Nine Arch Bridge, Ella: A Guide to Visiting Sri Lanka’s Most Famous Bridge
Sri Lanka’s Nine Arch Bridge is an architecturally stunning stone bridge located in the lush hill country of Ella.
Here’s everything you need to know for your visit.
UPDATED - July 2024
If there’s a more beautiful scene than Sri Lanka’s Nine Arch Bridge, we’re definitely yet to witness it for ourselves.
Flanked by thick jungle and tea plantations; this stone bridge stands proudly across a lush green gorge in the hill country just outside Ella.
Calling it picturesque would almost be a disservice, particularly on a misty day when cloud hangs low in the valley, and the famous blue train passes slowly over the bridge, creating a moody, mystical, captivating scene.
But we have a little confession to make.
When we first visited Sri Lanka in 2016, we spotted a few images of this (then) little-known bridge online. It looked like a photographer’s paradise, and it instantly went to the top of our Sri Lankan bucket list.
When the day finally came to visit, we were awake before the sun and bouncing off the walls with eager anticipation. We practically speed walked to what we thought was the entry point, made our way along the path, and then…. well… we got lost.
Horribly lost.
We’re still not quite sure how it happened, but no matter which path we tried to take, we just never seemed to get any closer to our goal.
Worst of all? We could see the arches, we just couldn’t work out how to get there. They seemed to beckon us mockingly as we became more and more frustrated with our predicament. Eventually, we gave up and went back to our Airbnb, disappointed and a tad embarrassed about our navigational failings.
Since then, the Nine Arch Bridge has exploded onto the scene as one of Ella’s most visited attractions, and after revisiting it again late last year, we can happily confirm that the path (or multiple paths!) is incredibly easy to find now too!
To help you have the best time ever (and avoid the mistakes we made), we’ve put together this guide to absolutely everything you need to know about visiting the Nine Arch Bridge. Enjoy!
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NINE ARCH BRIDGE
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town
HOW TO GET THERE | Walk from Ella town (20 minutes), tuk-tuk to Nine Arch Bridge parking
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Before 9am for the best views without crowds
BEST VIEWPOINT | The Asanka Cafe, or tea plantation below the bridge
WHERE TO STAY | Rowinrich Cottages, Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel, 98 Acres Resort and Spa
HOW TO VISIT THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE
HISTORY OF THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE, ELLA
To this day, it boggles our minds that a bridge could become such a huge tourist spot, but the Nine Arches Bridge that straddles the green hills between Ella and Demodara stations isn’t just beautiful; it’s also one of the best examples of colonial-era construction and an incredible architectural feat.
In fact, the story goes that not long after the bridge had been commissioned by the British, WWI broke out between Europe’s Empires.
When the steel allocated to this bridge was redirected to Britain’s war efforts, a team of Sri Lankan engineers and builders completed the job in 1921 using blocks of stone and cement.
To this day, the 91m long, 24m high bridge has stood entirely without steel support, and we think it’s a pretty damn good example of human ingenuity!
Today, the bridge is famous amongst travellers and locals alike, who come to catch a glimpse of the famous blue train slowly inching its way across the bridge.
One of the things we love best about that moment is just how jovial it all is; those on the train smile and wave, and those on the ground often cheer with excitement. It’s impossible not to be swept up in the atmosphere of it all!
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HOW TO GET TO THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE
There are a few ways to get to Nine Arch Bridge from Ella, and each depends on your budget, mobility, and time:
TUK-TUK FROM ELLA TOWN
You can take a tuk-tuk from Ella town to the Nine Arch Bridge parking spot, then hike the remaining 5-10 minutes on foot, which was the quickest and easiest option. Tuk tuks cost about LKR 2-300 for this.
ON FOOT
You can also walk to Nine Arch Bridge by following the Ella-Passara Road, turning left at Sri Kanaser Temple (where all the street food stalls are) and following the signs past multiple guesthouses until you arrive at the bridge. Alternatively, you can follow the train tracks from Ella town all the way to the bridge. This is a cool option as it passes the smaller three-arch bridge on the way. Bring water.
TUK-TUK DOWN TO THE BRIDGE
There is the option to catch a tuk-tuk right down to the bridge itself (rather than walk the remainder), however, we heard rumours during our time there that a few unscrupulous drivers have been scamming tourists by taking them on a long-winded journey and then charging them extra.
BOOK | This highly-rated tour takes you on a guided tour of the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adams Peak
WHEN TO VISIT THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE
There are two key times to visit the Nine Arch Bridge both for the best experience and perfect photographs: sunrise and when the train is crossing it.
Sunrise is a magical time here, as the tracks are bathed in golden light (perfect for photography - read our top photography tips here!) and there’s barely another soul in sight. You’ll have the joy of watching the surrounding hills come to life and snapping some epic shots without having to contend with a million selfie sticks at the same time.
By about 7 am the crowds are already starting to gather, and by the time 10 am rolls around, the masses have well and truly descended.
