​​Sri Lanka | Nine Arches Bridge – The Little Glenfinnan of Sri Lanka

The Nine Arches Bridge Built between Ella and Demodara stations, the Nine Arches Bridge is a viaduct bridge built in 1921, entirely of bricks, rocks and cement without a single piece of steel. It is one of the most iconic structure in Sri Lanka and perhaps the most photographed tourist destination. Locally known as “Ahas Namaye Palama” which means “nine skies bridge” in Sinhala, the name derives from the visual experience where one could look up from the bottom of the bridge and see the sky through the nine arches.

Some people called it the Little Glenfinnan of Sri Lanka, as it resembles the iconic viaduct bridge in Scottland, more commonly referred to as the Harry Porter Bridge. I had to admit, it really does look similar!

Little Glenfinnan?

No, it's Sri Lanka's Nine Arches Bridge

Let's count how many arches is there

Nine!

It is allowed to walk on the bridge and it’s one of the things you must do in Ella. 

You can walk on the bridge but look out for passing train!

The other story of Nine Arches Bridge 

You may have heard many stories about the construction of the bridge. The most famous one is that the bridge was that the bridge was built by the locals using only rocks, bricks, and cement with no use of throughout the structure, when the construction came to a standstill from the lack of steel caused by World War I.  

However, my favourite story is always the one with more twists and fun.  

Legend has it that Appuhami, a famed traditional drummer and devil dancer was on the way home from losing a competition one day and bumped into a British official, who was frightened by his devilish dance costume. The encounter soon blossomed into friendship, and upon learning that the British was planning to construct a railway, Appuhami lend his assistance by supplying him with labour from the local villages. However, things did not go smoothly with the construction as they were unable to bridge a large gap between two hills due to a quagmire in the valley in between. It was not possible to create firm anchoring, due to the marshy ground, and as the construction comes to a standstill, Appuhami requested to take over the project. He was initially rejected initially, but finally gained their trust with his assistance and friendship. As the story goes, Appuhami finally solved the issue of the unstable ground by toppling giant rocks into the space until a firm bed of rocks was formed. He then created the bridge’s brick columns over this bed and continued with the construction of the bridge. 

When the bridge is finally completed, the British was sceptical of the stability of its structure, so Appuhami sworn to the strength of the structure by saying he would prove it by lying under the bridge when the railway line was used for the first time. He kept to his words and it awed the officials when the bridge stood up to its claim.  

As Appuhami only spent a fraction of the original budgeted cost due to his intuitive and cost effective method, the British government is said to have offered him the balance of the costs unused. Appuhami then returned to his village with four carts of silver coins and he spent it on meals for his fellow villages and giving each villager a silver coin. 

Irregardless of whether the story is true, the Nine Arches Bridge does indeed stood the test of time and is still standing ever so solidly, one of the proofs of Sri Lanka’s skills in construction.  

Nine Arches Bridge

It's a must to take a photo here

With the bridge as the background

 

Another popular spot is on the bridge itself

Just make sure to stay away from the track when the train is passing

 

We went at the wrong time, so no train passing

Where's the train?

Getting To Ella 

Coming from Nuwara Eliya 

The train ride from Kandy bound to Badulla is well known for being the most scenic train in Sri Lanka, but the prettiest section is the stretch from Nanu Oya to Ella, specifically as it is approaching Ella. Therefore, even though it is possible to take a bus from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, I would still recommend taking the train from Nanu Oya. It takes 2 and a half hours to Ella, so be sure to board the morning or noon train, in order to not to miss the scenic view (it turns dark early here in Sri Lanka).  

Train from Nanu Oya to Ella: 2 hours 30 mins (train bound for Badulla, alight at Ella), LKR 110 per person (second class)  

Coming from Haputale 

Instead of going straight from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, you may also break your trip by adding a stop at Haputale which sits right in the middle (6 stations from Nanu Oya, 7 stations from Ella). The train ride from Haputale to Ella takes only approximately 1 hour.  

