Demodara Loop
Demodara Loop
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Explore Sri Lanka
Galle, Sri Lanka106 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Amazing place. Same train pass railway station twice a time. A tunnel has built under the railway station. Vehicle parking area is available. Railway platform is open to the public, only when the train arrival times.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMS
6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
one of the historical place to visit in Ella. best view in Ella.
recommended for kid ,family ,friend and group tours, place in Ella
easy access and easy tracking.
best to visit at morning and evening...
recommended for kid ,family ,friend and group tours, place in Ella
easy access and easy tracking.
best to visit at morning and evening...
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathasha u
Bangkok, Thailand240 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
We went to ella railway station around 1pm on a saturday and wanted to do a train ride to see the views, etc.
Ella railway is well maintained, all information on display, washrooms are OK. The info on display could be a bit confusing and we spoke with the station master he was so helpful. We were lucky that a train was suppose to arrive at 1.24, but was also late 30 minutes. From ella we took a ticket to demodara railway station, which was the next stop further into hill country. The ticket was just LKR 10 each.
The ride was about 15minutes. Can see alot of greenery while travelling. If you are taking this ride you will go through two tunnels, one is the popular 9arch bridge tunnel as well and on top of the nine arch bridge. Its an experience.
We got off the demodara station and then went to the viewing point to see the demodara loop. Same train goes under the station. Details about the loop are displayed at the station. After viewing the train going through the loop go read the details about the loop in the station.
Workers at the station were so helpful as well.
We took a threewheel ride from the station to ella town and was charged LKR 350 as the next train was at 6 in the evening.
You also can walk from ella station via the tracks to demodara station passing the demodara nine arch bridge. The walk from ella to demodara station is 6kms, but only thing is no point if you do not see a train going through the loop to get the experience of viewing the demodara loop. So going in a train and getting off at the demodara loop will ensure you see what you want to see.
Then from demodara station if you like you can walk to ella station again 6km instead if a tuk tuk ride. Demodara station to nine arch bridge 4kms. Nine arch to ella station, 2km. station to ella town maybe around 1km. Be carful the tracks can get very narrow some places.
Ella railway is well maintained, all information on display, washrooms are OK. The info on display could be a bit confusing and we spoke with the station master he was so helpful. We were lucky that a train was suppose to arrive at 1.24, but was also late 30 minutes. From ella we took a ticket to demodara railway station, which was the next stop further into hill country. The ticket was just LKR 10 each.
The ride was about 15minutes. Can see alot of greenery while travelling. If you are taking this ride you will go through two tunnels, one is the popular 9arch bridge tunnel as well and on top of the nine arch bridge. Its an experience.
We got off the demodara station and then went to the viewing point to see the demodara loop. Same train goes under the station. Details about the loop are displayed at the station. After viewing the train going through the loop go read the details about the loop in the station.
Workers at the station were so helpful as well.
We took a threewheel ride from the station to ella town and was charged LKR 350 as the next train was at 6 in the evening.
You also can walk from ella station via the tracks to demodara station passing the demodara nine arch bridge. The walk from ella to demodara station is 6kms, but only thing is no point if you do not see a train going through the loop to get the experience of viewing the demodara loop. So going in a train and getting off at the demodara loop will ensure you see what you want to see.
Then from demodara station if you like you can walk to ella station again 6km instead if a tuk tuk ride. Demodara station to nine arch bridge 4kms. Nine arch to ella station, 2km. station to ella town maybe around 1km. Be carful the tracks can get very narrow some places.
Written December 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Titus D
Sri Lanka6,908 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
The railway track coming out of a tunnel and going back above the same tunnel to reach the Demodara railway station, forms the loop. It was an interesting solution to an almost unique engineering challenge in the railway line by the British’s. It is certainly worth taking this train ride and when you get to go under the station you have just stopped at! Ride in 3rd class and watch the world go by while standing in the door! The cost is Rs 10 per person one way on the train from Ella to Demodera.
This is just another amazing and marvelous piece of work.
It is a great engineering marvel getting a train to rise-up in elevation on a mountain. You can go all the way to tunnel as well getting a nice experience.
We caught the train to Demodara at 3:30pm from Ella. We got a fabulous 25 minute train trip over the bridge and through some tunnels; you see the loop at the Demodara station where the train goes around in a circle to descend 10 metres or so. Tuk tuk back to Ella was also a nice trip.
Views from the train are stunning and well worth the effort. Local station will be able to advise of the scheduled train times and also if you download “Trains - Sri Lanka” App. If you get into a train coming from Badulla, it won’t be late but the one in opposite direction. It would be late as the trains commence from Colombo far away and mostly delays occur to giving way to the other train on opposite direction at stations as the railway line from Rabukkana onwards is single lined on the hills.
What a view we got. The train came just 10 mins after we reach the station to take a glimpse and we saw road going upwards from the rail track. The train loops back and runs directly under the station! You can 'walk' the loop as well. If you want a bird's eye view you can go to Ooduwaare Estate where you can see the train loop round the hill and come back.
For you to appreciate the loop better, get the tuk tuk driver and tell him to first take you down near the tunnel. And then you go back up to the Demodara railway station to watch the train leaving the tunnel from above.
