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Hidden amidst the lush green hills and tea plantations of Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge, affectionately known as the "Bridge in the Sky," is one of Sri Lanka's most photographed and iconic railway landmarks. Built during the British colonial era in the early 20th century, this magnificent stone viaduct gracefully spans 91 metres across a deep jungle valley at a height of approximately 24 metres, showcasing the remarkable engineering and craftsmanship of its time.
The bridge is widely credited to the vision of local Ceylonese builder P. K. Appuhami, who worked closely with British engineers. The ambitious Upcountry Railway Line was designed and managed by the renowned Ceylonese engineer and inventor D. J. Wimalasurendra, while the viaduct's detailed design was prepared by Harold Cuthbert Marwood of the Ceylon Government Railway's Railway Construction Department. Their combined expertise created one of the finest examples of colonial railway engineering in Sri Lanka.
Constructed almost entirely from stone, brick, and cement, the Nine Arch Bridge is particularly remarkable for its minimal use of structural steel. According to local legend, during the First World War, the steel originally intended for the bridge was redirected to Britain's war effort. In response, skilled local craftsmen completed the bridge using traditional masonry techniques, creating the impressive structure that still stands today. Historical records, including the 1923 report Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon published by the Engineering Association of Ceylon, document the bridge's original design and construction.
Located between Ella and Demodara railway stations, the Nine Arch Bridge is surrounded by dense tropical forests, misty mountains, and rolling tea plantations, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in Sri Lanka's hill country. Its nine elegant arches blend perfectly with the natural surroundings, making it a favourite destination for photographers, railway enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can stroll along the railway track, admire the breathtaking panoramic views, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights is watching Sri Lanka's famous blue train slowly cross the bridge, creating a truly picture-perfect moment that has become one of the country's most iconic travel experiences.
More than simply an architectural masterpiece, the Nine Arch Bridge represents the perfect harmony of history, engineering excellence, and natural beauty. Whether you visit to witness the passing train, capture stunning photographs, or simply enjoy the tranquil mountain scenery, this remarkable landmark promises an unforgettable experience and remains one of the must-visit attractions in Ella.
"Dear Cyril, Thanks for taking care of the Dr.Sethukavalar and his wife very well. They were indeed very happy for all the care you have shown during your tour. They were very impressed of your patience and kindness. I look forward to see you soon and maintain this good relationship we have developed in a short period of time. We will not hesitate a second to recommend you to all our friends who would like to visit Sri Lanka. Taking this opportunity of wishing you all the best. Thanks fo..." HARIDAS KANDASAMY
"We would like to say thank you very much Mr. Cyril for the excellent 7 night tour of Sri Lanka you provided us. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka and the itinerary you arranged. The four hotels (Earls Regency, Amaya Lake, Heritance Kandalama and the Colombo Hilton) were excellent and thoroughly deserved their 5 stars. Your driving skills was excellent. Also very friendly, calm, helpful, and courteous and always prompts. Sri Lanka is a lovely country and the people were very friendly. ..." Suresh and Prashanth
"Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver
"Dear Cyril, Sincerest apologies for this delayed email --- reason being that I had been extremely busy with work & travel, since returning from Sri Lanka and just got a breather now, to download our photos and catch up with private matters. Hope this email finds you & family, in the best of health & spirits. Your granddaughter must be keeping you busy and giving you & Mrs. Baddegama immense joy. At this end, we are doing fine. Nikhita is back at school, now in Grade 7 and havi..." Pradeep Kumar Menon - Singapore
" Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY
"Hello, We had 2 weeks exploring Sri Lanka and for most of that time Cyril drove for usto various towns, sites of interest. Cyril wsa a very pleasant chauffeur. Always prompt and greeted us with a smile. He was well informed about the sites we visited and pointed out many interesting historical buildings en-route. We had a great 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and Cyril's plesant and helpful nature contributed to this briliant holiday. Thank Cyril Sara and Steve from Birmingham, England" Sara and Steve
"We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia
"We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop
"Traveled in April 2013 with Cyril . Family with three young children. Cyril match the trip plan problem on his part. Familiar with every corner of this beautiful island and we have managed to produce a great 17 days. Prices respect as well - we tested three competing proposals and was the cheapest. The fact that he was working independently and not through an agency that collects coupon trips generally significantly reduces the price of the package. A modern and spacious vehicle (van with seven ..." Maozd
"Hello my dear friend Mr. Cyril We are all fine dear, I have visited Sri Lanka and I loved the country, Insha’Allah I will visit again your country, it is amazing place. This is the first day at work , really I enjoy the tour to sri lanka with my family and it was very nice and I wish to go again to sri lanka and of course you were very good and polite and respectable guy -thanks a lot for every thing and I wish you ..." Nasser Mohamed from Oman
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