Ella

Tucked in the misty hills between Ella and Demodara, the Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Sri Lanka and one of the most photographed railway bridges in the world. Built in 1921 during British colonial rule, it stretches 91 metres across a lush jungle valley, rising 24 metres above the ground, and was constructed entirely from stone, brick, and cement, with no steel at all. The credit goes largely to a local Sri Lankan builder named P.K. Appuhami, who stepped in when materials ran short and completed the bridge using traditional methods, making it a remarkable feat of craftsmanship that has stood for over a century.

The best time to visit is when a train is passing, watching the bright blue carriages curve slowly across the arches, framed by tea plantations and misty mountains, is genuinely unforgettable. There are around six trains a day running between Ella and Demodara, so it's worth checking the schedule at your hotel the night before. The bridge is a short tuk-tuk ride or a 30 to 40 minute walk from Ella town, and pairs perfectly with a hike up Little Adam's Peak nearby.