Demodara Loop, Ella: Tickets, Tours, Address, Phone Number, Demodara Loop Reviews: 4.5/5
Demodara Loop
Demodara Loop
4.5
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Restaurants
104 within 3 miles
Ella Spice Land
28
1.4 mi$ • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Kitchen Garden
368
1.8 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Eden
206
2.1 mi$ • Cafe • Asian • Sri Lankan
Nine Arch Cafe
6
1.7 mi$
AK Ristoro
1,648
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Asian • Fusion
Noname Cafe
80
2.2 mi$$$$ • Bar • Cafe • Fast Food
Cafe Chill
9,978
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Healthy • Sri Lankan
Cafe One Love
563
2.2 mi$ • Cafe
La Mensa
473
2.2 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly
Ceylon Tea Factory Restaurant
964
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Fusion • Sri Lankan
Attractions
7 within 3 miles
Nine Arches Bridge
2,671
1.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
Little Adam's Peak
5,477
2.6 miMountains
Ella Spice Garden
556
2.2 miGardens
Mahamevnawa Monastery
33
2.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Ella Train Journey
27
2.2 miScenic Railroads
Kinellan Tea Factory
85
2.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ravana's Cave
211
2.8 miCaverns & Caves
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4.5
134 reviews
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GN Holidays ( PVT) Ltd
Colombo, Sri Lanka11 contributions
Demodara Loop
Aug 2020
please check the train time and go to see this . Then only you see the real loop and for that you need to go to the top .It i s lovely experience
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chamath Fernando
Colombo, Sri Lanka220 contributions
Get a trishaw to experience the whole mechanism
Feb 2020 • Couples
The mechanism of the Demodara loop is considered to be an engineering marvel from the British colonial era. An arc of the loop can be visualized from a several spots closer to the Demodara Railway Station. However, the whole course of the loop and the mechanism is not discernible with these spots.
It is recommended that you check the train schedule from the Ella Railway Station and reach the Demodara station 45mins prior to the scheduled train time. The experienced local trishaw drivers would take you to a higher elevation mount located some 8km away from where you can get a proper view of the whole mechanism, a range of mountains including little Adams Peak. The return trip to this spot from the Demodara station on trishaw costed three of us LKR 1,500 only.
It is recommended that you check the train schedule from the Ella Railway Station and reach the Demodara station 45mins prior to the scheduled train time. The experienced local trishaw drivers would take you to a higher elevation mount located some 8km away from where you can get a proper view of the whole mechanism, a range of mountains including little Adams Peak. The return trip to this spot from the Demodara station on trishaw costed three of us LKR 1,500 only.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Soumyajit Saha
Kolkata (Calcutta), India399 contributions
Demodara Loop
Sep 2019 • Solo
Demodara Loop is a very beautiful place to visit. It must be visited by everyone if visiting Ella for tour.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chanaka Lakmal
Veyangoda, Sri Lanka63 contributions
Demodara Loop
Jul 2019
Hi,
Its have nice engagement of the train travel lovers to see how the railway rack makes advance skills in past. Can walk to visit and nice to stay train coming time and that's seems like unforgettable experience of the Demodara loop.
Thanks.
Its have nice engagement of the train travel lovers to see how the railway rack makes advance skills in past. Can walk to visit and nice to stay train coming time and that's seems like unforgettable experience of the Demodara loop.
Thanks.
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seevali D
Colombo, Sri Lanka8,424 contributions
An Ingenious Solution !
Jul 2019
My wife, our grandson Ryan and I parked our car at Ella railway station, on 23rd July 2019, and hired a tuk-tuk that took us first to the "Nine Arch Bridge" and then to Demodera railway station. We went there to see the famous 'spiral loop' at Demodera. The train coming from the up-country enters the tunnel located right under the station. Though at different levels, the tunnel is almost perpendicular to the station. It then traverses around the adjoining hill in an upward spiral coming up to the station and proceeds towards Ella. We observed the train passing along, after it emanated from the tunnel. When it arrived at the station we got in and travelled down to Ella.
The legend has it that, during railway construction, engineers had been perplexed to find a means of bridging the considerable vertical level difference between two adjoining hills. A person tying his turban around his head is said to have implanted the idea of the loop to bridge this gap by circumscribing the hill.
