Our Honest Guide to Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is one of the most iconic places in Sri Lanka—and honestly, one of the first places I recommend checking out if you’re heading to the hill country.

It had been on our bucket list for a while, especially paired with the legendary train ride from Kandy to Ella.

After seeing countless dreamy shots of the train crossing the lush jungle bridge, we knew we had to experience it ourselves.

I have to say that it didn’t disappoint. We ended up staying much longer than expected, waiting for multiple trains, soaking in the atmosphere, and capturing some of our favorite photos of the trip.

That said, I should warn you: it was the first time we ever had leeches climbing on our feet, and it caught us completely off guard. Still, I think it was worth it for the views and the experience.

If this spot isn’t on your Sri Lanka itinerary yet, I can’t believe it took you this long — add it now. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Ella.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Nine Arch Bridge: how to get there, the best viewpoints, what to expect on the trail, when to catch the train, and a few tips we wish we knew earlier.

Train timetable

• 6:30 AM
• 9:30 AM 
• 11:30 AM 
• 3:30 PM
• 4:30 PM
• 5:30 PM

The trains are often delayed, so it’s best to arrive early and remain flexible.

At a Glance

Morning is the best time to visit if you want a quieter experience and soft light. I recommend arriving early, especially if you want to enjoy the bridge without the crowds.

Sunset, on the other hand, brings beautiful golden tones—honestly, one of the most magical times to watch the train cross.

If it has rained recently, be careful—the path can get slippery, and we noticed a few leeches climbing our feet. I recommend wearing closed shoes and keeping an eye on your ankles.

You definitely don’t need a guide to find the bridge—it’s easy to navigate on your own, and part of the fun is walking through the jungle.

But if you prefer not to deal with logistics, I recommend joining a local tour that also includes places like Little Adam’s Peak. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in Ella.

Where is the 9 Arch Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge lies near the small town of Ella in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. It’s situated approximately 2 km from Ella Railway Station (about a 25–30 minute walk) or a 5-minute tuk‑tuk ride.

How to get to Nine Arch Bridge

By foot

We reached the Nine Arch Bridge by hiking through the jungle from Ella — and we highly recommend it! We took a tuk-tuk to the start of the trail (Google Maps location), which is just a 10-minute walk from downtown Ella.

From there, the trail takes 15–20 minutes to reach the viewpoint.

The path is mostly downhill, well-marked, and easy to follow — though it does get slippery after rain, especially on the steps. We didn’t see any snakes, only a few squirrels and monkeys jumping through the trees.

There’s a nice viewing spot just 1 minute before the bridge where you’ll get a fantastic angle of the tracks curving across the jungle. Locals often sell fresh coconuts both along the trail and at the viewpoint.

By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are available all over Ella, and they can drop you off just 1-2 minutes walk from the bridge, or at the start of the forest trail.

Prices are usually around 200–300 LKR one-way from Ella town. You can also ask the driver to wait and take you back after your visit.

By scooter or a car

If you don’t feel like walking, it’s good to know there’s a small parking lot right next to the bridge, accessible via Nine Arch Road.

It’s a bit of a detour from downtown Ella, but perfect if you want to skip the jungle hike. From the parking, it’s just a 1–2 minute walk to the bridge — ideal if you’re short on time or visiting with kids.

You can rent a scooter in Ella for around 2,500 LKR per day, giving you the flexibility to explore other nearby spots as well. Just keep in mind the road is narrow and steep in parts, so ride carefully, especially after rain.

Join a tour

There’s no need for a guide if you’re happy to explore on your own — the trail is easy and well-marked. But if you prefer a hassle-free day and want to see more places in one go, joining a guided tour is a great option.

One of the most popular choices is a tuk-tuk adventure tour around Ella. You’ll visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam’s Peak, and even swim in natural rock pools at Ravana Waterfall and the Secret Fall.

Where are the best views

• First viewpoint (left side, facing the tunnel)
  This was our first photo spot – directly along the trail if you’re coming from Ella. We were completely alone here and snapped great shots of the train, and a few couple photos. Trees frame the view beautifully, making it ideal for composition.
• Below the bridge (left side, facing back toward the tunnel)
  Walk down into the tea plantations for a unique low-angle view of the bridge. You won’t see the train from here, but it’s a fantastic photo spot with a dramatic perspective.

