It’s sacred, not just fun and frolic

There are three main routes to Sri Pada. The most visited and easiest is the route via Nallathanniya. You can travel by train upto Hatton and then go to Maskeliya by bus if using public transport. There are rest house facilities available, but the conditions are not so good. Shops are plentiful along this path, and you can rest and get much needed refreshments on the way.

The other two routes are through Palabaddala and Kuruwita/Erathna. The Palabaddala route has been upgraded recently, by laying cement steps at some parts. The Kuruwita/Erathna route is the longest, but perhaps the most beautiful, cutting across wilderness areas which are home to elephants in the Sri Pada range.

The route to the mountain peak is through the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, which is not second to the Sinharaja rainforest. The valleys and hills are covered by tropical rain forests, sub-montane forests and montane forests at high elevation. Birds are especially plentiful in the area.

Climbing during the off-season
To observe the calm of the area, one should travel off-season, preferably through a more remote route like Palabaddala or Kuruwita/Erathna. However, torrential rains that are possible during the off season can create problems to an ill-prepared traveller. There is no electricity or boutiques on the way to rest and refresh one's self, nor anyone to provide first aid in an emergency. It is always advisable to get assistance from the villagers and climb as a group, if anyone plans to experience Sri Pada during off season.

Garbage
Garbage is still a problem at Sri Pada, though the controlling measures were effective to some extent. Garbage bins are now found in many places, but they need to be cleaned regularly, especially during crowded weekends. During our visit last year, we saw volunteers collecting polythene items thrown along the pathways.

Changing attitudes
"Nowadays, people's devotion seems to be diminishing. The Sri Pada pilgrimage seems to be treated as simply a fun-trip by many, especially the younger generation. They sometimes dress inappropriately and sing filthy baila. They consume alcohol, though the crowd is checked on the way for inappropriate belongings. It is true that things change, but customs like these are worth keeping forever," said an elderly man who was climbing for the 25th time. "We climb Sri Pada every year to celebrate our wedding anniversary and have been doing so since our marriage," said his wife with a smile.

Selling the blessings
Seeking blessings before starting the challenging journey is a long-standing custom. Around the starting points of the climb, there are several places where you may be invited to seek these blessings. Blessed 'pirith nool' will be tied around your wrist, seeking the protection of the Triple Gem for a safe journey. Sadly, this custom is being misused at some places to threaten those who did not seek blessings beforehand. At one place, pirith nool was sold for Rs.10.

Save Sri Pada
The basic facilities are still not adequate to support visitors and toilet facilities are few and not properly maintained. The experience we faced last February highlights the need for better crowd-handling measures. Deploying more police officers to control the crowd and the traffic and provision of adequate parking are other important requirements.

More than the administrators, the responsibility of protecting Sri Pada lies with the visitors, who should bear in mind that this is simply not a mountain climb, but holy terrain which must be treated as sacred.