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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, Thank you very much for wonderful holiday. Your attention to detail and care of your clients is extraordinary. We certainly hope to cross paths again and we will recommonding you to all of our friends and to family too. Many thanks again. Paul nad Machelle Brisbane, Australia. Visited during 10/10/2012 - 26/10/2012" Mr. Paul and Mrs. Machelle from Australia
"(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey
"We had excellent 8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia
"Thanks a lot for making great arrangements for the visit. The visit was very well organized with good hotels and the vehicle/ driver. I would highly recommend your agency and its services to everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka. Anastasia - Russia, Feb 2011 " Anastasia
"Hi Mr.Cyril, Hope you and family and grandchild are doing fine. Hope to come to Sri Lanka again. We really enjoyed our trip especially with your special help and guidance. We will definitely contact you if at all we wish to visit Sri Lanka again. Thanks & Best Regards Mr. & Mrs.Pillai Singapore 29/7/11 " Mr & Mrs.Pillai from Singapore
"Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
"11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK
"We are glad to meet Cyril. He is very kind and patient, very professional in his work. He have lot of knowledge about history of the places and the things that happened in Sri Lanka. He knows all the roads and places very well. Very friendly and stand on time. The tour he recommended us and places were excellent. He replied immediately for mails which we send. He was flexible when we asked him to stop in different places and to change our program. He speaks very good English and explanations..." Ruty Ben Haim from Isarel
"I want to thank Mr. Cyril for this 17 days long tour. He is an excellent chauffeur guide, always on time with a car more than the clean. He knows all the places in the Island and organized very well. Most of all, he is very kind person, always with a smile and ready to help. I want to reccommond him to all my friends. Ria Deleu Belgium Travel period 25 Jan 2020 - 10 Feb 2020 ( 17 days)" Mrs. Ria Deleu from Belgium
"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
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