The bridge was designed to accommodate a challenging nine-degree curve and steep gradient. Built entirely by local labor under British supervision, the construction faced significant logistical challenges, including difficult terrain and material transport. Completed in 1919, the bridge has since stood resilient, showcasing innovative engineering solutions such as concrete cornice blocks for arch support and locally produced sand-cement blocks for facing.[6]

Location

It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.

History

The work had been carried by Harold Cuthbert Marwood as Engineer in charge of that section of the railway, under the approval of the Chief Construction Engineer, Railway Extensions, M. Cole Bowen.

The chief designer and project manager of the 'Upcountry Railway Line of Ceylon' project was D. J. Wimalasurendra, a distinguished Ceylonese engineer and inventor. The designer of the viaduct was Harold Cuthbert Marwood of Railway Construction Department of Ceylon Government Railway. The 1923 report "Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon", published by the Engineering Association of Ceylon, has details of all the records including the plans and drawings. 

Folklore generally attributed the construction of the bridge to a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, in consultation with British engineers.There is no documented evidence to support the involvement of Appuhami in the bridge’s construction, but the folklore remains a part of the local heritage.

At the time of construction, which coincided with the commencement of World War I, rumours were that the steel assigned for the bridge were reallocated to British war related projects, and as a result, work came to a standstill, leading the locals to build the bridge with stone bricks and cement, but without steel, except of course for the rails and pins securing them.

Ravana Falls (Sinhala: රාවණා ඇල්ල, romanized: Ravana Ella) is a popular sightseeing attraction in Uva province of Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country.

Description[edit]

This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and are located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station at Ella.[2]

Legend[edit]

The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, who is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The reason for the kidnapping is said to be exact revenge for slicing off the nose of his sister by Rama (husband of Sita) and his brother Laxmana. At the time, the cave was surrounded by thick forests in the midst of the wilderness. It is also believed that Rama's queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. They believed that Ravana has played the Ravanahatha over here.[citation needed]

The Ravana Cave is located 2 kilometres outside of Ella town and lies 1370 metres above sea level. It is one of the most important tourists attractions with an historical value in Ella. The history of the Ravana cave is that King Ravana used this cave to hide the Princess Sita. If you are interested in the Sri Lankan history, and you’re ready to climb some stairs to see this cave, then you definitely must check out the Ravana Cave! It is definitely one of the fun activities to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. Find all the information you need to know about the Ravana Cave in this blog post.

How to get to Ravana Cave Ella

Ravana Cave is located 2 kilometres outside of Ella town and lies 1370 metres above sea level. The climb up to the Ravana Cave is a steep path which is quite tough with about 650 uneven steps. Some places have broken or no steps at all, just steep rocks. The last few meters are the toughest because you have to climb up the rocks without anything to hold on. Therefore the climb is not recommended for the elderly. But the view you get from the top is just incredible and so impressive!

About Ravana Cave

The Ravana cave consists of a part of the tunnel which is connected to the Ravana Falls in Ella. Tales say that King Rama of India had a beautiful wife, Queen Sita. He kidnapped Queen Sita, brought her to Sri Lanka and hide her in the Ravana caves. The tunnels served as a quick way of transportation through the hills and also as a secret passage. They connect with all the important cities, airports and dairy farms in Sri Lanka. A closer look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not just natural formations. The architectural details of these tunnels prove the brilliant way of building of King Ravana.

Existing tunnel mouths are situated in lsthripura at Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola / Matale and seetha kotuwa / Hasalaka. In addition, there are many more tunnel openings. This most prominent ramayana site can be accessed by turning off 3km from Ella on Wellawaya road. Then Go up 2km to Ravana Ella temple. Trek uphill about 2km.

What to expect at Ravana Cave Ella

Once you have conquered the 650 steps, you’ll arrive at the historical Ravana Cave. The cave itself is pretty small, just to make your expectations realistic. You are allowed to go inside of the cave for only 200 meters. After those 200 meters there is a big stone that has been kept by the Government prohibiting people from going further inside. The view from the cave is impressive and if you like history and a little adventure, this is a great thing to do in Ella!

Legends

Excavations in this ancient cave showed human occupancy reaching back to 20,000 BC. The cave is 1,370 meters (4,490 feet) above sea level and is 50 feet wide, 150 feet long, and 60 feet high. The cave is also said to be linked to the Dowa Rock Temple cave near Badulla. The network of caverns and tunnels is entirely man-made, connecting all major cities and serving as quickly hidden passageways through the mountains. Ravana Falls, a 25-meter waterfall, is located behind the cave (Ravana Ella). During the wet season, the magnificent waterfall is one of the widest in Sri Lanka. Princess Sita is supposed to have bathed in a pool of water accumulated by the waterfall. Ella has the clearest connection and linkage to the Ramayana epic events that occurred so long ago – Hindus having great faith in the legend encircling the prehistoric monarch Ravana.

