Nine Arch Bridge: The Walk From Ella
about 3-4 km one way · Easy · 30-60 minutes one way · Badulla District · Uva Province
The Nine Arch Bridge carries the hill-country railway round a tight curve between Ella and Demodara. Completed in 1919 in stone, brick and cement, it is 91 m long and 24 m high, and it is now a protected monument. The walk to it from Ella is the most popular short walk in the town.
Lo que va a aprender
There are two ways in. The road route follows the Ella-Passara road, turning off near the Sri Kanaser temple and following the signs down. The railway route walks the line from Ella station, past a smaller three-arch bridge. Time your visit with a train crossing for the classic view.
This is a live railway. Get off the track and the bridge well before a train comes, and never stand in the tunnel.
Access & permits
There is no entry fee and no gate. The bridge is on a working railway line and is a protected monument.
On the map
Pin 1 is Nine Arch Bridge. The others are the nearest places in our trail directory.
- Puente de los Nueve Arcos: The railway viaduct near Ella.
- El Pequeño Pico de Adán: Trail guide: the gentle climb. About 1 km away.
- Ella Rock: Trail guide: the sunrise summit. About 3 km away.
- Ravana Falls: Roadside falls below Ella. About 4 km away.
Principales puntos de referencia y características
- Ella station - The start of the railway route.
- Three-arch bridge - The smaller bridge passed on the tracks.
- Nine Arch Bridge - The 1919 viaduct, 91 m long and 24 m high.
- Demodara - The station beyond the bridge.
Cuándo ir
Early morning, before the crowds; check the train times for a crossing.
Getting there & practicalities
- From Ella - About 3 km, roughly 30 minutes on foot, along the tracks from Ella station or by the path off the Ella-Passara road. Or take a tuk-tuk to the parking spot and walk the last few minutes down.
- Nearest stations - The bridge lies between Ella and Demodara stations.
- Train times - Check the Sri Lanka Railways timetable (railway.gov.lk) and ask locally on the day: trains often run late, so do not rely on a printed time.
- Cost - Free. There is no gate or ticket.
Questions people ask
Is Nine Arch Bridge free?
Yes. There is no entry fee and no gate.
How do I get to Nine Arch Bridge from Ella?
Walk about 3 km, around 30 minutes, along the railway from Ella station or by the path off the Ella-Passara road, or take a tuk-tuk most of the way and walk the last few minutes.
What time do trains cross Nine Arch Bridge?
Check the Sri Lanka Railways timetable at railway.gov.lk and confirm with your guesthouse on the day, because trains often run late.
How long and how high is Nine Arch Bridge?
It is 91 m long and 24 m high, built of stone, brick and cement and completed in 1919.
Is it safe to walk on the tracks?
It is a live railway. Walk only with the train times in mind, get off the track and the bridge well before a train comes, and never stand in the tunnel.
¡Salga a caminar con Hike Lanka!
You can take this as a guided day trip, link it with nearby destinations into a multi-day trek, or build it into a custom Sri Lanka hiking itinerary. We handle transport, permits and the logistics; you walk. The bridge is on Pekoe Trail stage 16: see De Ella a Demodara, or walk it with a guide on our Tramo de Haputale a Ella.
Nearby in the directory
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