Demodara Nine Arch Bridge

Connecting the Demodara and Ella Railway stations, the Nine Arch Bridge is built entirely out of brick, rock and cement, without a single piece of steel. Built at 3100m above sea level, among the craggy peaks of the Central Highlands; the Nine Arch Bridge has stood solid from 1921, its time of creation. According to popular beliefs, the bridge was built by the locals with bricks, when the construction came to a standstill from the lack of steel caused by World War I.

The World War One broke out and the steel consignment allocated for this site was seized and was instead used for war related projects. When the work came to a stoppage a Sri Lankan (named Appuhami) came forward and build the bridge with solid stone bricks and cement without steel.

Almost 100 years old, this bridge has been built with block of stone and cement without any strengthening iron or concrete. The giant arches take the bridge on a curved path to link to mountains. The Bridge was commissioned in 1921 under the British Government.

How to get to the Nine Arch Bridge
The bridge is quite close to the main street in Ella town. A tuk-tuk ride takes you to the bridge for 200 rupees. You can also enjoy a walk through the jungle for about 20 minutes or so. You can access from either side of the railway.

Best Time
The best time to be there is when the train is passing. So, it is advisable to check the train schedule before you go! Be safe while standing on sides of the bridge when train goes across the bridge.

The Demodara Nine Arch Bridge was constructed by connecting two big mountains in a huge way which was found in the process of constructing Badulla Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80- 100 feet in height.