A Guide to Visiting Sri Lanka’s Nine Arch Bridge

Visiting Sri Lanka‘s Nine Arch Bridge is a must-do if you’re in the Southern Highlands. The bridge towers over luscious green tree plantations in the hill country of Ella. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to this architectural wonder.

A Guide to Visiting the Famous Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka

Nine Arch Bridge is a true feat of engineering, and the sight of the stone arches rising up against the leafy jungle and tea plantations is one of the most iconic views in Sri Lanka.

Commissioned by the British, the bridge was constructed by local workers just as World War I was breaking out in Europe. Nine Arch Bridge was designed on a curve and a steep gradient, making it a remarkable achievement.

The steel originally intended for the bridge had to be redirected to Europe for the war effort, so local workers and engineers used stone and cement. Construction was completed and the bridge opened for use in 1921. To this day Nine Arch Bridge is one of the finest examples of Colonial-era architecture in Sri Lanka.

And today Nine Arch Bridge has seen a surge in popularity, as visitors flock to take photos balanced precariously on the edge of the famous arches. Those who time it right can also catch a glimpse of the iconic Kandy-Ella train chugging across the bridge on its way to Demodara.

Where is Nine Arch Bridge located?

Nine Arch Bridge is located between the hill country town of Ella and neighbouring Demodara station. If you’re taking the train from Kandy to Ella, you won’t go over the bridge unless you stay on the train for an extra stop and then make your way back to Ella again.

This area of Sri Lanka is known as the Southern Highlands, which includes places like areas like Kandy, Ella and Nuwara Eliya. The elevation here is higher than in most other parts of the country, making it the perfect climate for growing tea.

Nine Arch Bridge was primarily built to ease the transportation of tea back to Colombo. This tea, known as Ceylon tea, was then exported to the UK by ship.

How can I visit Sri Lanka’s Nine Arch Bridge?

If you’re planning on visiting Sri Lanka’s Nine Arch Bridge, the most popular place to stay is the town of Ella. Ella is popular with tourists and so has a wide range of accommodation options and cafes and restaurants etc.

Personally I walked from the centre of Ella to Nine Arch Bridge, but it’s also possible to take a tuk tuk to the Nine Arch Bridge parking spot.

If you’re walking, it’s best to head along the road from Ella to the trail head of Nine Arches Bridge Path and then turn off along the walking path through the trees until you catch sight of the bridge.

🌟 If you’d like to have a guide to show you the best spots, consider booking a Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arch Bridge combined day tour.

Where can I get the best photos of Nine Arch Bridge

There are a number of photo spots to capture the magnificence of Nine Arch Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks. It’s also known as the “Bridge in the Sky”.

I took the photo of the train crossing the bridge when I was still making my way down the walking path through the trees. This gives you a birds-eye view of the bridge and would also be a good place for flying a drone as it’s away from the crowds.

I took the majority of my pictures in the tea plantation at the base of the bridge. You can walk over the bridge and then down the hill on the other side. It’s a steep gradient but there are clear cut paths between the tea bushes, so you can do this without damaging the plants.

🌿 Fancy learning about making tea? You can join a Handmade Tea Tour to learn all about tea production in Sri Lanka. Includes a tea tasting session!

What time of year is best to visit Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka?

Nine Arch Bridge is located in Sri Lanka’s Southern Highlands, which can get very rainy at some times of year. The best time to visit is generally from January through to May, as this is the dry season (although there may still be some rainy days).

During the dry season in Ella average temperatures are around 20-28°C. January to March is peak season. This is the driest time of year but also the busiest. April to May is a bit quieter but rainy days start to become more frequent. June to November are the rainiest months in this area.

How to get to Ella, Sri Lanka

By Train

Kandy to Ella | The most popular way to get to Ella is by taking the famous train from Kandy. The journey takes 6-7 hours but the views are fantastic as the train wends its way through tree plantations, forests and past waterfalls.

The Kandy to Ella train is known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and I definitely agree! It can get pretty busy on board these days, but I’d say it’s still worth it.

Colombo to Ella | The train mentioned above actually starts in Colombo Fort. If you opt for travelling all the way from Colombo to Ella with no stops this will take at least 10 hours.

By Bus or Car

Alternatively you can travel to Ella by road, taking a private or shared transfer from Colombo (9 hours) or Sigiriya (5 hours). Buses are also a very convenient option in Sri Lanka and much more affordable if you’re on a budget.

South Coast Beaches to Ella | You can take the bus from most south coast towns to Matara, the main interchange on the south coast. From here the Matara – Bandarawela bus (31 / 31-1) takes around 6 hours to Ella.

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Where next after Nine Arch Bridge in Ella?

After Ella I continued south by bus to see the elephants at Udawalawe National Park. Getting to see wild elephants roaming around in their natural environment was truly magical. Read all about my experience here:

🐘 How to Visit Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka’s Wild Elephant Safari

Exploring Sri Lanka for longer? Discover my 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary below:

📍 How to Spend 3 Weeks in Sri Lanka: Epic Itinerary

🌟 Remember to get travel insurance for your trip. Call of the World readers receive a 5% discount on Heymondo travel insurance.

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3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

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