Discovering the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella: Sri Lanka’s Bridge in the Sky

Nestled in the misty, emerald highlands of Sri Lanka, the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in South Asia. Surrounded by dense tropical jungle and sweeping tea plantations, this colonial-era architectural marvel draws travelers, photographers, and train enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Whether you are planning a trip to the hill country or looking for the perfect photography spots, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the “Bridge in the Sky.”

The History and Construction of the Nine Arch Bridge

Completed in 1921 under British colonial rule, the Nine Arch Bridge connects the Ella and Demodara railway stations along the famous Kandy-to-Ella line. The viaduct spans 91 meters (298 feet) in length and rises 24 meters (78 feet) above the lush valley floor.

What makes this structure truly extraordinary is its engineering. It was constructed entirely from stone, brick, and cement mortar without using a single piece of structural steel.

According to local history, when World War I broke out, the steel cargo allocated for the bridge was re-routed by the British military for the war effort in Europe. Rather than halting production, local Sri Lankan builders, led by designer P. M. Sirimanna and contractor P. K. Appuhami, adapted by constructing the entire monument out of local materials.

The bridge is called Ahas Nawaya Palama in Sinhala, which translates to “Nine Skies Bridge.” If you stand underneath the massive arches on the valley floor and look up, you can see the blue sky framed beautifully through each of the nine openings.

How to Get to Nine Arch Bridge

The bridge is located roughly 2.5 kilometers outside of Ella town center. There are two primary ways to reach it:

• The Scenic Walking Trail: You can hike along the jungle paths starting from the Passara Road entrance or near Little Adam’s Peak. The walk takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes through towering tea bushes and quiet local villages.
• By Tuk-Tuk: A short 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Ella town can drop you off at the main trailheads on Akasa Road. From the drop-off point, it is a gentle 5-to-10-minute walk down a gravel path to reach the tracks.