Construction Date
Commissioned 1921 under British Ceylon
Architecture
Constructed entirely of stone bricks and cement (Zero steel)
Dimensions
91 metres long, 24 metres high across 9 arches
Location
Between Ella and Demodara railway stations
The 'Bridge in the Sky'
Spanning a lush green gorge between Ella and Demodara stations, the Nine Arch Bridge (known in Sinhala as Ahas Namaye Palama or 'Nine Skies Bridge') is Sri Lanka's most celebrated engineering monument. Commissioned in 1921 during the height of the First World War, the steel intended for the viaduct was reallocated for military defense in Europe. Local Ceylon builder P.K. Appuhami and British engineers redesigned the structure to be built entirely out of solid granite blocks, bricks, and cement without a single piece of steel reinforcement.
Train Crossing Timetables & Best Photography Spots
Blue passenger trains typically cross the bridge several times a day (approx 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM, subject to railway delays). For the most spectacular photographs, position yourself on the hillside tea terraces at Asanka Cafe or the wooded walking track on the tunnel side looking through the curve of the viaduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I walk to the Nine Arch Bridge from Ella town?
A scenic 25-minute downhill walk leads through bamboo groves and pine forests from the main street of Ella, or take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride (approx 600–800 LKR / ₹160–₹220 INR) to the parking drop-off point.