The other key time is, obviously, as one of the famous trains crosses the bridge; a dash of blue through the lush green hills. We’ve listed the times of when the train is scheduled to pass over the bridge below, however, the Sri Lankan train network is notoriously unreliable - so allocate some extra time on either side!
Trains pass over the bridge at the following times:
9:30
11:30
15:30
16:30
17:30
If you can, we’d suggest visiting Ella and the Nine Arch Bridge during January - May, when the weather is slightly warmer and the chance of rain is at its lowest. It's also peak season for tourists, which can make the town and its attractions feel a little crowded. We’d avoid visiting between September to December, which is the wet season.
DIYALUMA FALLS | a guide to Sri Lanka’s second-tallest waterfall
THE BEST VIEWPOINTS OF NINE ARCH BRIDGE
Depending on how much exploring you’re willing to do in the hills on either side of the bridge, there are plenty of awesome viewpoints (and photography angles!) over the curved train track and misty slopes - although there are a few easy ones we’d recommend checking out:
THE BRIDGE ITSELF
The most popular of the viewpoints are from the bridge itself - though we do have to warn you that it’s still part of the working (and famous!) train line between Kandy and Bandarawela via Ella, so do be careful when you’re on the tracks!
THE TEA FIELDS TOWARDS DEMODARA
On the northern end of the bridge (away from the tunnel), there are some tea fields below the bridge that are popular for photography, particularly for shooting up to the bridge from below.
These are steep, muddy (read: full of leeches!) and technically private land, so be sure to ask the workers who work in them before traipsing through.
THE HILLS TOWARDS ELLA STATION
Head towards the tunnel at one end of the bridge (towards Ella), and take the path to the left. This winds up through the forested hills on that side, eventually coming to a clearing with perfect views over the tracks below.
Photography-wise, this will give you a lovely shot of the bridge as it curves away from the camera.
THE ASANKA CAFE VIEWPOINT
Perched high above on the northern end of the bridge, the Asanka Cafe is probably the best spot to view the Nine Arch Bridge from. Our favourite shot of the foggy mountains and blue train is from this very spot!
From here, you can see the full curve of the track and the train as it emerges from the tunnel. The family who owns the cafe is absolutely lovely, and they make a delicious cup of sweet tea (perfect if you get stuck in a torrential downpour, as we did!).
THE FORESTED HILLS ABOVE THE BRIDGE
Another great lookout over the tracks can be found on the same side as the Asanka Cafe, simply walk along the track to the right, (away from the tunnel) and then hike up on the path found on your right-hand side.
ELLA ACCOMODATION: The best places to stay in Ella
TIPS & FAQS FOR VISITING THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE
LISTEN OUT FOR THE TRAIN HORN
As we’ve mentioned, this is very much a working train bridge, so if you plan to explore or take photos on the bridge or its surrounds, listen out for the train horn and make sure you’re well out of the way with plenty of time.
THERE ARE PLENTY OF CAFES
If you’ve been exploring on an empty tummy or you get stuck in a rainstorm (as we did), there are a couple of cafes both along the hiking path and down next to the bridge to sit and grab some food, a warm tea, or just relax and take it all in from.
PICK UP YOUR RUBBISH
There’s nothing worse than arriving at such a beautiful scene, only to find bits of rubbish and plastic littered about next to the tracks. Don’t be a gross human; avoid buying plastic where you can, and if you do, please take your trash out of the area with you until you can find a suitable place to dispose of it.
SAFETY AT NINE ARCH BRIDGE, SRI LANKA
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found Ella to be extremely safe, much like the rest of Sri Lanka, however, the Nine Arch Bridge can be a little unsafe if you don’t keep your wits about you.
Firstly, it’s a live train line, and upwards of 10 trains pass during the day. Therefore, it’s important to clear the tracks at the first sign of a train. Generally, there’ll be a horn, so listen out.
Secondly, the bridge has no safety barriers. Now, this is simultaneously wonderful, as it gives you the freedom to enjoy the bridge in all its glory and a real safety issue.
If you’re getting your photos on the edge of the bridge, be super careful and keep your balance. The surface can be slippery, so if it’s been raining, steer well clear.
Finally, the tea fields and jungle that surround the Nine Arch Bridge are full of creatures and critters, including snakes and leeches. Keep your eyes peeled.
For everything you need to know about safety in Sri Lanka, including the historical context, common travel scams, safety on roads, and advice for solo and female travellers, check out our full guide to Sri Lanka safety here
RELATED | How to stay safe in Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | Everything you need to know before travelling to Sri Lanka
EXPLORING BEYOND THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE
There are a number of excellent Ella attractions that can be visited in conjunction with a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge.
LITTLE ADAMS PEAK
After a morning visit to the Nine Arch Bridge, we suggest taking the mildly strenuous hike through the stunning Ella countryside to Little Adam’s Peak.
