage season —
Today, a stone staircase helps most Sri Lankans tackle the peak several times during their lives. Pilgrimage season runs from December to May.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
Buddhists believes the "sacred footprint" at the summit belongs to the Buddha. Hindus say it's that of Shiva. To Christians and Muslims, it's a sign of Adam's passage.
Holy mountain —
Buddhists believes the "sacred footprint" at the summit belongs to the Buddha. Hindus say it's that of Shiva. To Christians and Muslims, it's a sign of Adam's passage.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
There are direct buses from Colombo to Dalhousie at the foot of the mountain, but the scenic train route across Sri Lanka's Hill Country is recommended.
Scenic train —
There are direct buses from Colombo to Dalhousie at the foot of the mountain, but the scenic train route across Sri Lanka's Hill Country is recommended.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
The mountain is surrounded by a carpet of dense forest that's home to wildlife including elephants, leopards and monkeys.
Abundant wildlife —
The mountain is surrounded by a carpet of dense forest that's home to wildlife including elephants, leopards and monkeys.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
Most pilgrims try to arrive at the peak just before sunrise, which can be a spectacular experience with views over central Sri Lanka.
Sunrise —
Most pilgrims try to arrive at the peak just before sunrise, which can be a spectacular experience with views over central Sri Lanka.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
It can be a chilly wait in the dark. These young monks wear wool hats to protect from low temperatures.
Waiting for dawn —
It can be a chilly wait in the dark. These young monks wear wool hats to protect from low temperatures.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN
At the base of the peak, Dalhousie offers basic facilities like chai stalls, home stays and simple restaurants.
Down to Earth —
At the base of the peak, Dalhousie offers basic facilities like chai stalls, home stays and simple restaurants.
Chan Kit Yeng/CNN