Finding the Beautiful Nine Arche Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka

The Nine arch bridge sri lanka is one of the most interesting landmarks in Sri Lanka. It is in the beautiful town of Ella in the central mountains. People come from all over to see this amazing bridge, which combines historical importance, architectural brilliance, and natural beauty. Whether you’re into photos, history, or just want to relax, the Nine Arches Bridge will give you an unforgettable experience.


How the Nine Arches Bridge was built and how it got its name

The Nine Arches Bridge, which is also known as the “Bridge in the Sky,” was put up in 1921. It is 91 meters (300 feet) long and 80 to 100 feet high. It was built when Britain ruled the colonies. The bridge shows how advanced engineering was at the time because it combines British design with work done by locals.

The Ceylon Highlands Railway project, which aimed to connect towns in Sri Lanka’s hill country, paid for its building. The bridge is placed between Ella and Demodara for strategic reasons. It is famous for its unique design, which includes nine huge arches that give it its name. A common story says that the bridge was built by locals during World War I, when British experts were hard
to come by. They got supplies like bricks and cement from nearby, so the bridge is a mix of British engineering and knowledge from the area. The finished building serves as a stark reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial history.


The best times to see the bridge

The Nine Arches Bridge is best seen at sunrise or when a train is passing through.

Sunrise: The early morning is a peaceful time to take pictures of the bridge as it glows with the golden light of dawn. Mist covers the lush greenery around the bridge, making for a peaceful and beautiful scene. With fewer people around, it’s a great time to think and take pictures.

Train Crossing: Seeing a train cross the Nine Arches Bridge is one of the most interesting things to see in Sri Lanka. The perfect view is created as the train moves across the bridge, which is surrounded by rolling hills and misty mountains. Several times a day, around 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM, trains go over the bridge. Check the train schedule ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss it.


The Nine Arches Bridge and How to Get There

How to Get to Ella: You can easily get to Ella by train, bus, or private car, and each will give you a different experience.

  • By train: The trip from Colombo to Ella by train takes about 10 hours and is one of the most beautiful in the world. The path goes by beautiful waterfalls, tea gardens, and mountains that are covered in fog. The 6–8- hour trip from Kandy is just as beautiful for tourists going the other way.
  • By Bus: The bus from Colombo to Ella costs less and takes less time than the train, but it doesn’t have as many beautiful views.
  • Private Transportation: If you want comfort and freedom, renting a private vehicle is a good choice. And you can enjoy the views at your own places. It’s the fastest way to get to Ella.

From Ella, how to get to the Nine Archibald Bridge
There are more ways to get to the Nine Arches Bridge from Ella:

  1. With a tuk-tuk, you can get to the bridge quickly and easily. The fare is about 200 to 300 LKR. The ride will drop you off near the bridge. To get to the lookout, it’s only a short walk.
  2. Walking: From Ella town to the bridge, it takes about an hour to walk. This is a more full experience. You will see beautiful tea farms and forests along the way. To get to the Ella-Passara road, either follow the signs or walk along the railroad tracks. You’ll come across another small three-arched bridge.
  3. Private Transportation: If you’d rather be in comfort and ease, you can book a private car to take you straight to the bridge.

Advice on how to get to the Nine Arches Bridge

First, safety: There is a train track going over the Nine Arches Bridge. Don’t stand too close to the rails and always clear the tracks when you hear a train coming. When going on the bridge, be careful because there are no guardrails .

You should bring a raincoat or jacket with you to Ella, particularly if you’re going during the rainy season, because the weather can maybe change rapidly there. It rains, the bridge surface might get slippery, so be careful.

Be careful of animals like leeches and snakes when you’re visiting the nearby tea plantations and forests. Long pants, strong shoes, and bug spray are all good things to bring.

Take Care of the Earth: Always leave your space clean. Don’t leave trash behind, and don’t buy things that come in plastic wrap.


Where to See the Nine Arches Bridge Best

From a number of places, you can get beautiful views of the Nine Arches Bridge and the area around it:

The Bridge: When you stand on the bridge, you can see its impressive construction from a different angle. Just watch out for trains going by while you’re taking pictures.

There are tea farms below the bridge. On the northern side of the bridge, you can go down into the tea fields to get a great view of the bridge against the green tea plantations. It’s a great place to take pictures.

Hills Beyond the Bridge: If you’re up for a little climb, head towards the tunnel at the end of the bridge. It’s well worth it to see the breathtaking panoramic view of the area. The higher location lets you take pictures of the bridge with the beautiful hills in the background.

Asanka Café: This café is on the northern side of the bridge and is a great spot to take it easy, enjoy some local drinks, and take in the view. As you drink your tea, you can watch the trains go across the bridge from this spot.

Above the Bridge: The hills above the bridge are a great place to get another great view. This spot gives you a different view of the bridge and the area around it, as well as a wide view of the countryside.


Where to Stay Near the Nine Arches Bridge

Ella has a wide range of places to stay, from cheap guesthouses to high-end resorts, which makes it a great place for tourists to visit. There are many places to stay in Ella that are close to the Nine Arches Bridge, from cozy homestays to high-end boutique hotels. For a more full experience, you might want to stay in a guesthouse with beautiful views of the hills nearby.


Last Thoughts

There is more to the Nine Arches Bridge than just its beauty. It is a place where history, nature, and culture all come together. Whether you visit Ella, Sri Lanka to witness a train pass over the Nine Arches Bridge or just to take in the breathtaking scenery, you will surely remember this iconic landmark for a long time. This famous site has something fun for everyone, whether you like adventure, history, or nature.