Exquisitely laced by highland mists and lushly enthroned by woodland magic, the quaint little hill town of Ella is beloved for its cosily picturesque cottages, undulating valleys of tea, exhilarating rock climbs, and delicious waterfall chases. The Nine-Arch Bridge, however, is its crown jewel, rising amidst emerald foliage to reveal breathtaking panoramas of its gracious heights.
Diyaluma Falls | img via wikipedia commons
A Rustic Adventure
This sleepily sweet town hides a myriad of adrenaline-high escapades, from zip-lining, cave spotting, and cascading baths at Ravana Falls to swimming in pristine natural rock pools at the rugged peak of Diyaluma Falls and climbing up Little Adam’s Peak for stunning panoramas. The vintage train ride atop this expressive antique structure ranks high on the list!
A Historical Glimpse
This Instagrammable colonial-era masterpiece, rising a majestic 24 metres, blends seamlessly with the tropically luxuriant dreamscape of tea terraces, bamboo forests, and rolling green hills. Commissioned and built during the 1940s, this artistic feat of engineering is composed entirely of rocks, cement, and bricks, as steel and other metals were reassigned for war purposes. Locally dubbed ‘Ahas Namaye Palama’ or ‘Nine Skies Bridge’, you will have an arresting view of the sky through the nine arches as you stand beneath the bridge.
A Transporting Experience
Whether it’s posing for Pinterest-worthy photos at one of the bridge’s graceful bends accentuated by dusky, light-jewelled foliage or watching the setting sun paint the mammoth, rustic arches as you wade through the aromatic sea of greenery below, you can trust this tranquil spot for an epic prowl. If you’re questing for the best things to do in Ella, seek the engaging expertise of the likes of Ceylon Tours.
Tips for Wanderlust-Seekers
Make sure you hit all of Ella’s best allurements with a comprehensive tour package, and find out the train schedule for the Nine Arch railway so you can safely soak in this atmospheric timepiece.
