Nine Arch View Ella

Avoid this place. They cancelled our reservation on the spot, even though we’d booked a month ahead, and made us take our bags out to make room for another group that had booked the night before. None of it made sense. They then offered a “free” tuk-tuk ride to another place and overcharged us when we arrived. It was a terrible experience, and easily the worst host we had in Sri Lanka. The overall rating is deceptive, since most of the five-star reviews are about the bridge itself, not the accommodation.

The Nine Arch Bridge, also called the “Bridge in the Sky,” is a colonial-era viaduct near Ella, Sri Lanka. It measures 300 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 80 to 100 feet high, and was built in 1921 from brick, cement, and stone without steel. Local folklore says a Ceylonese builder named P. K. Appuhami finished it using traditional methods after steel was diverted for World War I, though official records credit British engineers.

The hike to Nine Arches Bridge was lovely, and it’s a peaceful spot to walk around and take photos. I loved seeing the old stone arches framed by lush green tea plantations. The view from the bridge is unforgettable. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Ella!

The short walk through the tea fields is part of the appeal, and local villagers sell tea and snacks along the way, making for a pleasant break. Once you reach the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, the scale of this colonial-era stone structure is breathtaking. It stands among misty hills and green tea plantations, and watching a train cross it slowly, especially at sunrise or sunset with fog in the valley, is magical. It’s a memorable mix of history and scenery, whether you’re into photography, nature, or just curious. A must-see when you’re in Ella.