I could see my breath under an inky sky when I left the inn at 3 am. Trail-lights illuminated the face of the 7,359 foot Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), near Dalhousie, Sri Lanka. I was hiking to meet the sunrise.
My parents and I had travelled here from the northern town of Trincomalee. The trip by train and chicken-filled buses that went terrifyingly fast had taken us to this sacred place. Along with the pilgrims who make the spiritual journey to where Adam (Shiva, or Buddha) first touched earth, there are the others who are lured by the promise of a good hike. I’d read about Adam’s Peak, and I was determined to climb it, even though my parents couldn’t, to understand what drew thousands here. Something about it had sparked my curiosity – the size? The shape? The story? Maybe it was just the idea of being among the first to see a new sunrise.
Sri Pada is a huge foot-shaped green monolith, imposing and densely forested. Steps climb the side, and the path is dotted with small shacks made of corrugated metal. Locals live on the mountain, selling over-sweetened tea to people who decide to make the trek.
As I set off with friends, my eyes fixed on the lit path.There was a sense of anticipation filling the air. I didn’t want to break it. At the trailhead, a monk tied a white string around my wrist. It was a reminder of the sanctity of the mountain and a symbol of good luck. It felt strangely monumental, like I was setting off on a long journey and I might not find my way back.
The steps were steep, and I tripped over roots in the dark. My hands, outstretched, touched the chill slip-slide of leaves. Around me, people climbed silently. There were barefooted grandmothers clothed in white, who laboured over each step, and there were young backpackers with chest-mounted GoPros, who raced each other up the mountain.
When I was about two-thirds up the mountain, my ankle twisted underneath me. Luckily, I was near one of the tea-houses so I limped into the seating area and bought a cup of sweet black tea. I texted my dad, asking for help.
While I burned my tongue on the over-brewed tea, the rest of me was cold. I was missing the hike to the top, the chance to be the first to see the sunrise. The elderly couple who owned the shop watched me in concern, and the woman came out to speak to me in pantomime and Sinhala. Her face was tired, her hands expressive. She insisted I come inside, and installed me on the couch with a rough blanket. I was nervous, but she looked kind.
The woman and her husband lived in the one room hut, scented with curry spices. They owned two blankets, a bed, and a couch. The tourists that bought tea supplied their livelihood. Between them, they spoke about seven words of English. It was difficult to communicate – I was disappointed in my failure, and didn’t have the ability to tell them. I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to return to Sri Lanka to summit Sri Pada.
They didn’t try to talk to me much, but they were welcoming and somehow my disappointment faded, replaced by acceptance of the different gift the day had given me.
I hope they’re still there, gently helping those who find them. Their act of kindness is something I’ve remembered for years. To me, it was warmer than the sunrise at the top of the mountain.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Hiking to Meet the Sunrise”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
It sounds like a statement that emphasizes the importance of adults having access to things that are valuable. It could be interpreted as a reminder that adults should not be denied the opportunity to enjoy things that are considered precious or valuable. It’s a good reminder that everyone deserves to have access to things that bring them joy and happiness, regardless of their age.
Summer is a great time to plan a family vacation. There are many options to choose from, such as visiting national parks, theme parks, water parks, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group trips, or staycations. Happy travels!
Greek island cruises are a great way to explore the most alluring Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete and Paros. You can witness world-famous sights, charming seaside tavernas, and crystal-clear waters while island-hopping.
Renting a houseboat on Lake Powell is a great way to enjoy scenic beauty and water adventures. You can explore the 1.25 million-acre geologic playground of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which straddles northern Arizona and southern Utah, while unwinding amid the comforts of home. Book your trip now and discover the ultimate vacation experience!
Cruise lines are offering more immersive experiences for kids, such as go-karting, ice skating, sushi making, and wine tasting, to name a few. These experiences are designed to draw in a wider audience and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Travel professionals have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to handling travel disasters. They can provide you with tips and tools to help you prepare for any kind of travel disaster, whether it’s a canceled flight, a natural disaster, or a medical emergency. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected, and travel professionals can help you do just that.
Family cruising experiences are a great way to bond with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories. They offer good value, variety, entertainment, and all-inclusive amenities, and appeal to all ages. So, why not gift everyone an unforgettable experience?
This is a great travel destination ideas, although it seems outdated. Do you have a more updated travel guides, I believe some locations are not the same due to the pandemic
Nice post. This wasn’t what I was searching for but I still enjoyed reading it.
I think this content needs updating. I am interested in looking for new winter destinations after the pandemic hits.
Planning a winter getaway is an adventure in itself. The snowy landscapes add a magical touch to the family bonding experience. You nailed it. meticulous planning is key, and being ready for unexpected twists, like a surprise blizzard, keeps the excitement alive. Any memorable winter destinations you’d recommend?
Fantastic article post.Really thank you!
Thanks for finally talking about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My
Family Travels <Liked it!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
The Information your provides its very useful for making a trip.
Thanks for finally writing about >How To Protect Your Family Against Travel
Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared – My Family Travels <Liked it!
I have no doubt about that.
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with
us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m
bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Great blog and terrific style and design.
Hi there, I found ykur web site by the use of Google while searching for a similar topic, your site came up, it seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my googpe bookmarks.
Cheers!
This post is priceless. How can I find out more?
Hello.Thiis post wwas extremely interesting, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
Very good post! We will be linking tto this great content on our
site. Keep up the goood writing.
You got a very superb website, Glad I noticed it through yahoo.
Some really fantastc content on this site, thanks for contribution.
Thank you foor helping out, great information.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your
next write ups thank you once again.
You reported that exceptionally well!
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as
long as I provide credit and sources back to
your website? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of
the information you provide here. Please let me know
if this alright with you. Appreciate it!
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having
problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
I take pleasure in, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Good post, I certainly love this website. Keep doing good things. 224034904
Thank you for this info
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
it’s time to be happy.
It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
Great place for kids. My 2 and 4 year old tried every water slide, pool, and toy. They loved the beach as well with the calm, warm waters. It was far from a relaxing trip but this one was all about the kids.
I was more than happy to find this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new things on your web site.
I live in Jacksonville and there is no longer a ‘lively waterfront’. The shops and restaurants were demolished after a mass shooting at one of the establishments. Head to the beach not downtown!! There is a lovely historic district called Avondale/Riverside area. It is absolutely beautiful with shops and restaurants and a beautiful park with a kick a** playground! The neighborhoods sit on the St John’s River. The old homes are big and beautiful. I walk that area regularly and have lived there. Stunning!!!
Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have got right here on this post.
I am returning to your site for more soon.
I agree with every word in this blog, I tried to travel to Saudi Arabia with this topic in mind. I thought a lot about choosing a sustainable activity. So I texted Ootlah website to ask them about sustainable activities and they recommended enjoying the desert in Jeddah, which causes almost no harm to the environment. I booked and tried it and it was significant.
Thank you. We might get there, and we might not. Hope so.