Named after its similarly shaped, yet far taller older brother, Adam’s Peak, the Little Adam’s Peak hike takes about two-hours roundtrip from Ella town and starts in the lush tea plantations before slowly snaking its way to the first set of viewpoints. From here, you'll have 360-degree views overlooking the giant Ella Rock and Ella Gap towards Udawalawe National Park, perfect for photos.
We'd definitely advise continuing the hike further down the ridge, as the views become more spectacular and less busy. The return route follows the other side of the mountain, overlooking the incredible 98 Acres resort before slowly making its way back to Ella.
Stop at the little wooden juice hut on the return journey back to relax and grab a refreshing king coconut.
We recommend hiking up during the late afternoon and watching the glorious sunset unfold; and definitely advise against hiking during the middle of the day as there's little shade to hide from the glaring sun - one of our worst-ever travel burns happened right here!
THE DETAILS
Where | Little Adam’s Peak, Ella
Cost | FREE
How to get to Little Adams Peak | It’s possible to catch a tuk-tuk to the base of Little Adam’s Peak, before following the sign-posted pathway to the peak.
It’s also a very easy walk from Ella town. Walk the Ella - Passara Rd, turning right at Ella Flower Garden resort before following the signs to Little Adam’s Peak.
HIKE UP THE FAMOUS ELLA ROCK
For a longer walk from Nine Arch Bridge along the train tracks, the summit of Ella rock, with its views over Ella, Little Adam's Peak, and Ella Gap, is one vantage point you don’t want to miss out on.
Follow the Ella to Kandy train line past many beautiful waterfalls, bridges, tea plantations, and homes, before starting your ascent towards the Ella Rock summit - hopefully with a King Coconut in hand for some extra energy. We definitely needed it; the hike to the summit under that fierce sun is tough!
Once at the summit, we enjoyed the incredible views for at least an hour, munching away on our vegetarian roti and some well-deserved water.
The route to the summit can be a little complicated, however, if you follow the clearly marked paths and ignore the (sometimes deliberately misleading) touts, you shouldn't have too many issues (this in-depth post will help you get there). All up, the hike takes around 2 hours round trip, but remember to pack enough water and snacks to power your journey.
THE DETAILS
Where | Ella Rock, Ella
Cost | FREE
ELLA TRAVEL GUIDE | OUR ELLA TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
For all the details you need to plan your trip to Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country town, check out our comprehensive Ella travel guide for the lowdown on what things to do in the area and how to get there/around. In the meantime, here are a few key details to keep in mind:
HOW TO GET TO ELLA, SRI LANKA
You can get to Ella (Uva Province) via train or bus, although if the option is available, we highly, highly recommend you take the train - after all, there’s a reason this is one of the most popular train rides in the world!
BY TRAIN
COLOMBO TO ELLA | The direct train from Colombo Fort to Ella encompasses the world-famous Kandy to Ella train ride, however, we’d highly recommend breaking up the journey and spending time in Kandy (read our guide to Kandy). If you’re keen to get straight to Ella, be prepared for a 10+ hour train ride.
KANDY TO ELLA | One of the great train rides in the world, and one of the best things you’ll do in Sri Lanka. Expect the train ride from Kandy to Ella to take between 6-8 hours. We recommend booking 3rd class for the most authentic experience.
BY BUS
COLOMBO TO ELLA | From Colombo/Pettah bus station, take the bus to Bandarawela (around LKR 200 - 700), where you’ll need to change and jump on a connecting bus to Ella (LKR 50 - 100). Or, for the final part of the journey, hire a tuk-tuk to Ella town (LKR 500). This takes a total of 7-8 hours.
KANDY TO ELLA | To be honest, don’t even think about taking a bus on this route - the train ride is too beautiful to miss.
THE SOUTH TO ELLA | From Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, etc to Ella, take a local bus to Matara bus station (LKR 50 - 200), then change to the Matara - Bandarawela bus (#31, or 31-1 bus). It’ll stop in Ella via Wellawaya, and will take around 5-6 hours.
WHERE TO STAY IN ELLA
We’ve already written a super comprehensive guide to where to stay in Ella, which covers the best area of town to choose based on what you want to see, as well as hotel, hostel, guesthouse, and eco-lodge recommendations for every budget.
READ THE GUIDE | Our ultimate guide to where to stay in Ella
In the meantime, here are a few of our top recommendations:
ROWINRICH COTTAGES | Spacious loft-style cottages with terraces overlooking the jungle-clad valley and Ella Rock. Prices and availability here
CHILL VILLE VIEWPOINT HOTEL | great value hotel set amongst beautiful gardens close to the Nine Arch Bridge. Prices and availability here
THE SECRET ELLA | Overlooking Nine Arch Bridge, The Secret is tucked away in a 10-acre tea estate in Ella’s hills. Prices and availability here
READ | For all your Ella trip planning essential information and tips, check out our Ella travel guide here
TRAVEL INSURANCE IN SRI LANKA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
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FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE MORE OF SRI LANKA WITH OUR GUIDES
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach, and Ahangama Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?
Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
We hope this Nine Arch Bridge guide gives you all the information you need, but if we’ve missed anything, let us know in the comments!
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