• Tea plantation hills (right side of the bridge)
  There’s a trail that goes up the hill behind the tea fields. You’ll find small cafés with terraces and incredible views from above – perfect for wide shots and drone launches. Ideal for relaxing while waiting for the train.

What to expect

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, I recommend taking the jungle trail to the 9 Arch Bridge. It takes about 20 minutes, the path is fairly easy to follow, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself early in the morning.

We chose this route because we love hiking, and it was such a peaceful way to start the day. The trail brings you to a great viewpoint just before the bridge, on the left-hand side when you’re facing the tunnel.

It’s one of the first places I recommend stopping, especially if you want to photograph the train from above.

Trains in Sri Lanka rarely run on time, so it’s smart to arrive early and be patient. We waited about 30 minutes, but honestly, the atmosphere was so calming we didn’t mind at all.

We didn’t fly our drone here, though—too many trees made takeoff tricky. If you’re planning to use one, the bridge area is a better choice.

Once the train passed, we continued to the bridge and crossed over to the other side. It’s a great opportunity to admire the famous arches up close and photograph them from a few different angles.

From there, we walked down under the bridge into the tea plantations. Since it had rained the night before, the narrow trail was muddy and a bit slippery, especially on the steeper sections. If you decide to head down, be cautious—and wear decent shoes.

That said, the view from below took us by surprise. It’s such a magical and underrated perspective, and I think it’s worth the extra effort if you have time.

Just one thing to be aware of—leeches. This was our first encounter with them, and we noticed a few crawling up our legs while standing in the wet grass, taking photos.

We panicked and ran away. I recommend wearing long socks or checking your ankles frequently, especially after rain.

We had planned to continue to the upper viewpoint with the small cafés, but the next train was already approaching, so we ran out of time. If you’re staying a bit longer, I recommend making it up there.

Tips for visiting the 9 Arch Bridge

• Come early – The light is soft, the air is cool, and you’ll avoid the crowds. Around 6:00–7:00 AM is ideal.
• Expect wildlife – You might spot monkeys and squirrels. We didn’t see any snakes during our visit, but always stay aware. Don’t feed monkeys as they can be aggressive.
• Bring cash – Coconuts and snacks are sold along the trail and near viewpoints.
• Rent a scooter – Costs around 2500 LKR/day. A great option if you want to skip the walk and park directly near the bridge.

Be aware of attacking bees

There have been reports of bee attacks in the area around Nine Arch Bridge, especially near the jungle trails and tea plantations. While it’s not a daily occurrence, it’s important to stay alert.

We didn’t experience any issues ourselves, but locals warned us that during certain times of year or after heavy rainfall, bees can become aggressive, especially if disturbed. There are signs near the bridge warning about them, so take them seriously.

If you notice a swarm or hear loud buzzing, leave the area calmly and don’t swat at them. If you’re allergic to bee stings, bring an epinephrine pen or at least antihistamines, just to be safe.

Photography tips

The 9 Arch Bridge is a dream spot for photographers, but timing and patience are key.

• Bring a tripod if you want sharp photos in low light or solo/couple photos.
• Use foreground – Trees, rails, or tea bushes can frame your shot and make photos more dynamic.
• Walk around — you can shoot from above, below, or from the tracks.

Final thoughts

Honestly, Nine Arch Bridge is one of those places that really lives up to the hype — especially if you take the time to explore it properly.

Between the peaceful morning hike through the jungle, the excitement of waiting for the train, and the surprise view from underneath the arches, it turned out to be one of the most memorable stops on our Sri Lanka trip.

We recommend visiting early in the morning, skipping the crowds, and trying at least two different perspectives — from above and below. Just don’t forget to check the train schedule and keep an eye out for leeches if it’s rained recently.

If you’ve already been, let us know in the comments how your experience was — and if you’re planning your visit, we’re happy to help with any questions!