Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

Sri Lanka’s beautiful Hill Country is home to its one man-made wonder, brought together by a splendid marriage of ancient engineering and the beauty of nature. Not only is the Nine Arch Bridge – or the Bridge in the Sky – a railway bridge, it has come to be a symbol of innovation and an ever enduring human spirit. In this article I describe the architectural splendour, historical relevance and also the breath taking experiences that the Nine Arch Bridge provides.

A Genesis of the Nine Arch Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge is constructed during the British colonial era situated in Demodara between Ella and Demodara railway stations. An impressive example of colonial era railway construction built between 1913 and 1921. One of early 20th century engineering marvels. It is unique not just because of its location or the fact that it is made up entirely of bricks, rocks and cement and no steel, but because of how it has remained in use nearly a century afterwards.

Design and Construction

Across nine arches, it spans some 91 meters at 24 meters high, from which it derives its name. The design depicts the perfect blend of British and local engineering practice of the time. Originally, the lack of steel wasn’t planned but the material shortages during World War I led to that. Due to this constraint, the local engineers and builders used local brick and rock to make a railway bridge not only a useable one but an artwork too.

Architectural Marvel

The builders of the Nine Arch Bridge were skilled and ingenious for such a design of architectural design. Symmetrical in the nine arches makes for a rhythmic visual appropriate to its surroundings. The project’s structural engineering principles, including the load distribution and balance, is exhibited in the curved bridge and how it fits in to the railway track.

Engineering Techniques

The arch bridge was built using compression and load bearing style construction, techniques which are commonly used to build arch bridges. The well laid bricks bear the weight of these train passages until today, something which speaks of the foresight and precision of the constructors who laid them. The cement was a mix of lime and clay that proved extremely durable, not despite the commonly high humidity and rainfall, but because of it.

Historical Significance

The Nine Arch Bridge is an architectural and engineering achievement but it is also of historical value. Built around the time when Sri Lanka was undergoing serious infrastructural change under British rule, it is a modern cathedral. During the colonial times, the country was dependent on income from tea and that’s what the railway itself contributed majorly when it came to transferring goods, particularly tea. As a result the bridge played an important part in the economic development of the region and is a symbol of the age’s challenges and achievements.

The Bridge as a Cultural Icon

The Nine Arch Bridge has turned into a cultural symbol as it has on its own attracted thousands of tourists annually over the years. This place becomes favorite spot for the photographers and nature loves who love to see its grandeur and mismatch it in the green land and misty sky. Also importantly, the bridge has played a role in local folklore and has become a subject of many artistic interpretations.

A Tourist Haven

Walking out from the clouds onto the top of Nine Arch Bridge is a walk through the heart of Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty. Set within rugged Tea Plantations, and local villages, take in rural Sri Lankan life as the road to the bridge leads. From the bridge, there was a panoramic view over the dense forests and rolling hills more typical of the Central Highlands.

Experiences and Activities

Walkers will be thrilled to be able to do this if they are adventurous at heart, by walking the railway track up to the bridge. Local government and community have done what they can to keep it safe yet maintain the natural and historical integrity of the bridge and its surroundings. The town of Ella just nearby has some cozy accommodation and delicious local food – the perfect base from which to explore this architectural marvel.

Conservation Efforts

Although the government and the local community are pushing to save the Nine Arch Bridge. Work is ongoing to make sure the bridge stays safe, but open and a piece of history. Regular maintenance of the railway track and the structure and environmental conservation is another effort they continue to do to maintain the adjoining flora and fauna.

Top Places to Visit

The Nine Arch Bridge Itself – Viewing Spots

Little Adam’s Peak: Little Adam’s Peak offers good views of the Nine Arch Bridge. From this nearby vantage the views of the bridge are panoramic — its arches stretching gracefully across the gorge amidst dense greenery and open skies.

The Bridge Footpath: Rather than admiring the structure from the comfort of your car, walk along the footpath beneath the bridge to get a close up of the architectural detail and sheer size of this colossus. For photographers keen to immortalize arches of grandeur and the minutiae of its construction, it’s the perfect place.

Ella Town

Ella is a charming village just a short ride from Nine Arch Bridge, not only it gives you those splendid views, but it also has a cosy little retreat for travellers.
Attractions in Ella

Ella Rock: For the more adventurous this leads to Ella Rock for a stunning countryside view. Challenging trail, but worth the effort to the top with scenic views from the top.

Ella Spice Garden: Take a wander through the Ella Spice Garden if you are interested by learning much about the variety of spices and herbs Sri Lanka has to offer. For the culinary minded worker, this aromatic immersion experience is the perfect way to go more in depth with the local cuisine.

Tea Plantations

Some of the country’s most productive tea estates surround the Nine Arch Bridge. A look into Sri Lanka’s colonial past, these plantations also provide one of the most serene getaways amongst tea bushes.

Tours and Tastings

Halpewatte Tea Factory: A tour of the Halpewatte Tea Factory is available to visit and see the tea making process from leaf to cup. Taste different varieties of Ceylon tea as you learn about them—a great souvenir from your trip.

Demodara Loop

It’s a railway loop that winds under the Demodara station and into a tunnel. This is a unique feature of the Sri Lankan train system and a visit is interesting to understand more about the local train history.
Experience the Train Ride

To see the loop first hand, take a train from Ella to Demodara. It’s a picturesque journey through lush landscapes, tunnels and some of the most thrilling thrashes of metal you’ll ever go on.

Lipton’s Seat

Lipton’s Seat is one of the most scenic, if not the least visited, near the Nine Arch Bridge. Apparently Sir Thomas Lipton would survey his growing empire of tea made from here.

Panoramic Views

On a clear day, the view from Lipton’s Seat reaches across emerald green tea plantations, and across to distant mountains. An ideal morning hike.

Local Villages

Around the Nine Arch Bridge, there are villages and exploring these gives you a glimpse into the lives of the local communities and the best way to connect with them directly.

Cultural Exchange

Cooking lesson at a local home to feel real Sri Lankan hospitality and taste of Sri Lankan cuisine. They frequently result in interesting comments, as well as a greater understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Railway Bridge is a bridge of history and architecture and a sign of natural beauty. The story of its construction is that of innovation overcoming adversity. A timeless journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s colonial past and her natural splendor it is for travelers. The Nine Arch Bridge stands resiliently against the Ella hills and continues to fascinate and inspire while bridging past and present, the man made and the natural, local and global.