The Pekoe Trail Stage 16- Ella to Demodara

Commissioned under the British in the year 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge stands proudly, a testament to the engineering and architectural brilliance of the early 20th century. Ideally placed between the Ella and Demodara railway station, those choosing to walk along the bridge will be presented with scenes of rolling hills and dense jungle to delight in.

The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The Bridge can be reached by travelling 2km on Gotuwala road starting from Halpe Textile centre in Badulla Bandarawela road. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase in tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.

Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Ella, the Demodara loop is definitely not to be missed out. The loop is known to be called the ‘circular loop’, the ‘spiral loop’ and even the ‘spiral ride’.

Demodara tunnel and railway entrance referred to as the Demodare Loop, is where the rail line travels around a spiral loop beneath itself and appears out of a tunnel located precisely underneath the Demodare train station. This engineering marvel is the only spiral loop in the world where a tunnel lies under a railway station. Folklore claim the idea was inspired by observing a supervisor in a tea estate unfasten and retie his turban.

Demodara Railway Station is the most notable railway station in the country due to the spiral line at this location. It’s mostly popular by the name “Demodara Loop”. Because of the geographic situation of the nearby mountains, the railroad is designed to take a loop around the mountain and then go underneath the railway station. Demodara Loop is considered as the one and only such construction in the world that proves engineering marvels of colonial era.

This glorious and picturesque small railway station is situated between Ella Railway Station and Uduwara Railway Station. This train journey is rated as one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

It’s worth to go there at the time of train pass the station. That’s awesome.