Here is a mini guide for the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. This Sri Lankan place is quite unique and very well-known. But how is it, how do you get there and where do you sleep? In this article, you will read more!
What to expect in this article:
- About Ella in Sri Lanka
- How to get to Ella
- Why visit the Nine Arches Bridge
- My favorite moment at the bridge
- Best time to visit the Nine Arches Bridge
- Where to stay: Ella Country House
- How to get to the Nine Arches Bridge
- What else can you do in Ella?
- What to pack or wear to the bridge
- Would I recommend visiting the Nine Arches Bridge?
About Ella in Sri Lanka
Ella is a small, touristic town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Green hills, tea plantations and waterfalls can be found in this place. I loved nature here!! It’s calm because of its nature, but because of all the tourists, it can feel crowded at the same time.
Sri Lanka has a piece of my heart, as it’s where my roots are. In 2023, I finally had the chance to visit it for the first time (yes, first time, crazy right!?) and we got to spend some time in Ella, before heading to our family in the north. As Sri Lanka is special to me, I wrote quite some articles, which can be found here!
In this article, I’ll share my honest opinion about the famous Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. I’ll also tell you how to get there, where to stay and what else you can do.
How to get to Ella
Getting to Ella can be an adventure in itself. There are a few different ways to travel, depending on your budget and how much time you have.
By Train: This is the most popular way, and for a good reason! The train ride from Kandy to Ella is known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. You’ll pass green tea fields, forests, and even waterfalls. It takes about 6 to 7 hours, but time flies when the views are this amazing! We took the train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya.
By Car or Bus: If you prefer the road, you can take a bus or hire a private car. My family and I hired a van with a chauffeur, as my dad was a bit scared, but it was not necessary. Our drive from Colombo to Ella took around 9 hours.
The drive is a bit bumpy in places, but it’s still a great way to see more of the country. Just make sure to stop and enjoy the views along the way- By Tuk Tuk: One of the most special and common ways to drive through Sri Lanka is by rikshaw or tuk tuk. You can hire them and have fun going your way!
Don't forget to book an activity!
Why visit the Nine Arches Bridge
If you say Ella, you say the Nine Arches Bridge. It’s quite a famous tourist spot in Sri Lanka. It is basically a big stone bridge surrounded by gorgeous nature. With nine beautiful arches and no steel inside, it’s a true piece of art!
Now comes my honest opinion: the bridge is absolutely gorgeous, but it can get really crowded. It’s one of the most touristy places in Ella, so don’t expect to be alone. But it didn’t ruin the moment for me. The view is just too beautiful! And I did take some amazing photos alone and with my family, especially when the train went over the bridge.
You should try to be there when a train is crossing the bridge. It is fun to see the colorful train slowly move across the bridge, take lots of pictures and wave at the people aboard the train. They change the timings often, so make sure to check online what the train schedule is.
Did I say already that it is free to visit this spot!?
My favorite moment at the bridge
One memory that stayed with me was seeing a group of monks walking across the Nine Arches bridge, just when we were about to leave. (Well, I was not leaving yet!)
I think they were foreign monks (maybe Myanmar), dressed in orange robes, slow and thoughtful, but I could see their excitement at the same time.
Watching them and imagining their journey was such a special experience. I wish I had been able to talk to them! It added a special touch to my visit and I made some good photos of them. It represents Sri Lanka: their orange robes, which is like a pop of color in the beautiful green jungle of Sri Lanka.
Best time to visit the Nine Arches Bridge
Morning: Come early (around 6:30–7:30 AM) for fewer people and soft morning light.
Evening: Sunset is beautiful too, but it can be busier. We were there in the early afternoon and it was crowded! Which you can see in the pictures. And there is no shade on the bridge, so keep that in mind.
Train Timing: Like I said before, try to catch the train going over the bridge! Ask the internet, locals or your guesthouse/hotel for the latest times — they often know best.
- Cafes: On Instagram I often see people/influencers having gorgeous pictures of the bridge, including some food. How? Because they visited one of the cafes that you can see on top in the jungle. This could be a fun extra thing to do!
Read another article of Sri Lanka!
Best accommodation in Sigiriya (Sri Lanka): The Otunna Guest House
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Where to stay: Ella Country House
If you’re planning to stay in Ella, I can recommend Ella Country House. The rooms are basic and it is a good option if you have a budget.
It’s quiet and the view from the rooms on the mountains are absolutely amazing. A free yummy breakfast is also included, but be aware with eating it on the balcony, as monkeys might come. Lastly, the location is close to Ella Center.
Booking link: Ella Country House
How to get to the Nine Arches Bridge?
Once you’re in Ella, getting to the Nine Arches Bridge is pretty easy.
Walking: The best way to reach is by walk. You can walk from Ella town. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes and it is not a difficult hike. Just wear good shoes because it might get muddy. I mean, if my parents can do the hike, you can too 🙂
Tuk-Tuk: This is another way to reach. You just need to hike 5-10 minutes yourself. On the way back you can also take this, if you are tired. My parents did it and it took them just 5 minutes to reach Ella Town. There are many locals with their tuk-tuks waiting at the train track. Costs: around 500–1000 LKR (€1.50–€3)
What else can you do in Ella?
Ella is full of fun things to do. Here are some of my favorite activities:
Hike to Ella Rock: A bit tough but totally worth it! The view from the top is out of this world.
Climb Little Adam’s Peak: A shorter hike, great for beginners. The views are just as lovely. As I was here with my parents, we choose to hike Little Adam’s Peak. We all loved it!
- Flying Ravana: Once you are up Little Adam’s Peak, don’t forget to zipline! You can do this at Flying Ravana. It was my first time doing this and I did it with my sister’s boyfriend. At the beginning, I was nervous, but flying through the jungle of the country of my roots, Sri Lanka, is a memory that will never fade! Check out our experience here.
Visit Ravana Falls: A beautiful waterfall close to Ella. You can dip your feet or just enjoy the sound of the loud water.
Ravana Pool Club: If you want to enjoy a cool infinity pool, some drinks/ food or a beautiful swing, you should try this spot. Prices are a bit higher, but the views of Ella and its nature are gorgeous!
Tour a Tea Factory: Learn how Sri Lanka’s famous tea is made, and taste some fresh cups right there. There are some sites like this in Ella. I visited a Tea Factory near Nuwara Eliya, which I can highly recommend. Read more about that experience here.
Cafes and Shops: Ella has some cute cafes with great food and coffee. It’s the perfect place to relax and people-watch. But Ella Town is quite touristic, so it can get really crowded.
What to pack or wear to the bridge
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk through some forest paths)
Water bottle (it can get hot!)
Light clothing (but modest if you plan to visit temples)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Camera or phone — because you’ll want to take lots of pics!
Would I recommend visiting the Nine Arches Bridge?
Ella is one of those places that stays with you. Yes, it’s becoming more popular, but it still keeps its charm because of its nature. The Nine Arches Bridge may be touristy, but it’s still a unique place. And that is why I would recommend it!
Between the views, the people, and those special little moments, it’s easy to fall in love with Ella. For me, Nuwara Eliya was just a bit more amazing, but Ella comes after that!
Sri Lanka is more than just a destination for me – it’s a part of who I am. I am proud of these amazing spots and want everyone to witness my beautiful country. So, if you’re planning a trip, make sure Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge is on your list.
I hope you liked reading the article and I can’t wait to hear about your experience at this gorgeous bridge!
*Some of the links in the article are affiliate links, so I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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