Nine Arch Bridge

Why visit Nine Arch Bridge?

It is a striking piece of railway engineering in a beautiful setting, and watching a train curve across the arches is a highlight of many hill-country trips.

Trains are running on this part of the line, between Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla, so you can still see a crossing, or ride over the bridge yourself.

Top attractions and things to do

• The bridge deck

  You can walk out onto the bridge between trains; keep well clear of the edges and the track.

• Hillside viewpoints

  Paths and cafés on the slopes above the bridge give the classic side-on view.

• Trains crossing

  Several trains cross each day; times vary and delays are common.

• Tea-covered slopes

  The walk from Ella passes tea gardens and village homes.

About the bridge

Nine Arch Bridge, also called the Bridge in the Sky, carries the hill-country railway across a deep valley at Demodara, just outside Ella. It was built during the British colonial era and completed around 1921, from stone, brick and cement.

Its nine arches curve gracefully between tea slopes and forest, making it one of Sri Lanka's most photographed sights. Nearby, the Demodara loop is a spiral where the line passes under itself.

Watching a train cross

The Nanu Oya–Ella–Badulla section of the railway reopened in June 2026, so trains cross the bridge again. Train times change, so ask locally or at Ella station for the day's timetable, and arrive a little early.

The best viewpoints are on the hillside opposite the bridge and from the café terraces above it. Step well clear of the tracks when a train approaches.

Getting there

From Ella, you can walk along the railway tracks or through the tea estates in around forty minutes, or take a tuk-tuk to the top of the access path and walk down. Paths can be muddy after rain.

Planning your visit

Suggested time

An hour or two, often combined with Little Adam's Peak on the same morning. (Guidance only.)

Best time to visit

Early morning is quieter and cooler, with softer light. Mist can hang in the ravine after rain, which looks atmospheric but hides the view for a while.

Getting there

From Ella town you can walk along the railway line or take a tuk-tuk to the top of the path that leads down to the bridge. Your driver can drop you nearby and collect you after.

Check current details before travelling: prices, opening hours, access and seasonal conditions change.

How to get to Nine Arch Bridge

Compare private car, bus and train options in our route guides:

Part of a visit to Ella

Nine Arch Bridge is usually visited as part of a stay in or near Ella. Our Ella guide covers where to stay, other sights and how long to spend there.

Visitor tips

• If you walk along the tracks, stay well clear of the rails, listen for whistles and never stand on the bridge when a train approaches.
• Ask locally or at the station for the day's likely train times rather than relying on online timetables.
• Wear shoes with grip; the paths down to the bridge are steep and slippery after rain.
• Don't fly drones without the required permissions.

Experiences around Nine Arch Bridge

Plan with our guides

Nine Arch Bridge: frequently asked questions