Few places capture Sri Lanka’s hill country like the Nine Arches Bridge. A curving stone viaduct spans a jungle-filled ravine near Ella, and when a blue train rolls across its arches, surrounded by tea and forest, it is one of the most photographed scenes on the island.
The bridge was built during the British colonial era and opened in the early 20th century as part of the railway climbing into the hills. It sits between Ella and Demodara stations, and trains still use it daily, which is exactly why people come to wait for one.
What to see and do
- Wait for a train to cross; check the timetable or ask locally for approximate times.
- Photograph from above at the cafés and viewpoints on the hillside facing the bridge.
- Walk down to the valley floor for a view looking up at the arches.
- Combine it with Little Adam’s Peak for a half-day walk around Ella.
Know before you go
- Time needed: One to two hours, longer if waiting for a train
- Access: Short walks on dirt paths; the steep trails can be muddy after rain
- Cost: Free
- Safety: Trains do run on this track. Never sit or stand on the rails when a train is due, and step well clear when you hear one coming
Best time to visit
Early morning is quietest and the light is softest. It gets very busy around train times in the middle of the day, especially in peak season.
Getting there
The bridge is about 2 to 3 km from Ella town. Walk via the road and the marked path down to the bridge, or take a tuk-tuk to the nearest viewpoint and walk the last stretch. The scenic hill-country railway runs across it on the reopened Nanu Oya to Badulla section.
Nearby
Little Adam’s Peak is close by, and Lipton’s Seat is a scenic day trip south.
