Asia
Sri Lanka
Uva Province
Ella
Things to Do in Ella
Nine Arches Bridge

Nine Arches Bridge, Ella: Hours, Address, Nine Arches Bridge Reviews: 4.5/5

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Nine Arches Bridge

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Nine Arches Bridge
4.5
2,715
#4 of 18 things to do in Ella
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
123 within 3 miles
Cafe Eden
250
0.4 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Noname Cafe
106
0.5 mi$$$$ • Healthy • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Adam's Breeze
514
0.5 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Ella Flower Garden Restaurant
1,039
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Indian • International
Nine Arch Cafe
7
384 ft$
Tip Top Sky Bar Ella
11
0.3 miAmerican • Indian • Asian • Sri Lankan
98 Acres Café & Restaurant
79
0.4 mi$$$$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
AK Ristoro
1,646
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Asian • Fusion
Fresh Point
28
0.4 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan
Ceylon Tea Factory Restaurant
965
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Fusion • Sri Lankan
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Attractions
15 within 6 miles
Little Adam's Peak
5,510
0.8 miMountains
Ella Spice Garden
566
0.8 miGardens
Ella Rock
2,013
1.5 miGeologic Formations
Demodara Loop
134
1.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ella Train Journey
30
1.1 miScenic Railroads
Kinellan Tea Factory
120
1.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ravana Ella Falls
2,115
2.5 miWaterfalls
Ella Black Pepper And Cinamon Garden
3
1.1 miGardens
Ravana's Cave
214
1.2 miCaverns & Caves
Mahamevnawa Monastery
33
2.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,715 reviews
Excellent
1,526
Very good
892
Average
254
Poor
32
Terrible
11
James D
Banwell, UK16 contributions
What a view!!
We followed the signs from Little Adam's Peak to see the nine arch Bridge. I know lots of people take tuktuk's but this kinda defeats the object and some of the fun.... Do the walk!!

The views are amazing and it's obviously a very impressive structure.

We did stop for a cup of tea on the way back to Ella also which was nice. There are locals selling fruit, drinks and fresh King coconuts about and they all seemed to be fair prices.

After the (Downhill) walk from little adams peak we then followed the tracks back to Ella railway station (Remember to exit to the left, don't walk on the platform as you can face a fine for not holding a valid ticket on the platform)!!

The walk back to Ella was about 45mins and very picturesque. Was very hot so some water helped out!!
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Panduka J
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka582 contributions
A sight not to be missed
Reaching the area is challenging but absolutely worth the experience. We hired two 'Tuks' after parking our vehicle in a private car park nearby. The old bridge is a masterpiece of construction, which continues to serve several important trains plying the scenic main railway line between Colombo and Badulla.

A word of caution to those visiting the bridge. Several wasp hives are located under the arches and particularly the younger generation tends to be loud when visiting the area. this can be very dangerous as it is an open area without any protection to take cover in case of an attack. Please exercise due caution.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alfredo R
Olhao, Portugal78 contributions
A must visit in Ella!
The place is very scenic and worth the visit. Morning Trains will come around 9:30 and 11:30 - but they rarely pass by on time. Sometimes its 5 minutes after, other times is half an hour delay or more. Expect crowds on National holidays / Sundays / extended weekends. You can get there hiking or by tuk tuk.
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CheekyLondon
Southend-on-Sea, UK1,772 contributions
Take my tip - get a tuk tuk to the railway line, then walk the railway line
Our guide got completely lost and we had two aborted attempts to find the bridge, before he got us a tuk tuk! This was a good plan as for the equivalent of about £4, the tuk tuk driver took us down a pathway, we walked 100 steps to the railway line and walked along the line with him for about half a mile, and got to the bridge. He came with us and stayed with us and took us back. The bridge is a sight well worth seeing - build entirely of stone and cement, after the steel was withdrawn for the 2WW effort. It is truly stunning. There is a little industry grown up around the bridge with makeshift cafes and souvenirs. Plenty of locals go to see the train passing by too. The tuk tuk driver knew exactly when the train was due to pass and made sure we were safe on the side of the track. It's quite an experience for us health and safety mad westerners!! (We gave him extra Rupees as we felt he had given us excellent service).
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Parth Parekh
Ahmedabad, India12 contributions
Must Visit in Ella!
Couples
Its a 20-30 minute walk to Nine Arch Bridge from the base. Its a combination of uphill & downhill walk & could be a bit streneous for aged people. I believe there are Tuk Tuk who take you to certain point, but we dint explore that option. There are certain timings on which train crosses across the bridge. But the one which we waited for was almost an hour late, so timmings of train was uncertain. Views are pretty nice!

Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PHABfamily
London, UK818 contributions
Fantastic views
Family
This was a must see on our visit to Ella.
The walk begins on well maintained tracks but they are very steep both up & down. Then the track runs out & you have to scramble down mud tracks. These are VERY uneven. For some this will be simply impossible.
At every step the view of the bridge becomes more impressive.
Once at rail level you get to walk freely up & down the tracks at you leisure.
There are a few refreshment stands around the bridge, so no need to ration your water.
We we lucky to be there around 2:30pm when a train came rumbling passed.
We didn’t fancy the hike back up & chose a Tuk Tuk ride from right at the bridge. This route back to Ella is far longer around the mountain & costs around £6.50.
The journey from Ella to the start of the track going cost around £2.50.
Haggle hard & agree the price before you get in.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
r4m
Mottram St. Andrew, UK275 contributions
Nine hundred people
This bridge is a masterpiece of the Victorian era - a beautiful piece of engineering in a deep green valley. It forms part the the Badulla branch of what must be one of the most characterful railways in the world.
Unfortunately it has risen to fame by social media and, as a visitor attraction, is now a circus.
At any time of day there are loads of people there ( I am ashamed to say I have added to the crowd by visiting).
Rough paths lead to it from all directions and areas have been worn away at each end.
If you're going to try to get "the picture" forget it - there will always be people there in the way.
To see something of the charm of the railway you could try going to the unique Demodara station which is up the line
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kekin2011
Mumbai, India302 contributions
You cannot miss this LIVE railway bridge
Built by the British in 1921, this is one of the top attractions in Ella. The bridge was originally supposed to be constructed using steel but the steel was relocated by the British and the bridge was then constructed using bricks. It's named 9 arches because of the nine arches that are a part of its construction.

Make sure you know how to get there because there are multiple ways to get to the bridge and you'll be lost if you don't choose the right path. There is a small walk/trek to reach the bridge but you can also hail an autorickshaw. if you choose to walk then it isn't suitable to take infants. If you're there early enough you can also see the sunrise at the bridge.

The bridge is still in use and we also saw a passing train while we were there. I don't think there are many railway bridges that let you walk, sit and take pictures on the railway tracks. Perfect for IG influencers! It was set between a forest so the views were amazing!

Entry fee: Nil
Written January 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thiranya
Colombo, Sri Lanka8 contributions
Trip for photographers and hikers…
As others said it’s a nice experience. For hikers and adventures people I recommend going through Ella. For people who just want to enjoy the view or unable to climb/walk recommend going through Badulla side or go to Ella railway station and walk to the site. Better carry some water as there are very few shops along the way.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Merryn
Essendon, Australia108 contributions
Pretty even without a train
Couples
We walked along the "most direct" walking trail to the bridge and arrived at 5:30 pm...hoping to see the 5:30 train come through. No train by 6:10 pm so we walked back out. In the meantime, we took heaps of lovely photos, walked on the train tracks and enjoyed the people watching.....local and not so local. One gentleman calmly walked his 2 cows over the bridge amidst all the tourists!
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nine Arches Bridge
Nine Arches Bridge is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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