Nine Arches Bridge In Ella – Where I Lost My Way
After my trek to the top of Adam’s Peak, I packed up my bags and headed over to Ella. A long journey after a long trek with me being totally tired. Ended up with me sleeping for the longest, as I also had very less sleep to be able to reach the top of Adam’s Peak just before the sunrise.
I was staying at the Thilini Homestay, after reaching there I was served with some tea. And then immediately jumped on the bed for the longest sleep, I have ever had. No dinner, I just woke up the next day and enquired if there was some scooter available for rent in Ella. As I read online that you can get some out there and with my legs troubling a lot, the only way I could have explored Ella was the scooter.
About Ella
Ella is one of the major tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. And with the beautiful hikes and spots to visit out there, tourists spend around a week or two at Ella. The Ella market is also filled with many cafes for you to try some really awesome coffee and food.
Scooter with no International License
After having a discussion with the Homestay lady I got her scooter but was still worried if I was able to explain her the situation that I had no international license. And didn’t know if it was even allowed to ride for foreigners out there. As everyone I saw was walking around the place which was not possible for me that day.
After taking the scooter out I got to know that it wasn’t working, and thanks to one of the guys out there. Mr Ganapathy who helped me find the nearby garage and getting it fixed.
Heading over to the Nine Arches Bridge
After thanking the guy, who stayed there till my scooter was up running. I headed over to the Nine Arches Bridge, which wasn’t that far. And with still some pain in my leg, I was happy to explore the beautiful Ella Town on scooter.
After reaching the place there is a small cafe with some space for you to look at the Nine Arches Bridge from the top. But I drove ahead, which I should not have done in the first place, but the long story goes like this. After reaching the end of the road which was blocked with a big hole, I took the right, which was the wrong turn towards the bridge. And had to walk for long with no success of seeing the bridge, and later enquiring about it. I was directed towards the other end. As I was heading towards the Damodara Railway station instead of the Ella Station.
It was not that bad the wrong turn as I was able to see a waterfall and a long and beautiful tunnel, I crossed for the best view out there. So after that, I headed back towards the cafe, drank some juice and took the shortcut to the bridge. Walking through the trees, but a risky path as you would not want to slip from there.
Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka. Built entirely with rocks, bricks and cement and no metal being used throughout the structure. The bridge was commissioned in 1941 with a rumour that as the bridge was planned World War I broke out. Making the steel and metal which were assigned to the bridge being later used for military purposes.
Many people gather around the bridge just before the trains are scheduled to watch it go on the bridge. And I was able to find a spot from a height to watch the train go towards Demodara railway station. I spotted many Homestays and cafes from the bridge which can get you some really awesome view of the bridge. So would suggest you book one of those, as the view from all of those would be amazing waking up to.
You can watch more on my Youtube channel as I made a vlog about my whole journey and time spent on the bridge so click the below video to watch.