A colonial-era stone viaduct in the tea hills above Ella, where the blue hill-country train crosses through the jungle.
Built during the British colonial era and opened in 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge carries the main hill-country railway between Ella and Demodara stations. It is around 90 metres long and 24 metres high, and is made of stone, brick and cement. Local legend says construction began just as World War I diverted steel to the front, so engineers built without it.
Seeing the train cross
The bridge is beautiful at any time, but the moment everyone waits for is a blue train curving out of the tunnel and across the arches. Several trains pass each day in each direction. Ask at your guesthouse or at Ella station for the current timetable, and expect trains to run late.
The best viewpoints are the café terrace above the bridge on the Ella side and the hillside opposite, reached by a short, slippery path. Walking on the tracks is common, but step well clear when a horn sounds.
How to get there
- On foot from Ella: about 45 minutes along the railway line from Ella station, or via the path near the Kithalella road.
- By tuk-tuk: to the top car park, then a 10-minute walk down.
Make a day of it in Ella
- Climb Little Adam's Peak (about 45 minutes) for sunrise views over Ella Gap.
- Hike Ella Rock with a guide, a longer half-day trek.
- Ride the Kandy to Ella train, often called the most beautiful train journey in the world, through tea estates and misty mountains.
- Visit a tea factory such as Uva Halpewatte for a tour and tasting.