Demodera loop is 1049 feet feet long at a gradient of 1 in 44, the maximum allowable in Sri Lanka Railway construction.
The quaint Demodera railway station reminded me of the time when I travelled to school by train. The trains in this section of the railway still rely on exchanging tablets on arrival. The ticket holding cupboard and even the appearance of the clock in the station master's room have remained unchanged from the 1950s.
On the way back from Ella we passed over the 'Nine Arch Bridge', where there were many tourists waiting to see it pass by.
The legend has it that, during railway construction, engineers had been perplexed to find a means of bridging the considerable vertical level difference between two adjoining hills. A person tying his turban around his head is said to have implanted the idea of the loop to bridge this gap by circumscribing the hill.
Demodera loop is 1049 feet feet long at a gradient of 1 in 44, the maximum allowable in Sri Lanka Railway construction.
The quaint Demodera railway station reminded me of the time when I travelled to school by train. The trains in this section of the railway still rely on exchanging tablets on arrival. The ticket holding cupboard and even the appearance of the clock in the station master's room have remained unchanged from the 1950s.
On the way back from Ella we passed over the 'Nine Arch Bridge', where there were many tourists waiting to see it pass by.
Written August 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SF100
Colombo, Sri Lanka125 contributions
To have an aerial view, go to Walasbadda Vantage Point, 1 hour drive
Jul 2019
The train, between Badulla and Ella takes a spiral loop, going through a tunnel underneath the Demodara railway station to maintain the maximum allowed gradient of 1:44. You can take a high angle view if you go to Walasbadda Vantage Point, about 1 hour drive in a 4Wheel vehicle. Narrow, winding hazardous road. You need an experienced driver, I recommend DAMMIKA, who keeps his safari jeep near Demodara station. Price reasonable and well worth. You can see the entire loop, starting from the black bridge. Go early to catch the train. Then go to the tunnel, walk through that on to the black bridge. Interesting. Demodara station is well kept small beautiful place. Dont forget to have a hot Vadai from the nearby boutique
Written July 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fabio Diglio
Valencia, Spain1,302 contributions
Best part of Nanu Oya - Ella train
Mar 2019 • Couples
I will be honest and will go straight to the point.
In my opinion, the "Demodara loop" is the best part of the Ella train.
You will experience a fascinating short journey (6 kms long), avoiding the scenic but also often uncomfortable trip from Kandy (7h) or Nanu Oya (3h30min).
So catch the train directly in Ella, take a seat on the left side of the carriage/coach and get off at the next station (Demodara itself).
You will enjoy the view passing on the NineArchBridge, while being greeted by hundreds of persons too. 😊
Cost of the ticket 10 LKR = ~0,05€
In my opinion, the "Demodara loop" is the best part of the Ella train.
You will experience a fascinating short journey (6 kms long), avoiding the scenic but also often uncomfortable trip from Kandy (7h) or Nanu Oya (3h30min).
So catch the train directly in Ella, take a seat on the left side of the carriage/coach and get off at the next station (Demodara itself).
You will enjoy the view passing on the NineArchBridge, while being greeted by hundreds of persons too. 😊
Cost of the ticket 10 LKR = ~0,05€
Written May 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hansen
Brisbane, Australia272 contributions
Nice side trip to our holiday
Apr 2019 • Family
We caught the train from Ella to Demodara to ride across the Nine Arch Bridge. That was fun. At Demodara you can watch the train loop back under the station. The station itself is quaint. It probably represents the true Sri Lanka. Not touristy, just locals travelling A to B and so so friendly.
I would recommend taking the train from Ella to Demodara (15 mins, 10 rupees) to ride over the Nine Arch Bridge, experience a train ride with locals (and great photos hanging out the side) and see the Loop. Makes a nice morning!
I would recommend taking the train from Ella to Demodara (15 mins, 10 rupees) to ride over the Nine Arch Bridge, experience a train ride with locals (and great photos hanging out the side) and see the Loop. Makes a nice morning!
