One of many highlights within the jungles outdoors Ella is the extremely well-known 9 Arch Bridge. This 30 meter excessive and 40 meter lengthy bridge is likely one of the most iconic landmarks and sights in Sri Lanka. Whereas this bridge was initially created to move tea throughout colonial occasions, it’s develop into an Instagram and vacationer phenomenon in recent times.
![Nine Arch bridge sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2003.jpg)
Though it’s develop into so touristy, I very a lot loved visiting this bridge as it’s in all probability one of the picturesque bridges you’ll discover on this planet. I got here to the 9 Arch bridge as a part of my higher Sri Lanka itinerary the place I spent virtually two weeks touring this lovely nation.
![nine arch bridge](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2206.jpg)
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2034.jpg)
Historical past of the 9 Arch Bridge
The historical past of this bridge is fascinating. As with a lot of the development occurring in Sri Lanka throughout colonial occasions, the principle function of this bridge was to move tea from the mainland of Sri Lanka to the coasts. The British Authorities wished to assemble the bridge with metal which was the fabric of alternative within the early twentieth century.
![Nine arch bridge sri lanka ella](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2150.jpg)
As World Warfare I broke out in Europe, a lot of the metal capability was diverted again to Europe for the warfare. The bridge was subsequently unfinished for a while. Locals nonetheless, took it into their very own arms, establishing the bridge with stones and cement which in all probability left the British baffled.
These days, this prepare not is liable for a lot tea transportation. Trains nonetheless run throughout the bridge repeatedly all through the day however as an alternative of transporting tea, it’s principally transporting vacationers and locals (however principally vacationers). As nicely, the bridge itself is a vacationer hotspot with individuals flocking to the bridge to take photographs.
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2060.jpg)
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2179.jpg)
Attending to the 9 Arch Bridge from Ella
There are quite a few methods to get to the 9 Arch Bridge from Ella.
Stroll from Ella City to 9 Arch Bridge
The best is to simply stroll from city. It will take about 30-40 minutes from the principle street. You’ll have to climb down and up just a few hills however usually this isn’t a troublesome hike in my view. The start line is on the town at this level.
Drive to the automobile parking zone and stroll
When you have a driver with you or don’t need to pay the tuk tuk prices to the underside of the bridge, take into account taking it to the automobile parking zone situated right here. From right here, it’s a 15 minute stroll by means of villa and cafes to the bridge. You’ll be able to see the point of view on the finish of this stroll right here.
![nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF1879.jpg)
Take a tuk tuk on to the prepare tracks
One other methodology is to take a tuk tuk on to the prepare tracks. As it is a tremendous touristy endeavor, you may count on the costs to be jacked up. I heard of individuals paying 3,000 LKR for the 10-15 minute tuk tuk journey which might be loopy in some other occasion moreover this.
![Tuk tuk at nine arch bridge sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2166.jpg)
Greatest time to go to the 9 Arch bridge
Indubitably, the very best time to go to the 9 Arch bridge is through the dawn. The nice and cozy colours of the morning actually pair nicely with the aged stone and the close by tea fields. It’s a lot simpler to take photographs as nicely with out the solar shining down erratically on the bridge.
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2010.jpg)
The morning can also be the very best time to keep away from the crowds as swarms of vacationers will come afterward within the day.
Go to through the dawn
Dawn is usually round 6am in Sri Lanka. I arrived on the bridge simply after 6am which implies I left my guesthouse round 5:40am to make it in time. This was good as there have been only some different vacationers round which allowed for getting wonderful photographs!
From 7am, the vacationers begin to present up and by 7:30am, it may be very busy. I discovered the very best lighting to be round 6:45 to 7:15am simply because the solar was rising above the timber and earlier than it actually hit immediately onto the bridge.
![Ella Nine Arch Bridge how to visit](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2086.jpg)
Time your go to round a prepare
Taking your photograph when the prepare comes adverts an entire totally different factor of pleasure.
![Nine arch bridge train sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF1969.jpg)
The prepare runs a number of occasions a day throughout the bridge. There’s no warning indicators or individuals guarding the tracks both so ensure you get out of the best way as soon as the prepare comes!
The prepare occasions are as follows
6:156:309:3011:5012:4015:3016:3017:30
![](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2218.jpg)
Sri Lankan trains are usually not probably the most dependable so these occasions are topic to alter. I’d give somewhat buffer room on each ends of the time to be protected.
How To Take Superb Images On the 9 Arch Bridge
The bridge is free to roam and wander as you please. You’ll be able to stroll on the tracks, stroll alongside the tracks, or contained in the tracks. Should you’re feeling courageous, you may even sit or stroll alongside the sides of the bridge for that iconic bridge photograph shot. We spent quite a lot of time attempting to get the proper shot from the bridge and you’ll see the fruits of that labor in these photographs.
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF1902.jpg)
The prepare passes by means of this bridge a number of occasions a day with the primary prepare passing by means of at round 6:30am. I had fairly the scare when this occurred as I used to be busy taking photographs on the sting of the bridge. The prepare was filled with vacationers hanging out the entrance door like I had finished the day prior to this. There aren’t any boundaries or warning both. Some man who doesn’t work for the transportation division will often come onto the observe and inform individuals a prepare is coming.
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2161.jpg)
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2034.jpg)
I believe this can in all probability change sooner or later with extra vacationers flocking to this ever in style bridge. I may see extra accidents occurring with individuals falling off the bridge or getting struck by the prepare.
![Nine arch bridge sri lanka ella](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-8-1.jpg)
Take photographs within the tea plantation
The bridge is surrounded by tea fields which make for a tremendous juxtaposition with the 9 Arch Bridge. Subsequent to the bridge on the south aspect are just a few tea fields and an area store promoting coconuts and snacks.
Merely stroll just a few steps down into the tea fields and also you rapidly have model new photograph alternatives with the bridge immediately in entrance of you. Don’t take my phrase for it, merely take a look at these wonderful photographs!
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2121-1.jpg)
Take photographs above the 9 Arch Bridge
Lastly, it is best to take some photographs overlooking the bridge. The very best space for that is the point of view immediately above the bridge on the north aspect. The precise location is the “9 Arch Bridge Viewpoint“. It truly seems like somebody lives right here however they only allow you to use the point of view to take your photographs. They do go away a field for ideas nonetheless!
![Nine arch bridge ella sri lanka](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSCF2188.jpg)
The place to remain round Ella and the 9 Arch Bridge
There are numerous guesthouses, B&Bs, and inns in and round Ella and the 9 Arch Bridge. There are additionally quite a lot of inns which have direct view and entry to the bridge. On my hike to the bridge, I walked by means of quite a few inns that had unobstructed views of the bridge and even marketed themselves as having this.
![](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-8.jpg)
The one draw back to staying in an lodging immediately above the bridge is its inaccessibility to the principle city. You’ll need to take a tuk tuk each time you need to go to city which could be annoying. Should you don’t care about going into the city, then this may very well be an incredible possibility for you. Waking as much as the trains passing by means of this bridge is a sight to behold. There are even capsule fashion inns akin to the inns I discovered in Petra, Jordan right here!
These are a group of inns which have direct views and entry to the 9 Arch Bridge!
Benefit from the view of the bridge from a close-by cafe
Close by to the bridge are a group of many various cafes that provide wonderful views. It is a excellent spot to go after your hike to get pleasure from a morning espresso and a chunk. Don’t count on to have Bali fashion cafes surrounding the bridge however extra rustic, native fashion cafes.
![](https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-8.png)
One among my favorites is the Asanka cafe which does a implausible espresso in addition to Sri Lankan specialties like kottu rotti and coconut rotis.