Ella, Sri Lanka

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. This waterfall is approximately 25 meters high and falls from a concave, oval-shaped rock outcrop. It is part of the Ravana Falls Wildlife Sanctuary and is located 6 kilometers from the Ella local railway station. In the same area is the Ravana Ella cave, located 1,370 meters above sea level at the base of a cliff. Excavations in the cave uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back 25,000 years.

Nine Arch Bridge, located on the outskirts of Ella, is also known as the “Bridge in the Sky” and has undoubtedly become one of Sri Lanka’s most evocative and widely promoted images. Locally, it is known as “Ahas Namaye Palama,” which in Sinhala means “bridge of the nine heavens.”This viaduct-bridge is over a hundred years old and was built with stone and cement blocks without any other reinforcement. Measuring 91 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 24 meters high, what is most impressive is the fact that it does not have an internal iron structure to support the weight of the bridge. It was designed to withstand a nine-degree curve and a steep gradient. Built entirely by local labor under British supervision, the construction faced significant logistical challenges, including the difficult terrain and the transportation of materials. Completed in 1919, the bridge has stood strong ever since, showcasing innovative engineering solutions such as concrete cornice blocks for arch support and locally produced sand and cement blocks for the lining. It is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka.