If you’re planning to climb Sri Pada, the Hatton Route — also known as the Nallathanniya Route — is the most popular and the most scenic path. This route is famous for its magical sunrise views, well-organised facilities, and the beautiful journey that attracts thousands of pilgrims every season.
Whether you visit during the season or off-season, this guide will help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to enjoy the journey safely.
If you need a complete, step-by-step guide for planning your pilgrimage, please check:
Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak): The Complete Pilgrim’s Guide for Season & Off-Season
About the Hatton / Nallathanniya Route 🛤️
The Hatton Route is the shortest and fastest way to reach the Sri Pada summit.
Because of this, it becomes the most crowded path during the pilgrimage season.
Start Point: Nallathanniya
Total Distance: ~5 km
Average Time: 3–5 hours (off-season), 4–6 hours (season)
Difficulty: Moderate
This route is paved, has steps from bottom to top, and offers plenty of shops, tea stalls, and resting spots along the way — especially during the season.
The Hatton–Nallathanniya Sri Pada route is the most popular and easiest path to the summit. The entire trail is built with steps from the beginning to the end, making the climb more manageable even for first-time hikers. It is also shorter than the Ratnapura/Palabaddala route, with an elevation gain of about 939.4 m, which is one reason so many people choose it during the season.
During the pilgrimage season, this route becomes very crowded with both locals and foreigners. Sometimes the crowd moves so slowly that you can only take small steps forward. I even remember days when the pathway was completely packed, and sadly, a few pilgrims lost their lives due to the heavy congestion.
However, the Hatton–Nallathanniya trail offers excellent facilities compared to other routes. You will find plenty of shops, resting spots, and even toilet facilities along the way. There are also many interesting things to see throughout the hike, which makes the journey more enjoyable and meaningful.
Season vs Off-Season – What’s the Difference? 📅
Season (December – May / Unduwap to Vesak) ✅
During the Sri Pada season, the Hatton route becomes a vibrant pilgrimage path full of life:
- The entire route is fully lit at night.
- Thousands of pilgrims climb together.
- Shops, food stalls, water stations, and first-aid posts operate 24/7.
- The weather is calm and comfortable.
- You can climb day or night.
- Security and support services are well coordinated.
- No permission needed.
Perfect for:
Families, first-timers, elderly visitors, and foreign travellers who want the cultural experience.
Don’t drink from natural water sources (during the season) 🚫
During the season, many people use the natural streams, so the water is not clean enough for drinking.
It’s better to avoid these sources for your safety.
Off-Season (May – November) ❗
Off-season climbs are very different and can be risky:
- No lights on the path at night.
- Shops and stalls remain closed.
- Heavy rain, strong winds, and thick mist are common.
- Leeches are everywhere.
- Landslide and slipping hazards increase.
- Only experienced hikers should attempt it.
- Always hire a guide.
- Toilets are abandoned and can not be used.
- Need to get permission from Nallathanniya Police Station.
Only recommended for:
Experienced hikers, adventure seekers, and those prepared for harsh weather.
Off-season? Natural water is usually fine ✔️
In the off-season, fewer people visit the area, so the natural water sources are much cleaner.
You can use them for drinking or refilling if needed — but still use your own judgment.
How to Get to the Hatton – Nallathanniya Trailhead (From Colombo)
Getting to the Hatton–Nallathanniya trailhead is very easy, and you have a few travel options depending on your budget and comfort level.
By Train (Budget-Friendly) 🚆
- Take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Hatton.
- Travel time: 4–5 hours.
- From Hatton town, take a bus or tuk-tuk to Nallathanniya (about 1–1.5 hours).
- This is the most scenic route with beautiful misty mountains and tea estates.
By Bus (Most Popular & Scenic) 🚌
- Take a bus from Colombo to Hatton (mainly from Colombo Fort).
- Travel time: 3–4 hours, depending on traffic.
- Left side seating is the best for a scenic view.
- Then switch to a Hatton → Nallathanniya bus. These buses run frequently during the Sri Pada season.
- But the off-season Hatton to Nallathanniya bus may not be available, so then you have to take a bus to Maskeliya and then get a bus to Nallathanniya from there. Tip: The Maskeliya to Nallathanniya bus may be parked at Maskeliya filling station.
- Right side seating is the best for a scenic view from Hatton to Maskeliya, Left side seating is the best for a scenic view from Maskeliya to Nallathanniya
- Travel time: 1–1.5 hours.
By Car or Taxi (Fastest & Most Comfortable) 🚖
- Distance: 135–150 km (depending on route).
- Travel time: 4–4.5 hours.
- You can drive your own vehicle or book a taxi to Nallathanniya directly.
- Roads are well-maintained and pass through beautiful hill country.
What You’ll See on the Hatton Route & Trail Breakdown 🛣️
0 km to 2.25 km – Easy Walk Through the Tea Estate 🚶♂️
Your journey begins from Nallathanni Bridge (Dalhousie Bridge), where you enter a wide estate road. This road gently winds along the mountain slope, with the river flowing beautifully on your right side.
