9 ARCH BRIDGE IN ELLA

Nine Arch Bridge – Ella

Hidden amidst the lush green hills and tea plantations of Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge, affectionately known as the "Bridge in the Sky," is one of Sri Lanka's most photographed and iconic railway landmarks. Built during the British colonial era in the early 20th century, this magnificent stone viaduct gracefully spans 91 metres across a deep jungle valley at a height of approximately 24 metres, showcasing the remarkable engineering and craftsmanship of its time.

The bridge is widely credited to the vision of local Ceylonese builder P. K. Appuhami, who worked closely with British engineers. The ambitious Upcountry Railway Line was designed and managed by the renowned Ceylonese engineer and inventor D. J. Wimalasurendra, while the viaduct's detailed design was prepared by Harold Cuthbert Marwood of the Ceylon Government Railway's Railway Construction Department. Their combined expertise created one of the finest examples of colonial railway engineering in Sri Lanka.

Constructed almost entirely from stone, brick, and cement, the Nine Arch Bridge is particularly remarkable for its minimal use of structural steel. According to local legend, during the First World War, the steel originally intended for the bridge was redirected to Britain's war effort. In response, skilled local craftsmen completed the bridge using traditional masonry techniques, creating the impressive structure that still stands today. Historical records, including the 1923 report Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon published by the Engineering Association of Ceylon, document the bridge's original design and construction.

Located between Ella and Demodara railway stations, the Nine Arch Bridge is surrounded by dense tropical forests, misty mountains, and rolling tea plantations, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in Sri Lanka's hill country. Its nine elegant arches blend perfectly with the natural surroundings, making it a favourite destination for photographers, railway enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

Visitors can stroll along the railway track, admire the breathtaking panoramic views, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights is watching Sri Lanka's famous blue train slowly cross the bridge, creating a truly picture-perfect moment that has become one of the country's most iconic travel experiences.

More than simply an architectural masterpiece, the Nine Arch Bridge represents the perfect harmony of history, engineering excellence, and natural beauty. Whether you visit to witness the passing train, capture stunning photographs, or simply enjoy the tranquil mountain scenery, this remarkable landmark promises an unforgettable experience and remains one of the must-visit attractions in Ella.

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" Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY

"(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey

"Thanks a lot for making great arrangements for the visit. The visit was very well organized with good hotels and the vehicle/ driver. I would highly recommend your agency and its services to everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka. Anastasia - Russia, Feb 2011 " Anastasia

"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

"We highly appreciated Cyril as our chauffeur guide. We can easily speak with him about any subject. We learnt a lot about Sri Lanka' s culture, history and way of life. He arrange everything we asked. In the airport on arrval his welcome is marvelous. His English language is superb and very clear. His knowledge and expanation about the sites are unique. More than the all he is very friendly and punctual. We will recommend him all the people who willing to come to Sri Lanka." COMBE MARTIAL AND WILD EMMANUEL FROM FRANCE

"Hi Mr.Cyril, Hope you and family and grandchild are doing fine. Hope to come to Sri Lanka again. We really enjoyed our trip especially with your special help and guidance. We will definitely contact you if at all we wish to visit Sri Lanka again. Thanks & Best Regards Mr. & Mrs.Pillai Singapore 29/7/11 " Mr & Mrs.Pillai from Singapore

"Dear Cyril, Sincerest apologies for this delayed email --- reason being that I had been extremely busy with work & travel, since returning from Sri Lanka and just got a breather now, to download our photos and catch up with private matters. Hope this email finds you & family, in the best of health & spirits. Your granddaughter must be keeping you busy and giving you & Mrs. Baddegama immense joy. At this end, we are doing fine. Nikhita is back at school, now in Grade 7 and havi..." Pradeep Kumar Menon - Singapore

"Hello my dear friend Mr. Cyril We are all fine dear, I have visited Sri Lanka and I loved the country, Insha’Allah I will visit again your country, it is amazing place. This is the first day at work , really I enjoy the tour to sri lanka with my family and it was very nice and I wish to go again to sri lanka and of course you were very good and polite and respectable guy -thanks a lot for every thing and I wish you ..." Nasser Mohamed from Oman

"We are glad to meet Cyril. He is very kind and patient, very professional in his work. He have lot of knowledge about history of the places and the things that happened in Sri Lanka. He knows all the roads and places very well. Very friendly and stand on time. The tour he recommended us and places were excellent. He replied immediately for mails which we send. He was flexible when we asked him to stop in different places and to change our program. He speaks very good English and explanations..." Ruty Ben Haim from Isarel

"11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK