Nine Arch Bridge In Ella, Sri Lanka: Complete Guide 2025
If you plan on visiting Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, then look no further
Set against a backdrop of dense jungle and tea plantations, Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge is truly one of the most beautiful sights that Sri Lanka has to offer.
It’s easy to see why this one bridge has become a popular tourist attraction. Even though you probably won’t have the Nine Arches Bridge all to yourself, you will certainly want to visit here while you’re in Ella!
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You’ll be familiar with the setting from countless Instagram photos – the imposing brick structure standing out against the lush green jungle trees that seem to fall down the mountain beside it.
What’s impossible to see through pictures alone is the sheer scale of the bridge and the wonder it creates as you take in every angle.
With our outdated guidebook that didn’t feature the Nine Arches Bridge, we decided it follow a random guide from the internet, and subsequently got totally and utterly lost.
We weren’t the only ones approaching it from through the thick jungle, and teamed up with some other bewildered tourists trying to reach the bridge in the (far away) distance! Luckily, even though we went completely the wrong way, we still managed to scramble through the jungle and made it eventually.
We have put together this comprehensive guide so that you can fully enjoy Ella’s incredible architectural wonder, and avoid making the same mistakes we did!
Table of Contents
- How to get to Nine Arch Bridge
- The best viewpoints
- The best time to visit the bridge
- Where to stay
- What to bring
- How to get to Ella
- A little history
- Where to next?
How To Get To Nine Arch Bridge
The most important tip, since we completely messed this up! Honestly, I think if we were doing this again we would just have got a tuk-tuk there. But we’ve also included how to get there walking for anyone who can actually follow a map!
There are many different ways of getting to Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. We’ve gone into more detail on the options below to help you make the choice that’s best for you!
- Take a tuk-tuk
- Walk there
- Take a tour
Tuk-tuk or taxi
You can grab a tuk-tuk from the main street in Ella town. It will take you most of the way to the bridge and then you can walk the last little bit on foot (or get a tuk-tuk the whole way, but beware, we heard rumours of them charging a lot more for this service!)
If it starts pouring down with rain and you predict it will be a quick shower then this might be the perfect time to get there quickly (read on below to find out why!) Tuk-tuks cost about LKR 200-300 for this journey.
The downside to taking any form of transport is that you’ll miss out on the views along the way, but if you’re short on time or simply not feeling energetic, then tuk-tuk is probably your best option!
Walking
You can walk here quite easily. There are actually many different routes to the bridge (as we found out when we got lost!)
We have detailed the main and easiest route here, but if you fancy a little trek through the jungle, and you have time to spare in case you end up down a dead-end, then why not try mapping out a route of your own on google?
To be sure you will get there: Starting from Chill cafe (right in the centre of town), follow the Ella-Passara road all the way to Ella Hostel.
You’ll pass loads of cafes and restaurants-Ella Flower Garden Resort is a great place to stop for breakfast or coffee with incredible balcony views. We had an incredible breakfast here among the birds, and my parents stayed here and absolutely loved it.
Then follow Nine Arch Bridge Road all the way to the bridge! Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Here’s a map just in case!
Take A Tour
If you’re short on time then we recommend you take a guided tour that takes in some of Ella’s key sights, including Nine Arches Bridge. In fact, even if you aren’t short on time, a guided tour is a great way to see a country.
Meeting a local whose job is to know about the area you are visiting is usually a massive highlight for us when we travel, and we always try to do a mixture of exploring places ourselves and paying a local to show us the best spots (plus we also believe that supporting the country we’re visiting through tourism is an ethical thing to do where possible!)
✅ This tour packs in Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adams Peak, the three top sights in Ella, into a day’s sightseeing including lunch.
✅ If you only have a half-day this tour will take you to Little Adam’s Peak and the famous bridge. All transport is included, along with a knowledgeable guide.
The Best Viewpoints
The bridge itself gets pretty crowded, so you’re unlikely to get much solitude while you’re here. That being said, most tourists stick to the track itself to get views, so if you’re prepared for a little scrambling you can get some awesome views from different locations.
Below we have listed a few of the more accessible viewpoints, but it’s worth getting a little off the beaten track if you can so you see the bridge from different angles.
Nine Arch Bridge Itself
You can get an idea of the scale of the nine arch bridge in this video of different drone shots of the area.
The most popular (and therefore the most crowded) viewpoint is the bridge itself. Don’t be tempted to skip this because it’s busy, as it’s definitely worth seeing. You can walk the length of the railway that runs across it and look over the sides to get a true sense of scale.
It is a used railway line, so be very careful not to be standing near the lines when a train passes through. You should always be keeping your eyes and ears peeled when walking near the railway lines.
There’ll usually be some locals around to provide you with clues about an approaching train, but don’t take any risks when walking along them!
The Tea Field Plantations
At the end of the bridge (the opposite side of the tunnel), you’ll find a place you can walk down into the tea fields below.
From here you get a great view of the whole bridge and a real feel for the immensity of it as you are looking up. We recommend making the short scramble down as it is the perfect place to appreciate those cleverly designed (and rather striking) nine arches.
You can see why it’s called ‘nine skies bridge’ here too!
