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The Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic colonial-era architectural marvels. Nestled between Ella and Demodara railway stations, this 91-meter-long bridge with its nine graceful arches has become a symbol of Sri Lanka’s upcountry charm.

📜 Colonial Engineering Brilliance

• Constructed in 1921 during British Ceylon, the bridge was part of the railway expansion to connect Badulla to Colombo.
• The British engineers originally planned to build the bridge using steel, but due to the outbreak of World War I, steel imports were prioritized for the war effort.
• As a result, the bridge was entirely built with stone, brick, and cement, without using a single piece of steel or metal.

🧱 Local Legend

According to local lore, when the British abandoned the project, a Sri Lankan builder named Appuhami and his team took on the challenge. They completed the bridge using traditional masonry techniques. Their success without modern tools has turned the bridge into a symbol of local ingenuity and resilience.

🚂 Architectural Features of Nine Arches Bridge Ella

• Length: 91.4 meters
• Height: 24.5 meters
• Materials: Stone and cement (no steel)
• Arches: 9 in total
• Still in use today, with trains running between Kandy and Badulla crossing it daily.

📸 Why Nine Arches Bridge Ella is Famous

• Surrounded by lush jungle and tea plantations, it’s a favorite spot for photographers and drone enthusiasts.
• The view of a blue train curving over the arches framed by misty hills has become an iconic image of Sri Lanka.
• The curvy nine arches embossed the unique and signature pose of the bridge between two mountains.

🚶‍♂️ How to Walk Down to the Nine Arches Bridge Ella

Visiting the Nine Arches Bridge on foot is part of the adventure — and the best way to truly soak in the scenic surroundings. Here’s how to reach it:

📍 From Ella Town

• Distance: ~1.5 km (around 20–30 minutes walk)
• Route: Head towards the Little Adam’s Peak trailhead, then take the small road near Café One Love that leads toward the bridge.
• Follow signs for “Nine Arch Bridge View Point” or ask locals — everyone knows the way!
• The road turns into a footpath through tea fields and jungle as you descend. It’s narrow but well-trodden and quite scenic.

🧭 Alternate Trail via Demodara

• You can also walk along the railway tracks from Demodara Station, which gives you a different but equally beautiful route.
• Important: Always check train times before walking on the tracks, and stay alert.

✅ Quick Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — the path can be uneven and muddy.
• Go early (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (around 4 PM) to avoid crowds and catch the best light.
• Take water and your camera — it’s a photographer’s paradise.