During the season, this section is full of small shops, snacks, tea, and souvenirs, placed very close to each other.
This part of the trail has almost no steps, and the climb is very gentle, making it the easiest section of the entire hike.
Makara Thorana ⭐
Makara Thorana is the beautiful stone gateway that marks the official beginning of the sacred Sri Pada trail.
It has amazing traditional architecture, and many pilgrims stop here for a moment before starting their climb.
Right next to it, you can also see the old temple and a Buddha statue, which adds a peaceful feeling to the start of the journey.
🚿 Facilities at Makara Thorana
- Shower area: Many travellers use it after finishing their long return hike.
- Toilets: Available and clearly marked with signboards.
Just follow the signs and you will find everything easily.
🎫 Wildlife Ticket Counter (Important Note)
There is a Wildlife Department ticket counter at Makara Thorana.
- Off-season: You may need to buy a ticket here.
When I travelled off-season, the counter was closed, so I’m not fully sure if it’s required every day. - Season time: Most of the time, people do not need a ticket, and the counter is usually not active.
If the counter is open, it’s better to check and ask, just to avoid any issues.
The section ends when the tea estate finishes, and you reach the start of the steps leading up to the Japanese Temple. You can see clearly there are 2 paths heading towards Sri Pada, and one mentions the Sri Pada route through the Japanese Temple.
2.25 km to 3.30 km – Japanese Temple to Seetha Gangula ⛩️
After the estate road, you climb about 100 meters of steps to reach the beautiful Japanese Temple.
Japan Sama Cetiya – The Peace Pagoda of Sri Pada ⭐
The Peace Pagoda, also known as Japan Sama Cetiya, is a beautiful Japanese-style stupa located at the foothills of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) in the Ratnapura District. It is the first of the five Japanese Peace Pagodas built in Sri Lanka.
Peace Pagodas are special Buddhist stupas built to promote peace, harmony, and compassion. Most of the Peace Pagodas around the world were constructed after World War II, under the guidance of the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii (1885–1985), the founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. After the war, he built over 80 Peace Pagodas worldwide, including the famous ones in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
How Sri Lanka Received Its First Peace Pagoda
In the 1970s, Sri Lankan monk Pelpola Vipassi Thera met Nichidatsu Fujii during a visit to Japan. During their discussion, Nichidatsu Fujii proposed building a Peace Pagoda in Sri Lanka and promised to provide full financial support.
When Pelpola Vipassi Thera returned to Sri Lanka in 1975, he formed a committee with several senior Buddhist monks to evaluate the proposal. After discussions, the committee approved the construction of a Peace Pagoda at the foot of Sri Pada, the most sacred Buddhist mountain in the country.
The Sri Lankan government, led by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s administration at the time, also supported the project by allocating land for the Pagoda. The foundation stone was laid on 16 February 1976 by Sri Lanka’s first president, William Gopallawa (1972–1978).
Construction was completed in 1978, and the Pagoda was officially opened by President J. R. Jayewardene (1978–1989). More than 600 Japanese monks and devotees from different Mahayana Buddhist traditions attended the ceremony, marking a powerful moment of friendship and peace between Japan and Sri Lanka.
Once you pass the temple, the trail continues as a wide path, but now you will feel the climb becoming a bit stronger. Instead of flat walking, you will face short stair sections every few meters, and sometimes a longer stretch of steps.
From this point onward, you officially enter the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, but during the season, the crowd and the shops make it feel more like a lively pilgrimage path than a forest trail.
About 300 meters after the temple, you reach a small flat resting spot called Gangule Thenna — a popular permanent rest area.
Continue climbing with a moderate ascent until you reach Seetha Gangula at the 3.30 km mark.
Seethagangula ⭐
A cold river where pilgrims traditionally purify themselves.
Here, the trail crosses a small ice-cold stream over a bridge. You can even take a cold bath if you can handle the temperature! A permanent shelter is also available for resting. I saw a lot og garbage here and there, even in the off-season. Well, please do not litter here and there.
3.30 km to 4.45 km – Steeper Climb Begins ⛰️
Once you cross the bridge at Seetha Gangula, get ready for one of the toughest stretches. This entire section has continuous steps, with very few flat breaks.
Most steps are cemented, but between 3.7 km and 4.2 km, you will walk on stone steps that are partly washed away, making the climb slightly harder.
As you go higher, the scenery becomes more beautiful — you can now see mountain ranges, valleys, and the dense vegetation of the Peak Wilderness.
About 400 meters from Seetha Gangula, you reach a small flat resting area — the only real break in this section. After that, the climb becomes steep again with almost non-stop stairways.
At 4.45 km, after a tough 1.15 km climb, you reach Idikatupana — the point where the hardest part of the entire Sri Pada hike begins.
Indikatupana ⭐
The “thread offerings” area, where people tie threads for blessings. For more details about Indikatupana.