Can see a nice view from the Demodara train station. Once you get down from the train at Demodara station quickly run Out if the station to watch the train turn and come out of the tunnel going towards Badulla if you come on a Badulla bound train.
The interesting thing behind this Demodara loop is taking a small train trip to cover the activity from Ella. It is a great thing to do with kids mainly and for adults too.
It is definitely worth the sceneries even if you aren't a fan of trains! I recommend you take the train journey to cover the Demodera Loop.
This is just another amazing and marvelous piece of work.
It is a great engineering marvel getting a train to rise-up in elevation on a mountain. You can go all the way to tunnel as well getting a nice experience.
We caught the train to Demodara at 3:30pm from Ella. We got a fabulous 25 minute train trip over the bridge and through some tunnels; you see the loop at the Demodara station where the train goes around in a circle to descend 10 metres or so. Tuk tuk back to Ella was also a nice trip.
Views from the train are stunning and well worth the effort. Local station will be able to advise of the scheduled train times and also if you download “Trains - Sri Lanka” App. If you get into a train coming from Badulla, it won’t be late but the one in opposite direction. It would be late as the trains commence from Colombo far away and mostly delays occur to giving way to the other train on opposite direction at stations as the railway line from Rabukkana onwards is single lined on the hills.
What a view we got. The train came just 10 mins after we reach the station to take a glimpse and we saw road going upwards from the rail track. The train loops back and runs directly under the station! You can 'walk' the loop as well. If you want a bird's eye view you can go to Ooduwaare Estate where you can see the train loop round the hill and come back.
For you to appreciate the loop better, get the tuk tuk driver and tell him to first take you down near the tunnel. And then you go back up to the Demodara railway station to watch the train leaving the tunnel from above.
Can see a nice view from the Demodara train station. Once you get down from the train at Demodara station quickly run Out if the station to watch the train turn and come out of the tunnel going towards Badulla if you come on a Badulla bound train.
The interesting thing behind this Demodara loop is taking a small train trip to cover the activity from Ella. It is a great thing to do with kids mainly and for adults too.
It is definitely worth the sceneries even if you aren't a fan of trains! I recommend you take the train journey to cover the Demodera Loop.
Written June 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabio Diglio
Valencia, Spain1,447 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seevali D
Colombo, Sri Lanka8,965 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hansen
Brisbane, Australia256 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyronne G
Los Angeles, CA38 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
This is a interesting construction of a railway line done over a century ago to solve a problem of a steep incline where the train is sent in a loop and travels in a tunnel right under the station. A must see when visiting Ella.
Written October 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
esl252
Durham, UK25 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We took the train from Ella to Badulla passing the Demodara Loop. It cost just 40 rupees each and lasted about 50 minutes. The stations are beautifully kept and although the train was about 30 minutes late, it's a nice place to sit and people watch and experience the Kandy train coming in and departing. When you get on the train try to sit on the left for the best views which are awesome. You can also stand by the open doors for good views.
Apart from a Buddhist temple there isn't much to see or do in Badulla so you can catch the next train back, jump on a tut tut or if you have a driver, have them meet you.
A fun experience and well worth it.
Apart from a Buddhist temple there isn't much to see or do in Badulla so you can catch the next train back, jump on a tut tut or if you have a driver, have them meet you.
A fun experience and well worth it.
Written March 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1LifeStand
Colombo, Sri Lanka5,305 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
The Demodara railway line winds its way and goes directly under the station through the tunnel inside a mountain.If you make your way to the back of the railway station (other side of where the tracks are), there is a look out point, where you can stand directly above the tunnel and see the train looping in order to arrive at the station.
It is said that the idea of this loop suddenly occurred to the late Mr.D.J.Wimalasurendra who was the greatest Sri Lankan engineer, who masterminded the railway line, when he observed the Kangany who was supervising the workers, undo his 'talappa' (head gear) and re-tie it round his head in a circular motion!
Walking along the railway lines in these area is not considered abnormal nor that you have a death wish, as trains come rarely and the laid back staff at the station would happily encourage you to do so giving the approximate time of the train's arrival! They may even show you the 150 year old equipment and explain its functions inside the Railway Master's Office!
It is said that the idea of this loop suddenly occurred to the late Mr.D.J.Wimalasurendra who was the greatest Sri Lankan engineer, who masterminded the railway line, when he observed the Kangany who was supervising the workers, undo his 'talappa' (head gear) and re-tie it round his head in a circular motion!
Walking along the railway lines in these area is not considered abnormal nor that you have a death wish, as trains come rarely and the laid back staff at the station would happily encourage you to do so giving the approximate time of the train's arrival! They may even show you the 150 year old equipment and explain its functions inside the Railway Master's Office!
Written June 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey,
Can we pass the DEMODARA LOOP if we book the train tickets to Demodara to colombo??
Written November 1, 2018
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
Written November 1, 2018
vinodinijayawardena
Colombo, Sri Lanka
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
Written August 6, 2018
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
Written August 6, 2018
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?
Written June 4, 2018
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.
Written June 4, 2018
Hi. How does one get there? Do you take the train from Ella station or Demodara? Thanks!
Written April 3, 2016
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
Written December 28, 2016
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