Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka – Trains, History & Travel Guide

A well-known architectural and engineering marvel, the Nine Arch Bridge lies tucked away in Sri Lanka's central highlands. It's a location where stunning scenery, architecture, and history all combine to produce a really spectacular experience. Locally, it is referred to as the "Bridge in the Sky," or "Ahas Nawaya Palama." One of Sri Lanka's most famous sights is this one-of-a-kind creation.

What is Nine Arch Bridge?

The Demodara and Ella railway stations are connected by the century-old stone Nine Arch Bridge. It features nine magnificent arches, each towering and curled against the verdant tea land, as the name would imply. It stands out against the surrounding valleys and woodlands at about 91 meters in length and 24 meters in height.

Constructed during the British colonial era in the early 1900s, the bridge was finished in 1921. The fact that it was built entirely of stone and bricks, without the use of steel, is what really sets it apart. Even more beauty is added by local folklore, which claims that builders had to rely on inventiveness and traditional materials when steel was requisitioned for World War I.

The Nine Arch Bridge is the ideal fusion of colonial engineering and Sri Lankan workmanship, having been designed by British engineers and built by native artisans. With expansive tea plantations and dense jungle as backdrops, its arches soar majestically above a valley. The bridge still supports trains every day, which is evidence of its durability and strength. Standing on it is like traveling back in time.

Local tradition states that the British questioned whether the Nine Arch Bridge could support the weight of a train when it was built using only stone and cement. The bridge's chief builder, Mr. Appuhami, rode on the first train to traverse it to demonstrate the strength of his work.

The Train Experience

Seeing a train cross the bridge is, of course, the highlight of the trip. It's an unforgettable experience to see the maroon cars of the ancient railway curve across the bridge with the contemporary blue coaches of the famous Nanu Oya to Ella train.

Train rides in the morning and evening provide travelers with completely distinct experiences because Sri Lanka has some of the most dynamic weather in the region.

Morning trains offer a magical experience with the mist rolling through the hills, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Evening trains offer just as enchanting, with golden light spilling across the arches as the train emerges from the tunnel.

Popular trains to experience Nine Arch bridge will be as below.

Starting from Colombo Fort

• Podi Menike - Starting at 5:55AM
• Ella Express - Starting at 6:30AM
• Ella Odyssey - Starting at 6:30AM

Starting from Badulla

• Udarata Menike - Starting at 5:50AM
• Podi Menike - Starting at 8:50AM
• Ella Odyssey - Starting at 7:40AM

Why Tourists Love the Nine Arch Bridge

An iconic landmark of one of the most well-known rail journeys in the world, from Nanu Oya to Ella, is the Nine Arch Bridge. Travelers from all over the world come to Sri Lanka to take this train excursion.

One of Ella's most popular destinations, the Nine Arch Bridge attracts tourists, photographers, and explorers from all over the world. It's an experience to walk to the bridge itself. Before reaching the viewpoint, you'll travel by tea plantations, narrow hamlet streets, and even railroad tracks.

Attractions near the Nine Arch Bridge

Ella isn’t just about the bridge. It’s a paradise for hikers and explorers. Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, tea plantations, and waterfalls near the Nine Arch Bridge are a few of the attractions that Ella offers to its visitors from all around the world.

• Ella Rock: A slightly challenging hike, but the panoramic views of the valleys and misty hills make it worth every step.
• Little Adam’s Peak: An easier trail compared to Ella Rock, but equally rewarding with stunning sunrise and sunset views.
• Tea Plantations: Ella is surrounded by lush tea estates where you can enjoy a fresh cup of Ceylon tea while soaking in the mountain air.

Tips for Travelers

To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Time your visit – Morning and evening are the most magical times to see the train crossing.
• Wear proper shoes – The paths can get muddy, especially after rain.
• Be mindful with drones – Flying drones under the bridge isn’t safe, as there are bees and wasps nesting in the arches.
• Respect the locals and the railway – This is still an active railway line, so be cautious when walking on the tracks.
• Be mindful of train tracks - Although trains move at relatively low speeds across the Nine Arch Bridge, it’s important to stay cautious when walking on it. Train drivers have limited visibility in this area, and walking too close to the tracks could lead to accidents.
• Don’t travel on the footboard - Without a question, riding on the footboard is an exciting and distinctive sensation. However, a lot of trees, poles, and even steel bridges are near the train because the lines wind through the mountains in a tight path. Because of this, traveling on a footboard is dangerous because one could quickly run into an obstruction.