🌿 Bypass Road to Rathnapura Trail
Near Idikatu Pana / Geththampana, you can spot a bypass road that leads to Andiyamala Thanna Ambalama.
This path bypasses the main Sri Pada trail. The tail staring at the Police Post – Indikatupana.
What to know:
- Mostly used by store handlers to transport goods.
- There are no stairs — it’s just a simple footpath covered by jungle.
- It’s not suitable for casual hiking and can be slippery or uneven.
If you’re an adventurer looking for a shortcut or an alternative path, this is the one — but take care!
4.45 km to 5.20 km – Mahagiridamba (The Great Rock Climb) 🧗♂️
The final 750 meters is known as Mahagiridamba, meaning The Great Rock Climb.
It is the steepest and most challenging section of the Hatton trail.
Mahagiri Damba ⭐
The steps here are very steep, and both sides are supported with steel rails for safety and balance. As you climb higher, the wind becomes stronger and colder, and the views open up into spectacular mountain ranges.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning (Especially for Off-Season Climbers)
If you are climbing during the off-season, please be very careful around the Mahagiridamba section.
This is the most dangerous part of the Hatton–Nallathanniya trail when it rains.
🌧 Why is it dangerous?
- When it rains, water flows directly from above, straight down the steps.
This makes the entire pathway extremely slippery and almost impossible to climb safely. - During my off-season climb, I personally saw a huge rock fall down the staircase.
It hit the middle part of the steps and even damaged the stairs and the handrails. - If a rock falls while you are climbing, there is no safe place to move aside, because the path is narrow and steep.
💡 My personal advice
If it starts raining in this area, do not continue the climb.
Take a break somewhere safe and wait until the rain stops.
Your safety is more important than rushing to the top.
After the Mahagiridamba, you will pass a point called Ahas Gawwa, where it genuinely feels like you are walking in the sky because of the steep angle and open surroundings.
Take short breaks to enjoy the breathtaking views — it makes the climb easier and much more memorable.
The Bhagava Cave 🕉️
About 150 feet from the summit, just past the last tea shop, you’ll find the Bhagava Cave. To reach it, climb onto the retaining wall and walk a few yards into the undergrowth — it’s small, hidden, and feels very peaceful.
History & Significance:
- For centuries, this cave was a refuge for pilgrims caught on the mountain at night or seeking shelter during storms.
- During the off-season, ascetic monks lived here for months, surviving on wild fruit, herbs, and moss, completely isolated from the world below.
- The cave walls carry two ancient inscriptions:
- One by King Nissankamalla (1187–1196), recording improvements he made to the trail and the gifts he offered to the shrines. Next to it, a figure shows a man in reverence — probably the king himself.
- Another inscription in Arabic from the 13th century reads, “Mohammed, may Allah bless him… the father of Mankind.”
Fun Fact:
There’s another cave called Divaguha, said to be where the Buddha rested. It’s mentioned in ancient sources but hasn’t been found to this day.
Visiting the Bhagava Cave gives a real sense of history, spirituality, and isolation — a quiet spot just a stone’s throw from the summit.
Reaching the Summit 🌄
At the end of this final climb, you reach the sacred summit of Sri Pada, the 5th highest and one of the most iconic peaks in Sri Lanka.
This moment is powerful, peaceful, and incredibly rewarding after the long ascent.
The route is known for its breathtaking mountain views, misty mornings, and the legendary Sri Pada sunrise (Ira Sewaya).
Udamaluwa ⭐
The sacred summit where the holy footprint is worshipped. For more details, please check this.
💧 Drinking Water at the Udamaluwa Area
Don’t worry — there is clean drinking water available at Udamaluwa.
You can easily fill your bottle from the tap line of water near the top.
Sri Pada via Hatton/ Nallathanniya Trekking GPS coordinates 🎒🏕️📸
For your reference, I will put the Sri Pada via Hatton/ Nallathanniya Trail route GPS coordinates in GPX format.
What to Bring 🧺
- Warm clothes (it gets extremely cold at the summit)
- Raincoat/poncho
- Water + snacks
- Flashlight (especially off-season)
- Non-slip shoes
- Power bank
- A bag for your trash (keep the mountain clean)
Please check this for what to bring for Kodu Peoples
⚠️ Important Off-Season Warnings
If you climb off-season, follow these safety rules:
- Never hike alone
- Always go with a local guide
- Avoid nighttime climbing
- Beware of slippery steps
- Watch out for leeches
- The summit temple will often be closed during heavy rain
Sri Pada live weather update 🛰️
13°C
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
- Pressure
❤️ Final Thoughts
Climbing Sri Pada via the Hatton Route is a beautiful spiritual and cultural journey.
Season climbs are lively, safe, and beginner-friendly.
Off-season climbs offer adventure — but require preparation and caution.
No matter when you visit, always respect the mountain, protect nature, and follow the traditions that make this pilgrimage so special.
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
