In the mountainous town of Ella in Sri Lanka, you’ll encounter the spectacular Nine Arches Bridge in Demodara. The path through the jungle leads to this architectural masterpiece nestled among tea fields, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The bridge is a testament to the blend of British railway construction with local ingenuity. It stretches 91 meters in length and is enveloped by lush vegetation. The train route from Ella to Kandy passes close to the Nine Arches Bridge, drawing numerous tourists due to its scenic views and the distinctive character of this extraordinary structure.
History of the Nine Arches Bridge
The building of this amazing bridge, which has become a symbol of the area, is credited to a local builder from Ceylon named P. K. Appuhami, who worked with British engineers. The main architect and project leader of the “Ceylon Highlands Railway Line” was the notable engineer and inventor, D. J. Wimalasurendra. It was finished in 1921, but there are interesting stories about its construction during wartime.
According to legend, during the bridge’s construction, Great Britain got involved in World War I, causing a break in the work. That’s when locals took over and finished the bridge using only bricks and cement, giving it a special charm. The fascinating story and unique mix of tradition with innovation make a visit to the Nine Arches Bridge an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
The best time to visit the Nine Arches Bridge
There are two magical moments when I recommend you to see the Nine Arches Bridge – sunrise and the moment when the train passes over the bridge. These times will give you amazing experiences and are perfect for taking beautiful photos.
At sunrise, the tracks are illuminated by golden light. At this time, there are hardly any people here, so you can peacefully observe the green hills and take some epic photos without competing with many selfie sticks. Tourist crowds begin to gather around 9:00 a.m., and by 10:00 a.m. the place is already crowded.
Another unforgettable moment is, of course, when one of the famous trains passes over the bridge. It looks like a blue thread among the lush green hills. Below, I’ve listed for you the planned times for the train to pass over the bridge. However, remember that trains in Sri Lanka are often not punctual, so I recommend arriving a bit earlier and allocating more time to observe this event.
Trains traverse the bridge at the following times: 9:30 AM; 11:30 AM; 3:30 PM; 4:30 PM; 5:30 PM
Don’t forget to check out the other incredible train journeys in Sri Lanka: Unforgettable train journeys across Sri Lanka
If you can, I recommend visiting Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge from January to May when the chance of rain is lowest. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so the city and its attractions will be crowded. There’s always a trade off.
How to get to Ella
There are several ways to get to Ella:
By train
From Colombo Fort to Ella: the direct train. It’s an unforgettable journey, but I think it’s worth visiting Kandy. I highly recommend exploring Kandy along the route, but if your time is limited, you can opt for the direct journey to Ella. Be prepared for a ride lasting over 10 hours, but rest assured, the stunning views along the way will make every minute worthwhile.
From Kandy to Ella: this is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world and one of the most magnificent experiences in Sri Lanka. The trip takes from 6 to 8 hours. Don’t forget to check out my blog article about this incredible journey:
The train journey from Ella to Kandy – the most wonderful rail journey in the world
By bus
From Colombo to Ella: at the Colombo/Pettah bus station, catch a bus to Bandarawela (costs approximately 200-700 LKR). In Bandarawela, switch to a bus heading to Ella (50-100 LKR). You can also opt to hire a tuk-tuk for the final stretch to Ella town (for around 500 LKR). The whole trip takes 7-8 hours.
From Kandy to Ella: Taking the bus is a more affordable and quicker option compared to the train, but it’s important to know that it’s not the most comfortable or scenic way to travel. The bus journey takes about 5 hours and costs around 200 LKR. Buses run from Kandy to Katharagama through Ella. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Badulla or Bandarawela, and then transfer to a bus to Ella. However, I believe that the train journey is too beautiful to miss.
From the southern part of Sri Lanka to Ella: If you’re traveling from places like Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, etc. to Ella, catch a local bus heading to the Matara bus station (costs 50-200 LKR), and then transfer to a bus traveling between Matara and Bandarawela (bus number 31 or 31-1). The bus will make a stop in Ella. Unfortunately, the stop is not clearly marked. It’s the first town after the waterfalls on the left side of the road. If you’re unsure where to get off, you can ask other passengers. The journey takes about 5-6 hours.
Private transport
A highly popular and comfortable choice in Sri Lanka is to hire private transportation with a driver. Driving yourself can be quite challenging due to the driving style of locals, so it’s much easier to travel with a local driver.
When exploring Sri Lanka, I often relied on private rides and can recommend Lalanga @lalanga.rajapaksha on Instagram – I’ve traveled around the island with his transportation company.
How to get from Ella to the Nine Arches Bridge
To reach the Nine Arches Bridge from Ella, you have three transportation options to choose from.
