The Ultimate Guide: How to Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka

Wondering how to visit the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka? Visiting the Nine Arch Bridge is a must-do in Ella, so don’t miss it in your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

There are many photo spots around the stone bridge, so plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring around. You can walk on this beautiful viaduct bridge, meet locals, and watch the famous Kandy to Ella train pass through.

This ultimate guide to the Nine Arch Bridge includes the best time to visit, how to get there, the best photo spots on the map, and everything you need to know to visit the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella.

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Table Of Contents

The Ultimate Guide: How to Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka
Where is Nine Arch Bridge?
About Nine Arch Bridge Ella
Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka
How to Get to Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
Ella to Nine Arch Bridge
Ella to Badulla by Train
Train Times at the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
Map of the Best Photo Spots at Nine Arch Bridge, Ella
Safety Tips for Visiting Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
Where to Eat in Ella
- Best restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka
Where to Stay in Ella
- Best hotels in Ella, Sri Lanka

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Where is Nine Arch Bridge?

The Nine Arch Bridge is a popular Instagram photo spot located between Sri Lanka’s Ella and Demodara railway stations.

About Nine Arch Bridge Ella

The Nine Arch Bridge was built during the British Colonial period. It is said that when construction work commenced on the bridge, World War I broke out between the empires of Europe, and the steel and metal materials for the bridge were reallocated to Britain’s War-related projects. Therefore, the bridge was built using brick, stone, and cement.

The impressive stone bridge spans 91 meters at 24 meters high, surrounded by jungle and lush tea plantations. When you stand below the bridge and look up through the nine arches, you can see the sky. It is a fantastic scenery when the iconic blue or red trains pass through it.

Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Ella is between January and May.

The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for hiking and exploring the nearby attractions.

The rainy season in Ella runs from September to December. The hottest months are June, July, and August.

Ella has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity, and the average temperature is 25°C all year round.

TIP
For the best experience, visit Nine Arch Bridge Ella at sunrise or sunset.

How to Get to Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

The best way to reach Ella is by train. Most people come to Ella from Kandy or Colombo. The stunning journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the most picturesque train rides in the world, so don’t miss it.

The distance between Kandy and Ella is about 140 km, which can take 6-7 hours, depending on the type of train. Although the train journey from Kandy to Ella usually takes 9-10 hours due to long stops and frequent delays.

The trains run only 3 times a day between Kandy and Ella, so we recommend buying your train ticket in advance.

Check Kandy train ticket prices and availability HERE.

Read the full post → Kandy to Ella Train Guide

Ella to Nine Arch Bridge

If you are already in Ella, you can easily get to the Nine Arch Bridge by walking through the jungle, which is 1.5 km long and takes about 30 minutes. Be careful, as the route can be slippery, especially after heavy rain.

You can join a guided tour that includes visits to Ella Rock, the Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak, with lunch and transfers.

If you are traveling by tuk tuk, you will be taken directly to the bridge, from where you can reach the iconic photo spots in just a few minutes. The tuk tuk costs about 600 LKR (2 USD) each way.

Parking with a tuk tuk is free, but do not leave valuables in the vehicle.

After arriving at the parking lot (marked on the map), we walked for about 15 minutes to one of the iconic viewpoints at the Asanka Cafe. From there, we walked down to the stone bridge, which took about 10 minutes.

Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the best photo spots at Nine Arch Bridge, Ella. There are small cafes and restaurants where you can eat delicious Sri Lankan food or take a break.

TIP
We recommend walking around the town of Ella, then hiking up to Little Adam’s Peak and combining your visit with a walk to the Nine Arch Bridge.

Ella to Badulla by Train

We recommend traveling from Ella to Badulla and back. Although this part of the journey is not as picturesque as the train journey from Kandy to Ella, it is a great way to experience the train ride and see the Nine Arch Bridge.

The journey from Ella to Badulla takes 45-60 minutes, and second-class tickets cost 150 LKR (0.50 USD) per person without seat reservation.

On the train from Badulla to Ella, you can take the iconic photo hanging out of a train. But be careful when hanging out the door, as trees can be too close and may cause injury.

Keep reading → Things to Do in Kandy

Ella to Badulla Train Timetable

06:39-07:32 (daily)
13:26-14:28 (daily)
14:50-16:01 (Thursday & Saturday only)
15:39-16:26 (daily)
17:00-17:50 (daily)
18:27-19:26 (daily)

Badulla to Ella Train Schedule

05:45-06:33 (daily)
08:30-09:20 (daily)
09:15-10:24 (Friday & Sunday only)
10:15-11:11 (daily)
11:00-12:04 (daily)
18:05-18:59 (daily)

Train Times at the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

Trains run several times a day in both directions. The trains cross the bridge at the following times:

6:30 AM
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
15:30 PM
16:30 PM
17:30 PM

But due to frequent delays, these times can change. Ask locals or your accommodation about the current train timetable.

Good to know
During our stay in Ella, we saw the train at 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM. We recommend you arrive at least 1 hour earlier.

For the best experience, join a guided hike that includes a visit to Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak with lunch and transfers.

Map of the Best Photo Spots at Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

The most beautiful viewpoint is at the Asanka Cafe, so even if you don’t have a drone, you can still enjoy the stunning views. It’s usually crowded, so arrive early for the best photo spot.

Safety Tips for Visiting Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

Be careful, as the jungle path can be slippery, especially after heavy rain.
We do not recommend walking alone after dark.
Although you can walk on the bridge, there are no safety barriers. So, if you are walking on the edge of the bridge or taking photos, be careful not to fall or slip!
When taking photos in the tea plantations or walking in the jungle, be careful and keep your eyes open because there may be snakes around.
Although trains usually pass slowly, when you hear the horn or see the train, leave the railway track immediately!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible hospital, medical, or prescription drug expenses. This cover is provided by SafetyWing for people traveling outside their home country.

In fact, anywhere in the world, an accident, illness, or theft of your luggage or electronic equipment can happen. Therefore, insurance is the best way to avoid unexpected problems, accidents, and emergencies. Avoid extra costs such as ambulance and emergency transportation, dental treatment, and medically necessary treatment. Take out travel insurance and never know what would have happened if you hadn’t.

Read our Review of the Best Travel Insurance.

Where to Eat in Ella

In Ella, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, national foods, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka

Rainbow Cafe (Vegan and vegetarian food, delicious smoothie bowls)
Cafe Chill (International and local dishes, wonderful atmosphere)
Jade Green Tea Centre & Restaurant (delicious local and vegetarian dishes)
Matey Hut Ella Sri Lanka (Best Sri Lankan rice and curry)
Café UFO Ella (Great atmosphere and good place for dinner)
Cafe Umbrella (Cheap food on the way to Nine Arch Bridge)
AK Ristoro (Great noodles and Japanese food)
Rocky Ella Cafe (Perfect place for breakfast or lunch)
360 Ella (Perfect place for dinner with live music and delicious food)

Where to Stay in Ella

Although the town is a popular destination, accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Ella, Sri Lanka

Luxury: EKHO Ella
Mid-Range: Mountain Heavens or 98 Acres Resort & Spa
Budget: Ella Mount View Guest Inn

more hotels in ella

We hope you found our guide to Nine Arch Bridge Ella useful and will inspire you to visit Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

The Ultimate Guide: How to Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka