The Nine-Arch Bridge, also known as the “Bridge in the Sky”, is an iconic colonial-era railway bridge nestled amidst the lush tea plantations and misty mountains near Ella, Sri Lanka. Completed in 1921 under British rule, this architectural marvel is distinctive for its construction entirely from brick, cement, and stone, with no steel used.
Spanning 91 meters in length and standing about 24 meters high, the bridge features nine graceful arches that blend seamlessly with the verdant landscape. It’s a popular spot for tourists who come to witness trains crossing, a picturesque spectacle often enhanced by the surrounding natural beauty. Local folklore attributes its construction to a Ceylonese builder, P.K. Appuhami, during World War I, when steel was scarce.