Probably the most famous landmark across the whole of Sri Lanka is the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, drawing thousands of tourists each year, but is it really worth the hype? We visited during our two month trip around Sri Lanka and were determined to find out.
Surrounded by thick green jungle and tea plantations, this 100-year old viaduct is a marvel of engineering and one of the most photogenic train spots in the world. You’ll find it on postcards, Instagram feeds and every Sri Lanka itinerary.
But here’s the thing, while the bridge itself is impressive, the experience can feel overrated if you just follow the crowd. Being herded around like sheep on a tour, wrestling for space when the train comes and seeing everyone admiring the train through their phone screens. How many photos of a bridge do we all really need? That’s why we decided to write yet another guide on the Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint, to show you how to visit the “right” way.
We cover the best views, how to skip the tour groups, how to get there and if it’s actually worth seeing. A no-nonsense guide to the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka.
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Where Is the Nine Arch Bridge?
Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Ella, Nine Arch Bridge connects Demodara and Ella stations along the famous Kandy-Badulla railway line and is surrounded by tea plantations and jungle-covered hills. Located roughly 2km from Ella town, the Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint is an easy day trip or even walk if you’re staying nearby.
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How To Get To The Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint?
There are several ways to get to the Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint:
Walk From Ella Town (30 mins)
For our backpackers travellers who want to take the scenic route via Ella-Passara Road, then turn left just before the Art Cafe Umbrella. Follow the small path downhill through the forest, it’s a well-marked and popular trail with other hikers, so you won’t get lost.
Tuktuk Taxi (10 mins)
A quick ride from Ella town will drop you off near the Nine Arch Bridge Car Park. From here, it’s a short 5 minute forest walk to the upper viewpoint. This should cost no more than 1,000 LKR, we found so many of the tuktuk drivers hike up the prices so make sure to negotiate before getting in.
Tour Guide
Probably the most common option that we saw travellers take was to do a guided tour around the hotspots of Ella. Just before the train arrived herds of tourists shuffled along the tracks trying to get the best photos and were then herded away again onto the next spot as soon as the train left.
We understand if you can’t drive or only have one day in Ella and don’t want to walk, then a guided tour makes sense, but overall we really recommend avoiding them. Seeing tourists being herded like sheep didn’t look fun.
Best Ella Tours
Hike From Little Adam’s Peak (20 mins)
We decided to combine both Nine Arches and Little Adam’s Peak. After finishing the hike, follow the downhill trail towards the railway tracks that leads right to Nine Arch Bridge, it’s definitely the most scenic way to connect two of Ella’s best things to do.
- Walk past the 98 Acres Resort until you reach the main road (B113)
- Follow the road until you have the Newburgh tea factory on your right and a small road on your left
- Take the small road on the left, then follow a small path behind the café down the steps to the footpath
- You’ll then come to a break in the trees and see a glimpse of the bridge through the trees
Rental Scooter/Tuktuk/Car
If you have your own vehicle, we recommend parking here and taking a short walk through the forest to reach Nine Arch Bridge. Fancy driving a tuktuk? Check out renting options here!
Nine Arch Bridge Ella, Sri Lanka Description
Built entirely from stone and cement, this colonial-era viaduct is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks which you’ll most likely see on every youtube channel, blog post and news article. Standing 24 meters high and 91 meters long, the Nine Arch Bridge curves beautifully through the wild Ella jungle.
Being such a popular attraction and probably Ella’s top thing to do, we were sceptical to say the least, will it be just another tourist trap and extremely underwhelming. At first, our concerns came true, we timed our visit for when the train arrived, along with every tour guide in the area it seemed and it was packed. But, as the train departed, the tours all shuffled off to another spot and we had the place to ourselves, we explored under the arches, had a cup of tea in the cafe and went up to a higher viewpoint. Without the crowds, this place really is magical.
Best Nine Arch Bridge Photo Spots & Tips
Upper Viewpoint
The most popular angle, a panoramic view from above the bridge which you’ll pass through if you walk through the forest from the car park or Ella town. This spot is especially magical at sunrise and sunset when the golden light bounces off the mist collected in the valley below.
Cafe Viewpoints
Both Asanka Cafe and Tree House Cafe offer views over Nine Arch Bridge from different perspectives. Asanka Cafe is located on the hillside and has a great angle as the trains roll through, so if you want to stop for a tea, these are great spots.
On The Tracks
While the train is stopped at the bridge for 10 minutes, you can walk along the tracks and take some photos while hanging out of the doors. You can also walk along the tracks when no train is due and the crowds have left.
Underneath the Arches
This was our favourite photo spot and one that not many tourists make the effort to get to as few visitors head down to the valley below the bridge. As we went down through the tea field below, it really gives you an appreciation for the scale of the arches towering above. The path down is a little sketchy if you’re not in trainers but we really recommend taking a look if you can get down there.
Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint Common Questions
Best Time To Visit Nine Arch Bridge
The dry season (January to April) will be the busiest and driest time of the year to visit, during these months there’s little rainfall. We chose to visit during shoulder season (September to December) and had little rain with less crowds. In the wet season, watch out for leeches on the trail.
Nine Arch Bridge Train Times
Train schedules can vary and there are a variety of different times online, we recommend checking with locals or your accommodation for real-time updates.
Best Places To Stay In Ella
$ Budget
Hangover Hostel
The best place to stay for backpackers being one of Ella’s most social options with a large communal lounge and great atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers looking to meet others. Hangover Hostel hosts regular events like movie nights, group dinners and has private rooms as well as dorms.
$ Budget
Tunnnel Gap Homestay
Perched on the top of a hill, our friends stayed in the Tunnel Gap Homestay when we visited and found it to have nice, large and clean rooms. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by the warm family who runs it and be within walking distance from all the best cafes, restaurants and hikes.
$$ Mid-Range
Winwood Ella
A boutique style retreat just 600m from Ella’s train station, Winwood Ella has spacious, spotless rooms and balconies overlooking the jungle. The home cooked dinners and fresh breakfasts cooked up by the warming hosts don’t go unnoticed. A nice and comfortable stay in the heart of Ella.
$$$ High-End
Zion View Retreat
Set just a short walk from the main town and Ella’s best restaurants, this is a family-friendly luxury retreat with incredible mountain views, a stunning infinity pool and spacious family rooms. Still a super luxury experience, just at a fraction of 98 Acres price located away from Little Adam’s Peak.
Spacing
Final Thoughts on Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge
If you’ve read any of our other “Is It Worth It” blogs on common tourist hotspots (like Siquijor’s Butterfly Sanctuary) you’ll know that usually they’re just tourist traps, overpriced and underwhelming. But in this case, we think Nine Arches Bridge is worth it, with a slight catch, we wouldn’t really recommend going on the tours.
Most travellers opt to go with a local tour guide who drives you around for the day, while that’s ideal for some holidayers, we think you should DIY it! Either rent a tuktuk/scooter and head to the free parking, where you can then take the short hike through the forest down to Nine Arch Bridge and see it from a higher vantage point. Or if you don’t fancy driving the hectic roads, take a tuktuk taxi.
Once you’re there, don’t just wait for the train and then leave like the tours do, in which you’ll see the tourists being herded like sheep as soon as the train departs. Take your time, enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafes, stay after the train and tours have left, explore underneath the arches and enjoy the view. If you do this, then yes, we think visiting the beautiful Nine Arch Bridge is worth it, but I wouldn’t recommend being a sheep for a day.