The underground passageway A modest notice board indicates the turn off to the Sita Cave, said to be the dwelling of the princess in the Ramayana, as you go from Ella on the Wellawaya road. The tunnel underneath the ground As you go from Ella on the Wellawaya road, a tiny notice board announces the turnoff to the Sita Cave, thought to be the princess’s residence in the Ramayana.

Today that Ravana cave could be visited after a short hike of around 500 meters. Other caves with similar colorful legends have revealed far more scientifically important information regarding early human habitation of the country, the Sita cave might be such a treasure trove given that it is geologically a medium sized structure which would have been easily capable of sheltering several dozen primitive humans, long before the arrival of Sita. There might be little sign of Sita inside its dark hollows, but the cave named for the Indian princess offers a wonderful hike through shrub forests with some great views of the Ella Gorge along one of its precipices.

Flying Ravana Adventure park is one of a kind experience available in Sri Lanka, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella. Completed with its pride, Sri Lanka’s first-ever Mega zip-line.

The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer, slides at 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.

The adventure park is exclusively designed for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies who prefer a not-so-ordinary hillside experience, offering ATV/quad bike rides, Abseiling, Archery, and Air rifling for a gripping outdoor experience.

Flying Ravana is truly, Ella in all its glory.

Ravana Adventure Park is an adventure company.

Here, local and foreign tourists can experience a variety of adventure activities that are impossible in their normal lives under the supervision of experienced instructors and facilitators under maximum safety and security.

Location

Ravana Adventure Park is situated at 10th Milepost, Pahaliyakuburua, Pallewela, Uva karadagolla, in Ella.

Approximately 200 km east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1041m above sea level surrounded by an incredible range of landscapes, Beautiful forests, and scenic waterfalls. 

Hiking Ella Rock is definitely for slightly more experienced hikers or at least for the more adventurous as the whole hike takes about four 4 hours. Ella Rock can be reached from the main town of Ella. 

Getting to the Peak

On your hike you will walk past tea estates, railway lines, a small eucalyptus forest till you finally make it to the cleared summit, where you can enjoy the stunning views. From the top, you will get a panoramic view of Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak, as well as Ella town. When visiting Sri Lanka, you must watch the sunrise from a mountain top at least once and there is no better place than from Ella Rock. Hike in the wee hours of the morning to watch the sunrise from the summit. It is an indescribable feeling watching the sky change colour from a deep purple to a pinkish-orange, especially for early birds as they catch the sunrise from the peaks – a recommended experience for those in Ella. 

Important Tips

The hike to the summit of Ella Rock is fairly difficult. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate footwear due to the uneven terrain in reaching the top. Pack snacks and water to keep you energized and refreshed during the entire hike. Comfortable clothing is advised, however, do pack a light jacket or scarf as it can get quite cold at the top.

If you love living green, then Ella is obviously a place to visit. Ella Rock is one of the place which proves it.

Trekkers would love the place. It’s bit tiring to do the hiking. But it is definitely worth it. Once you got to the summit you will realize why we said so. The panoramic views it provides with mist and cloud covering the area, especially in the early mornings and the late evenings are something you should witness and that would suffice enough to say that you visited Ella.

Total time for climbing up and down is 4 hours. Yes, sounds like a long journey. But the way up there is with full of diversity. If you are starting form Ella train station, you would enjoy the rail walk, and soon as you started climbing up, you will be passing a waterfall, the rubber tree forest and tea plantations.

On a rainy day, it can be slippery, so better be cautious with what you wear for the journey. Wear something suitable for a hiking and towards the end of the hike, route will get bit harder with the steep, still manageable.

Hiking Little Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka is one of the most epic things to do in Ella. The peak can be hiked easily without a guide, as there is a marked path that leads you up the mountain, with plenty of signposts to show you the way.

You’ll see many other tourists walking the same path, which is a comforting sign when you’re doing a hike for the first time.

The peak is not to be confused with Adam’s peak, which is a little way away and a considerably tougher and longer hike. It gets its name from Adam’s peak because this mountain replicates its shape, in a smaller form.

In this ultimate Little Adam’s Peak guide I will go over everything you need to know to hike Adam’s Peak, including where it is, how to get there, what to bring and more.

