Nine-arched bridge
WRITTEN BY LASI
Sri Lanka has a bridge called Nine Arches Bridge. It is among the outstanding railroad constructions from the colonial era in the nation. On the advice of British engineers, a local Ceylonese builder named P. K. Appuhamy was generally credited with building the bridge. People who choose to walk along the bridge will be treated to sights of undulating hills and dense vegetation while they do so, as it is conveniently located between the Ella and Demodara railway stations.
Nine Arch Bridge
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The Nine Arches is a viaduct that connects the stations of the Demodara and Ella Railways. It was constructed at 3100 meters above sea level, among the jagged peaks of the Central Highlands. The bridge, which was constructed entirely of brick, rock, and cement and without a single piece of steel, has held up well since it was built in 1921. The bridge was erected by the townspeople using these materials, according to history, when it was halted due to a shortage of steel brought on by World War I. But in addition to this background, there are many stories about how the bridge was built.
The most well-known tale concerns a man by the name of P. K. Appuhami who resided in Melimada's Kappatipola neighborhood. Appuhami, a well-known traditional drummer and devil dancer, was born in 1870. (a ritual dance form). One day, while Appuhami was glumly walking home after losing a competition, a British officer noticed him. The demonic figure (Appuhami was still wearing his dance outfit) initially terrified the man, but he soon warmed up to him. When Appuhami learned that the odd foreigner was in the area to build a railway, he helped by providing him with labor from the nearby villages.
However, the construction of the railway did not go as planned. They discovered that there was a quagmire in the valley between, making it impossible for them to cross a wide chasm between two hills. The swampy ground prevented strong anchoring from being established. When Appuhami discovered this, he asked to take over the bridge project. Although they originally rejected him, they eventually accepted him since he had earned their trust via his friendship and aid. According to the legend, Appuhami began construction on the bridge in 1913. He created a steady bed of rocks by throwing enormous rocks into the area to address the problem of the unstable ground.Over this bed, he built the brick columns for the bridge, and he carried out the project.
Appuhami's construction techniques were so simple and economical that he completed the entire project, which was supposed to take many years to complete, in just one year at a fraction of the initial cost anticipated.
The'savages' ability to complete such a massive structure so quickly stunned British officials to the point where they refused to believe the project's structural stability.
When the railway line was used for the first time at this place, Appuhami is alleged to have sworn to the strength of the structure by pledging to prove it by sleeping under the bridge.
When the track was finished, he followed through on his pledge, impressing the officials with his accomplishment.
What's most intriguing about the narrative is that Appuhami was eventually offered recompense in the form of the balance charges that he had avoided by using his low-cost construction techniques. Folklore tells of the joyful day that Appuhami brought four carts full of silver coins back to his town. He then gave each person a silver coin and spent the money on food for his village and the village next door for two whole days.
No matter the veracity of the tales, the Nine Arches Bridge, with its nine elegant arches and sturdy construction, remains one of the examples of Sri Lanka's expertise in
Expectations for the Nine Arch Bridge
When you arrive at Ella's Nine Arch Bridge, you can be welcomed by a few natives selling coconuts.
However, based on our observations, they weren't overbearing and mainly just wanted to converse with the tourists.
Both sides of the bridge offer spectacular views.
Take your time looking around, but please don't lose your senses.
Try to schedule your vacation to coincide with the train schedules for an extra-special experience.
The bridge is planned to be used by trains at 9:30, 11:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30.
However, the famed Sri Lankan train's scheduled departure timings are somewhat arbitrary, and it frequently runs late.
When we visited, we didn’t have any luck as we arrived just after 11:30am!
The day was still a great adventure though. We recommend taking plenty of water and wearing sensible shoes!
Overall a tourist spot that lives up to all expectations. More than 100 years on from its build date, the Nine Arch Bridge still stands firm, giving the passengers inside the train and visitors standing at the location, both a spectacular experience.
How to get to the Nine Arch Bridge
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You can get to the train bridge using a variety of methods and routes. Turn left at the small colored temple on the way to Little Adam's Peak. On Google Maps, follow Lake Front Cottage.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KAGKwuGibAwE2XbKA
After the Art Cafe Umbrella, at the parking spaces, turn left into the jungle for a quieter stroll through the jungle. You must continue on the walk for roughly 10 minutes from here to get a special perspective across the bridge. We heartily advise taking this route.
It's best to avoid walking alone in the dark for your own safety. Visit there during the day or stroll there with a group of other tourists.
The quickest route is to proceed from Ella town down the railroad until you reach a tunnel. You arrive at the Nine Arch Bridge soon after leaving the tunnel.
Tuk-tuks cost 300 LKR (2 USD) and can be hired from Ella to take you to the Nine Arch Bridge. Ask them to drop you off close to the tunnel so you can quickly make the final leg of the bridge walk.
A Must Read
We took this drone photo on our first trip to Sri Lanka. Please be aware that drones are no longer legally permitted in Sri Lanka.
The Nine Arch Bridge train schedule
About six trains traverse the bridge each day. Although the actual timing varies constantly in Sri Lanka, one should occur every hour. Do not be concerned that you must wait so long.
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