Tuk-tuk
You can take a tuk-tuk to the parking lot near the Nine Arches Bridge, then walk for 5-10 minutes, which is the fastest and easiest option. The tuk-tuk ride should cost around 200-300 LKR. Since I decided to be at the bridge at dawn, when the town is still asleep and the streets are dark, the evening before, I arranged an early morning ride from the hotel to the bridge with the tuk-tuk driver. This way, I didn’t have to look for a ride at 5:00 in the morning. I highly recommend it.
On foot
You can also reach the Nine Arches Bridge by walking. Follow the Ella-Passara road, then turn left at the Sri Kanaser temple (where you’ll find all the food stalls), and continue following the signs that lead you past several guesthouses until you reach the bridge. The walk usually lasts about an hour. If you get lost, the locals are very helpful, so feel free to ask them for directions.
Alternatively, you can walk along the railway tracks from the town of Ella to the bridge. This is a nice option as you’ll pass by a smaller three-arched bridge on the way. Be sure to bring water with you.
Guided tour
For those who prefer having everything arranged, you can consider joining one of the organized tours. Below, I present options for tours to popular destinations in Ella, including the Nine Arches Bridge. This is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to worry about organizing.: OPTION 1, OPTION 2, OPTION 3, OPTION 4
Tips for visiting the Nine Arches Bridge
Pay attention to the horn!
This railway line is active, with over 10 trains passing through each day. Therefore, it’s important to clear the tracks as soon as you hear the first train signal. You’ll usually hear a horn, so stay alert. If you plan to explore or take photos on the bridge or around, make sure to keep a safe distance from the tracks.
Lack of safety barriers
If you plan to explore the bridge, remember that there are no safety barriers. This can be both fascinating, as it allows you to admire the bridge in all its splendor, and pose a real threat to your safety.
If you choose to take photos at the edge of the bridge, you must be very careful and maintain balance, especially if the surface is slippery, for example, after rain. I also do not recommend walking in this area after dark. There’s no denying that the decision to walk on an active bridge without safety barriers is made at your own risk.
Beware of the wildlife
While exploring the tea plantations or hiking through the jungle, remember to be cautious and attentive. The area may be home to snakes and leeches. Many leeches!
Please clean up after yourselves
During the journey to such a charming place, everyone would prefer to admire its beauty rather than see scattered garbage and plastic waste. Therefore, I ask for a little help from you – avoid buying plastic packaging (if possible) and always remember to take your garbage with you.
There are plenty of cafés along the way
If you feel like grabbing a bite to eat or a drink during your trip, you don’t have to worry. There are several charming cafes in the area, both along the tourist trail and near the bridge. There, you can enjoy local specialties, have a hot cup of tea, or simply relax and admire the views.
Best viewpoints around the Nine Arches Bridge
It’s worth knowing that the bridge is often crowded, so don’t expect too many moments of solitude here. Nevertheless, most tourists gather around the tracks. If you’re up for a bit of a climb, you can get amazing views from various locations.
Here are a few easily accessible viewing spots:
The Nine Arches Bridge
The most popular (and busiest) viewpoint is the bridge itself. Walking along the entire length of the tracks will allow you to grasp its true size. Keep in mind that this is an active railway line, so be cautious and avoid getting too close to the tracks when a train is passing. It’s important to stay alert and mindful of your surroundings while walking along the tracks.
Tea fields under the Nine Arches Bridge
On the northern edge of the bridge (opposite the tunnel), there’s a spot where you can descend to the tea fields below. From there, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the entire bridge, and as you look upward, you’ll sense its true magnitude. It’s easy to understand why this place is often referred to as the “Bridge of Nine Skies.”
Tip: These are active tea fields, so be cautious to avoid causing any damage. If you see workers harvesting tea, be sure to seek their permission before entering the fields! The terrain may be very wet, muddy, and steep, and there may also be leeches, so exercise caution while exploring.
The hills beyond the Nine Arches Bridge
Head toward the tunnel at one end of the bridge (toward Ella) and turn left. The path will lead you uphill into the jungle until you reach a clearing with a magnificent view of the tracks below. From there, you can admire the breathtaking landscape, with the bridge fading into the distance in the background.
Viewpoint at Asanka Café
Situated high atop the northern end of the bridge, Asanka Café is likely the best spot to admire the Nine Arches Bridge. From here, you can take in the full arc of the tracks and watch as the train emerges from the tunnel. The family that runs the café is very charming, and their sweet tea tastes delicious.
The hills above the Nine Arches Bridge
Another fantastic observation spot above the tracks is located on the same side as the Asanka Café. Just follow the tracks to the right (away from the tunnel), and then take the path on the right-hand side.
The Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka, is not just an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of local history and determination. Its construction, attributed to both local and British engineers, tells a fascinating story of blending tradition with innovation.
When visiting this enchanting location, take a moment to immerse yourself in the surrounding atmosphere and capture the unforgettable moments of sunrise over the scenic hills and the train traversing the bridge. This is definitely one of the most incredible places in Sri Lanka!
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