Adam’s Peak

Sri Lanka

Standing 7,360 feet tall, Adam’s Peak—known also as Sri Pada and Samanalakande, or Butterfly Mountain—is one of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountains.^{1 2} The mountain’s primary claim to fame is a large footprint-shaped depression at its summit. Various legends attribute the depression to Adam, the apostle Thomas, Buddha, or the Hindu god Shiva.³

The stamp pictured here was issued by Sri Lanka while under British rule. At that time, the island was called Ceylon.

Next: Agawa Canyon

References

1. “Adam’s Peak.” Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary. 3rd ed. Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster Inc., 1997.
2. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada). Lonely Planet. 17 Feb. 2009. Accessed 31 Dec. 2011.
3. Pilgrimage to Sri Pada. Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak: Lanka’s Holy Mountain. Accessed 31 Dec. 2011.

Published 2018-06-17 Last updated 2021-01-17