Train from Haputale to Ella: 1 hour 15mins (train bound for Badulla, alight at Haputale), LKR 25 per person (third class) 

More about the scenic train ride here >> Sri Lanka | From Kandy to Ella – One of The World’s Most Scenic Train Ride

Getting To Nine Arches Bridge 

The fastest and easiest way to get to Nine Arches Bridge is to hire a tuk tuk like we did. A one way tuk tuk costs around 200-300 LKR and they will likely to drop you at the Nine Arches Viewpoint, where you would need to walk through the jungle for about 15 to 20 minutes. As we hired the tuk tuk to bring us to both Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak, we had him waited for us hence saving lots of time when it comes to fetching a ride.  

Nine Arch Bridge View Point

Address: Ambagollapathana, Sri Lanka 

Nine Arches Bridge

Address: Ambagollapathana, Sri Lanka  

Admission fee: Free 

Tuk tuk from Ella to Nine Arches Bridge View Point: 20 mins, LKR 1000 round trip including Little Adam’s Peak (sharing by 3 persons) 

Walk frim Nine Arches Bridge View Point to Nine Arches Bridge: 15-20 minutes 

Recommended time in Nine Arches Bridge: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 mins  

Best Time To Visit Nine Arches Bridge 

The best time to visit Nine Arches Bridge with none other than the time the train passes through. Generally, 6 train passes the train in a day so you have six chances to snap the iconic photo of the train in the track from the viewpoint. The exact times change all the time in Sri Lanka but there should be one every hour. You will likely be there for more than an hour as you walk around to snap some beautiful photos, so don’t worry about missing the train. However, you can always check the train schedule before you go. You can ask your guest house or hotel about the current train times as train schedules changes all the time in Sri Lanka.

Waited at the viewpoint for the train but to no avail

Both sunrise and sunrise could also be favourable times to visit the bridge as the light is stunning and you produce amazing photos. Even if the train isn’t passing by, you will have fun snapping away. Just be sure to stand aside when the train makes its way.  

Light shinning onto me at around 2-3pm. The lighting during sunrise / sunset could be even better

Getting out of Ella  

After a couple of days in Central Sri Lanka for the lush plantation and misty mountains, you should be making your way towards the southern coastal beach town. But not before you make a trip to the safari, something you certainly shouldn’t miss while in Sri Lanka.   

If you are looking for a safari tour in Sri Lanka, chances are you are looking at either Udawalawe or Yala National Park.   

To Udawalawe

There is no train from Ella to Udawalawe National Park, but there are buses you can take. You would want get to Udawalawe latest by afternoon to make it for the afternoon safari tour, in which case you would need to board a morning bus since the journey requires one transfer at Thanamalwila and the total journey will take you around 4 hours including the transfer.   

Bus Stand Passara Balla Ketuwa

Address: 39 Passara Rd, Ambagollapathana, Sri Lanka  

Bus from Ella to Thanamalwila: 2 hours, LKR 110 per person  

  

Thanamalwila Bus Station

Address: A2, Thanamalwila, Sri Lanka  

Bus from Thanmalvila to Embilipitiya: 1 hour 15 mins, LKR 90 per person  

To Yala

If your choice is Yala, you would need to take a bus to Tissamahara, the launching point of Yala safari tour. The journey also normally requires a transit in Thanamalwila.  

Bus from Ella to Thanamalwila: 2 hours  

Bus from Thanmalvila to Tissamahara: about 1 hour  

  

Final Words 

Google things to do in Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge would definitely be among the top few in the list. Not only that the bridge bears some historical importance it is also a highly instagrammable site especially since it resembles the Glenfinnan Viaduct, albeit at a much smaller scale.

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, the Nine Arches Bridge is not to be missed!

For other places of attractions in Sri Lanka, read my travel guide with sample itinerary and cost breakdown ➢ 12 Days Sri Lanka In Less Than RM2.2K - Visa Application, Sample Itinerary & Cost Breakdown