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Offered languages
- English
This short and scenic stage of The Pekoe Trail is one of the most popular, taking you through stunning landscapes and serene villages for an authentic taste of Sri Lanka.
Beginning in the laidback town of Ella, you'll immediately be immersed in nature as you enter the Ella Forest Reserve. Lush greenery surrounds you and exotic birds sing overhead as you breathe in the fresh air. The trail soon leads you to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, a massive colonial bridge and popular photo spot. Walking across it yourself and seeing it from new vantage points along village roads is an entirely different experience.
You'll get a glimpse into local life as the trail cuts through small hill-country villages. Chat with the friendly locals and take in the incredible views of the Nine Arches Bridge from diverse angles. Your trek ends at the Newburgh tea factory and Demodara tea estate, where you'll learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous tea production from our guide.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of the Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Itinerary
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1Nine Arches Bridge
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Demodara Loop
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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