Written April 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ptiteflower
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka15 contributions
Nice trip
Apr 2019 • Solo
It's Make a nice trip from Ella where you Can take the train at 17h28 and Come back from demodora at 18h37 (if not late),
Attraction very busy with locals if holidays, just to look a train passing in a tunnel basically but the train journey go and Come back is very nice and you Can cross the railway and go uphill in direction of the tea Factory (take left and right, right) to see the train station from uphill, good photo and nice sunset color before taking the train back
Attraction very busy with locals if holidays, just to look a train passing in a tunnel basically but the train journey go and Come back is very nice and you Can cross the railway and go uphill in direction of the tea Factory (take left and right, right) to see the train station from uphill, good photo and nice sunset color before taking the train back
Written April 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yejin Lee
11 contributions
Great view from the top of the hill!
Feb 2019 • Couples
We wanted to get on the train going through the demodara loop but we couldn't. But nice Sri Lankan people told us to go to the "Oodoowerre Tea Factory" hill and have an aerial view of it. It is like 30 mins bike ride from the demodara station, and yes on the top of the hill you can see that train goes around the mountain, which is quite beautiful. We couldn't get on the train but still we enjoyed the view.
Written March 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rukshi M
0 contributions
Hey,
Can we pass the DEMODARA LOOP if we book the train tickets to Demodara to colombo??
palawanismyhome
Palawan Island, Philippines19,688 contributions
No, it is actually in the other direction. You can see the entrance to the tunnel from the car park by the station. It is just 200 m away from the station and you can stand about 30m over the entrance
vinodinijayawardena
Colombo, Sri Lanka0 contributions
Hi
As you need to move on quickily to see the loop at the Demodara station I would like to know the quickest exit point. Is it from the staion station gate where the tickets are issued and which side you go to?
Thanks
palawanismyhome
Palawan Island, Philippines19,688 contributions
Come out the main exit and walk towards your left and after 100 or 200 m you will be standing over the track that disappears into the tunnel below
broken a
0 contributions
We will be traveling by car to nuwara eliya and would like to see the 9 arch bridge and the demodarain loop.. how can we do it. We can ask the driver to pick us up after the train ride yet from where and how long is the train ride to see the loop?
palawanismyhome
Palawan Island, Philippines19,688 contributions
The Nine Arch Bridge and the Demodara Loop is located 2 and 7 kms after Ella, so you could go by train from Nuwara Eliya and get off at Demodara which is next to the main road so you could meet your driver there. But the loop starts at the station so if you want to go through it you would have to get off at the next station. I saw the loop in March but it is not so interesting to see. Train from NE to Ella takes about 3 hours.
If you want to pass through it check the train schedules here.
Check train schedules at "maninseat61srilanka"
Another option is to go from Ella to Badulla and you will see both attractions, so your driver could pick you up there.
Ariane L
Siargao Island, Philippines44 contributions
Hi. How does one get there? Do you take the train from Ella station or Demodara? Thanks!
smgsamasundara131
Bandarawela, Sri Lanka98 contributions
If you come by Colombo or Peradeniya you get down at Demodara station and walk little distance ahead to Badulla side
if you come by Badulla side After getting down you walk back to Badulla side
You can get train from anywhere
As well as using other transporting system you can come here
Frequently Asked Questions about Demodara Loop
- We recommend booking Demodara Loop tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 17 Demodara Loop tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Demodara Loop:
- All-Inclusive Ella 5 Icons Day Tour (From $76.93)
- Ella Cycaling Tour + Train Ride (From $66.67)
- Trek to Little Adam's Peak Sunrise,Demodara Loop & Nine Arches Bridge Train Ride (From $66.67)
- Ella Private Day Tour From Kandy. (From $72.00)
- Guided tour Ella & Diyaluma waterfall by car (From $56.42)
- Hotels near Demodara Loop:
- (0.26 mi) Nine Skies
- (1.80 mi) The Secret Ella
- (2.34 mi) EKHO Ella
- (2.46 mi) Leisure Dream Inn
- (2.55 mi) Chamodya Home Stay
- Restaurants near Demodara Loop:
- (1.83 mi) The Kitchen Garden
- (2.12 mi) Cafe Eden
- (2.15 mi) Noname Cafe
- (2.16 mi) La Mensa
- (2.16 mi) Cafe One Love