Top tip: These are working tea fields so be careful not to cause any damage. If there are workers picking tea then make sure to check with them before heading down there! It can be very wet and muddy in this spot, and it’s pretty steep, so take care when exploring!
The Hills Behind Nine Arches Bridge
If you’re heading towards the tunnel take a path into the forest on your left. It leads you up into the jungle a bit and you get an incredible view looking down on the bridge as it winds away from you.
You’ll probably see a few people snapping away up there, making it clear where to go!
We were down by the tracks waving as the train passed, but I imagine the views of the train coming along the line would be amazing from here.
The Asanka Cafe
This would be another great spot to watch the train from, and if you’ve already seen it pass from the tracks then you can head up here for a cup of tea while you wait for the next one! Asanka Cafe is just behind the viewpoint mark on the map below.
The Best Time To Visit The Bridge
Visit At Sunrise
The most popular time for photographers to visit Nine Arches Bridge is at sunrise (surprise, surprise!), when the light is the prettiest and there are fewer tourists. Early mornings in Sri Lanka are generally better for everything as the afternoon mist hasn’t usually set in to obscure views.
You really will have to get there early, as by about 7 am the keen photographers are already starting to gather, and come at 9 am you will have missed the quiet completely. If you want to see the train pass then expect to hang around for a long time (see rough train times below).
If you’re going for this option then I’d recommend you take a tuk-tuk or a taxi here, so that you don’t have to walk in the dark to get here. The paths here are very remote, and wouldn’t be great fun without the light of day.
Visit At Sunset
Another quieter time to visit is at sunset, though the same applies to the above – you’ll want to get a tuk-tuk back rather than walk in the dark.
Don’t expect to have the bridge completely to yourself – it’s such a popular landmark and a photographer’s dream, so there are always people around!
Time It To See The Train Passing By
Another great time to visit the bridge is when the blue Sri Lankan train crosses the bridge, making a stunning photo with the blue contrasting with the greens of the surrounding jungle.
When the train passes through it’s quite a magical moment. Not only does it look beautiful but it is also very atmospheric. The people on the train wave at the spectators and the crowds even clap and cheer as the train goes past. It’s a really lovely moment.
Trains pass over the bridge at the following times, but make sure you get there early and have time to hang around after, as the timings are only rough and can be unreliable:
Nine Arches Bridge Time Schedule
- 9:30
- 11:30
- 15:30
- 16:30
- 17:30
Our Top Tip: Visit In The Rain!
We only had half a day to fit in several sights, so we ended up arriving late morning. By this time the bridge was completely packed with tourists and it was impossible to get photos without someone’s peace sign in the background.
The bridge was still spectacular, so we hung around taking it all in until the daily downpour started. At this point, almost everyone jumped in a tuk-tuk and fled the bridge.
We took shelter under a tree, and as the rains passed about 10 minutes later we had the bridge almost entirely to ourselves!
It was a very happy moment, as the bridge really does look so much more spectacular without anyone on it. So if you’re willing to risk getting a little wet then the rain may well be the perfect time to go!
Where To Stay When You’re Visiting Nine Arches Bridge
The closest and easiest place to stay for your visit is in the nearby town of Ella. There are tonnes of accommodations in Ella and you will easily find something to suit your budget.
You can stay in the centre of the town but it’s a little noisy after dark! If you are prepared to do some walking or catch tuk-tuks then there are some stunning choices outside of the main town that offer incredible views for budget prices.
Check out places to stay in the Badulla district to find the perfect place for you, or I’ve included some suggestions below.
Luxury
The Secret Ella is a little out of town but close to the bridge and offers pure luxury for its guests, with an infinity pool looking out of the mountains and beautiful little wooden chalets. This is somewhere rather special to stay.
✅ You can check here for more information and prices.
Midrange
The One, Ella, offers incredible views and is close to the bridge and other Ella based attractions. Its little chalets come with an outdoor hammock for the ultimate relaxation experience!
✅ Check here for more information and prices.
Budget
Try Ella Village Inn for cheap accommodation in the centre of town. It might not be the quietest but being central will save you time and money on transport.
✅ Check here for more information and prices.
What To Bring
Don’t leave the hotel without these essential items!
- Camera – see below to check out the gear we use
- Sun cream / hat / sunglasses
- Water (don’t leave for your travels without a filter water bottle) / snacks
- Money (for a coffee on route)
- Lightweight rain coat / umbrella
- Decent walking shoes (especially if you plan on scrambling to the good viewpoints)
One of the main reasons a lot of people visit Nine Arches Bridge in Sri Lanka is for photography, and we often get asked what camera we use. Adam uses a Sony ILCE7KB.CE Full Frame Compact with a 28mm lens to take the amazing shots we get for the website. We also love the video quality of this camera.
For more detailed information about the best camera for blogging, check out our ultimate guide here.
We would recommend you take a tripod to get clear, good quality photos. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just something that will steady the camera and help you position it. It’s also really handy for getting photos of yourself!
Please note: There are specific laws about flying drones in Sri Lanka, so make sure you check them out before flying one here!
