Sri Lanka's most revered mountain, Sri Pada or Adam's Peak is located in a very breathtaking area of the southern hill country. Sri Pada has been a pilgrimage center perhaps for all faiths for over 1000 years. The sacred footprint, a rock formation nearby the summit, is believed to be the Lord Buddha's. Therefore, thousands of devotees throng to this sacred mountain peak in order to worship the sacred footprint of the Buddha. Sri Pada is a conical mountain 7,360 feet high, soaring clear above the surrounding mountain ranges. The pilgrimage usually takes place from December to April, which is the dry season just before the southeast monsoon breaks. The great desire of every pilgrim is to reach the peak before dawn to see the magnificent sight of the sunrise and thereafter perform their religious rites. Young, old and married women carrying children and old men, who appear physically incapable of the tiring effort, make the ascent strengthened by the belief that they are doing a meritorious act. Since of late, it has become a pleasure.