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Nestled in the charming mountain village of Ella, Sri Lanka, the Nine Arch Bridge, affectionately known as the "Bridge in the Sky," is an architectural marvel that captures the essence of colonial-era railway construction. This iconic bridge gracefully spans 91 meters at an awe-inspiring height of 24 meters, presenting a striking testament to the blend of local craftsmanship and British engineering expertise that went into its creation.
This remarkable structure is often credited to the vision of a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, who collaborated closely with British engineers. Notably, the chief designer and project manager behind the ambitious 'upcountry railway line of Ceylon' was the distinguished Ceylonese engineer and inventor, D. J. Wimalasurendra. The viaduct's intricate design was brought to life by Harold Cuthbert Marwood, a key figure in the Railway Construction Department of Ceylon Government Railway.
For those eager to delve into the historical archives, the 1923 report titled "Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon" by the Engineering Association of Ceylon provides a treasure trove of details, including original plans and drawings. Located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations, this site has witnessed a surge in tourism, thanks to the bridge's architectural splendor and the lush, verdant hillsides that envelop it.
Legend has it that during the initial stages of construction, as the rumblings of the Great War echoed across Europe, the steel allocated for this project was diverted to support Britain's wartime efforts on the battlefront. Undaunted, the local community stepped in, using stone bricks and cement to complete the bridge, bypassing the need for steel. This captivating backstory adds an intriguing layer to the bridge's history.
The Nine Arch Bridge stands as an idyllic panorama, set amidst a dense jungle and a patchwork of vibrant agricultural fields. As you traverse its nine graceful arches, the lush forest stretches behind, while below, the rolling hills are adorned with thriving tea plantations. It's a picture-perfect fusion of nature and human ingenuity, a must-visit destination that seamlessly weaves history, engineering, and natural beauty into the fabric of Ella's enchanting landscape.
"Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
"Cyril Tours is a very good agency. Because we did use it from 01st of March to 14 March 2013. From the start till end of our emails, he has (Mr.Cyril) given all required details. Also he send us very detailed itinerary with pictures. Actually no need guide after go through it.Cyril Tours is not a big agency. He was a guide in Sri Lanka more than 26 years. Many clients recommend him to their friends and to relatives who want to visit Sri Lanka.They asked from him to travel, that is why he be..." John and Mary from Canada
"2nd to 15th November 2016 Dear Cyril, Thank you for arranging our first visit to your beautiful country. We had a very enjoyable, comfortable, safe, interesting and memorable holiday. All the accommodations you provided were very clean and comfortable and we will always remember the welcome, we felt when the smiling staff cheerfully looked after us and our every need. The itinerary you arranged was just right for us and made even better with the care you took whilst driving your very c..." Satwant and Doug from Australia
"We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop
"We had a fantastic holiday in Sri Lanka, thanks Cyril Tours, Our driver, Amiila, was brilliant and nothing was too much trouble for him. The places we visited were really interesting and we saw some lovely scenery.I would definitely recommend your company to other people. Emma - UK 2010 December " Emma Patterson
"Cyril was an excellent guide and gave us a very good insight into the history and cultures of Sri Lanka. He was always polite, helpful and prompt. His driving was always calm and controlled - unlike some of the other vehicles we saw!!! We would recommend him to others traveling to Sri Lanka. WH - UK - January 2011" Wilson Harland
"Dear Cyril, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda 08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout
"Cyril was absolutly Fantastic,Veryhelpful, Patient and extremly knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and travel with him again. Whole tour was well organized and perfectly done. Kate Williams and family from UK 04th January 2015" Kate Williams UK
"We are an older couple celebrating a lot of years of marriage (and hiking) in Sri Lanka in February this year, for two weeks, and three days in the Maldives. Although we love to drive, we chose to go with a driver-guide, after planning the trip completely independently. (It turned out he might help us in the planning and selection of hotels, we own). The main advantage is reaching the sites, some of which are tired, refreshed after someone else used to bad roads, with bad signage - If you are i..." Sam
"Thank you Cyril for caring us and giving a very enjoyable tour to all of our family while we are on holiday in Sri Lanka. Definitely we will recommend you to our friends and relatives. Hitendra Molleti and family" Hitendra Molleti
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