Nine Arches Bridge (Demodara Bridge)
About This Place
Nine Arches Bridge (Demodara Bridge)
An iconic colonial-era viaduct built during British rule in 1921 near Ella, considered one of the finest examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka. The bridge is built entirely of stone, brick, and cement — without a single piece of steel — and spans 91 metres across a jungle valley. A train crossing the bridge, visible from a short jungle walk from Ella town, has become one of the most photographed images in Sri Lanka.
Difficulty
🧭 easy
Best Time
📅 Year-round; misty mornings add atmosphere; check train timetable for bridge crossings.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
15–20 minute walk from Ella town through a small tea estate; well-marked path; trains cross 3–4 times daily; best viewed from the jungle path opposite the bridge.
📖 Legends & Stories
According to local legend, the bridge was originally designed with steel girders, but when World War I disrupted steel supplies, local builders improvised using only stone, brick, and cement — creating a stronger structure than originally planned. The chief engineer and the local labourers who built it are celebrated as heroes by Ella villagers to this day.
Location
📍 Find It Here
6.878500, 81.059400
Community
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