How To Get To Ella, Sri Lanka
As Ella is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, there are lots of different ways to get there. If you have the time then we thoroughly recommend getting the train. It’s one of the best ways to travel in Sri Lanka and is honestly an experience in itself.
By Train
Colombo to Ella
The direct train from Colombo Fort to Ella follows the world-famous Kandy to Ella route, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train journeys. It is definitely worth stopping in Nuwara Eliya on the way through to break up the 10+ hour journey, as this is many peoples favourite place in the whole of Sri Lanka.
Kandy to Ella
This must be one of the best train rides in the world, with views like no other. When you’ve travelled a lot it becomes rare to find experiences that are truly different, but travelling on Sri Lanka’s trains was one of these moments for us.
Sitting in the doorway of a train as it rushes past beautiful tree plantations and misty mountains is incredible. Expect the train ride from Kandy to Ella to take between 6-8 hours, and break it up with a stop in Nuwara Eliya.
By Bus
Colombo to Ella
From Colombo/Pettah bus station, take the bus to Bandarawela (around LKR 200 – 700). Change here for the bus to Ella (LKR 50 – 100). This will take around 8 hours and may not be the most comfortable! It’s as cheap as the train and slightly shorter so it may work out best if you’re on a budget and in a rush!
The South Coast to Ella
From Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa etc to Ella, take a local bus to Matara bus station (LKR 50 – 200), then change to the Matara – Bandarawela bus. This bus will take around 5-6 hours to reach Ella. As there are no trains to Ella from the south coast, this is your cheapest option, but it might not be the most comfortable!
By Tuk-tuk or Taxi
Colombo to Ella
This is a long journey by road, taking about 7 hours depending on traffic. You would probably find a tuk-tuk driver prepared to make the journey but it would be a long and bumpy ride, so if you want to travel this far then we would recommend you take a taxi or hire your own driver.
It will be much more expensive than public transport but more comfortable and faster!
The South Coast to Ella
We used a combination of taxi, tuk tuk and train to reach Ella from the south coast! Because there are no trains from the south coast to the highlands, your easiest option would be to get a taxi to Ella, which takes around 4 hours.
You can get your driver to drop you at Haputale instead and take the train from there, so you get to experience Sri Lanka’s incredible train lines!
By Tour
A fantastic option if you’re short on time and can’t spare several days to spend in Ella itself. This tour starts in Nuwara Eliya and takes you to some of Ella’s top spots in a day tour, so you don’t need to stay overnight.
About The Nine Arch Bridge In Ella
Not only is Nine Arches Bridge incredibly beautiful, but it’s also got a really interesting history that I wish we’d read about before we went. It’s (apparently) one of the best examples of colonial-era construction – though we can’t claim to be experts in this area!
How Old Is Nine Arch Bridge?
The bridge was built at Gotuwala, between the Ella and Demodara stations, during the British Colonial period. Not long after the bridge had been commissioned by the British, WW1 broke out.
It was then completed in 1921, making it over 100 years old.
Who Built Nine Arch Bridge?
Like similar stories we’ve heard from these times (involving boats, not bridges!) they abandoned the idea of using steel to save it for the war efforts and continued the build in blocks of stone and cement instead.
The Sri Lankan engineers and builders completed the job in 1921, and to this day, the 91m long, 24m high bridge has stood entirely without steel support!
Why Is Nine Arch Bridge Famous?
This bridge is one of the most impressive examples of colonial-era construction in Sri Lanka, but in reality, the bridge is so famous because it’s simply stunning.
It makes for incredible photography, and it’s structurally interesting.
Locally the Nine Arches Bridge is known as ‘Ahas Namaye Palama’, meaning nine skies bridge in Sinhala because when you stand below the bridge you can see the sky through the nine arches. It’s a pretty alternative to the name and we like it better!
Where To Next?
If you still have time left in Sri Lanka then you might be wondering, what next?
There are lots of great things to do in Ella. You could spend your whole holiday in Sri Lanka in Ella alone and we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t get bored here!
The famous bridge is close to Little Adam’s Peak, so the two can be combined to make a day trip (or probably more like a morning or afternoon)
After visiting why not climb Ella’s Rock with its fantastic views. You’ll probably want to leave a whole day for this hike as there are some beautiful photo opportunities and lots of little paths that lead off to more great views.
Another awesome thing to do from Ella is to hike Diyaluma Falls, which are truly spectacular!
If you’re ready to leave Ella then check out our 5 days in Sri Lanka guide or our 2 Week Itinerary for Backpacking Sri Lanka which both include the best places to visit after Ella. Or take a trip along Sri Lanka’s Most Beautiful Railways to beautiful Nuwara Eliya.
Conclusion: Visiting Nine Arch Bridge
Thanks so much for reading our guide to Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, hopefully it’s been useful to you! We thoroughly recommend you visit on your trip to Sri Lanka. It’s a truly impressive sight and will be a highlight of your trip.
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A good article.I also been there in December.Amazing place.Beautiful tea estates and cool weather.If everyone visit Sri Lanka,Should go to see the Nine Arch Bridge.It is a good example of Strong technology ancient Sri Lankan had.I also did an article in my travel blog about This marvelous place.And hope to go there again….