Nine Arch Bridge, Ella – what to expect

The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is one of the more popular tourist spots thanks to its colonial-era construction. While the bridge itself is truly impressive to look at, many people also time their visit in order to see a train go by. I really loved the look of the old, massive bridge surrounded by lush greenery. The beauty of this scene certainly makes for a great photo op. Whether you want to visit to admire the architecture or to get a photo for the ‘gram, the Nine Arch Bridge is worth a stop while in Ella.

When to go to the Nine Arch Bridge

You can visit the bridge at any point during the day, but most people will time their visit with the train passing through. We simply asked our driver when the trains passed the bridge and planned around that. If you don’t have a driver, just ask reception at your hotel. If you’re not too fussed about seeing the train, it’s best to go early in the morning in hopes of avoiding the crowds and the heat.

What to expect

There are plenty of photo opportunities to be had: below the bridge, on the train tracks, on the bridge edge, etc. Unfortunately, it was very busy when we went, so it was difficult to get a photo without dozens of other people in the shot. If only I knew how to photoshop people out..

As a heads up, if you’re visiting when a train is coming through, a staff member will clear the railway tracks about 15 minutes beforehand. You want to make sure you’re on the far end of the bridge (see above photos) in order to actually see the train coming at you for that perfect photo.