Ella is a hiking hotspot in the mountain country of Sri Lanka. Some of the views from hikes in Ella are phenomenal with the region well known for its tea plantations and spectacular mountain ranges. If you want to enjoy some of the best views without needing to hike for hours, Little Adam’s Peak Hike is the perfect trek, especially for an unforgettable sunset

Reaching an imposing 1141 meters in the air, Mini Adam’s Peak lets thrill-seekers scour stunning sceneries that are made up of densely covered jungle and cliff drops. Affording moderate hiking and trekking opportunities for the go-getter of today, adventurers are advised to commence their journeys from Ella town from where the summit of the mountain is a mere 3 kilometres away. Also, the best time to pay a visit to Mini Adam’s Peak would be either during early morning or late evening.

Mini Adam’s Peak is very similar to Adam’s Peak in nature and hence got its name from the villagers constantly calling it this name. Lower plains surrounding Uva, Northern and Southern Provinces can be seen at the peak of the mountain. This is situated 2km away from Ella Namunukula Road and many foreign and local tourists prefer to hike and trail along this mountain.

Hiking to Little Adam’s Peak (or Mini Adam’s Peak) was one of my favourite things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. This is a well-indicated hike that can easily be done from Ella’s main street and the views from the top are truly breathtaking!

With its beautiful mountains, lush green vegetation and tea plantations, the region around Ella is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of Sri Lanka, and I couldn’t agree more! It’s a wonderful destination for lovers of the outdoors, and I ended up staying here for longer than I had initially planned.

Little Adam’s Peak was named after the holy Adam’s Peak, which is located close to Dalhousie. The shape of both peaks is similar, but Little Adam’s Peak is smaller and easier to climb. Mini Adam’s Peak is also less crowded than its big brother. The hike to Adam’s Peak is a pilgrimage hike, and it tends to be pretty busy.

Named after its resemblance to the iconic Adam’s Peak/Sri Pada, Little Adam’s Peak is its smaller brother and a must-visit when in Ella. The hike to the top of Little Adam’s Peak is fairly easy; the peak is 1141m high, so it is more of a two-hour-long leisurely walk. It is also incredibly easy to find the path to Little Adam’s Peak since it is clearly marked – just off the main road and right next to 98 Acres Resort and Spa– where you must stop after your hike, for a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea or even a meal to replenish your energy levels.

The Hike

The hike begins on relatively flat ground and it is quite picturesque as you’re surrounded by tea bushes, and the higher you go, the steeper the trail, so it’s best advised to wear a pair of walking shoes. Despite the minimal effort needed for the trek, the view from the top is truly magnificent, as you overlook a deep valley and its surrounding hills – leaving you breathless. 

Important Tips

Hikers are advised to trek Little Adam’s Peak well before sunset, as it can get harder to navigate the darker it gets. Appropriate footwear is required due to the uneven terrain. As you get to the summit, remember to be cautious when taking photographs near the edge, as it can get quite dangerous. The hike is easy enough for kids too!

Little Adams Peak takes its name from a sacred mountain Adams Peak. Don’t confuse “Adam’s Peak” with “Little Adam’s Peak”. They are 2 different mountains at different location. Here we focus on Little Adam’s Peak which is located in Ella. Little Adam’s Peak is lower in terms of altitude and the summit easier to reach.

Hiking to Little Adam’s Peak is one of the best things to do in Ella. The view at the top is breathtaking with an exceptional panorama at 360 degrees!

Demodara railway station is the 76th and third last railway station on the Main Line, and is 277.71 km (172.56 mi) away from Colombo. It is located 912.5 m (2,994 ft) above mean sea level and 8 km (5.0 mi) from Badulla, the capital city of Uva Province. All the trains that run on the Main Line, including the Podi Menike and Udarata Menike express trains stop at the station.

The station is most notable for its spiral rail line at this location, popularly known as the 'Demodara Loop'. The rail line passes under itself, going around the loop and emerging from a tunnel, which runs directly beneath the Demodara railway station. The rail loop is approximately 900 metres (3,000 ft) long and the tunnel is 320 m (1,050 ft) in length. It is considered the only loop in the world with a railway station situated exactly over a tunnel at spiral loop.[1][2] During the construction of the rail extension to Badulla the engineers and surveyors found that elevation between the hills at Demodara was too much for the track to negotiate, with the maximum inclination allowed by the Ceylon Government Railway being one foot per 44 feet (1/44), an innovative track design had to be devised. Local folklore has it that one of the engineers, Devapura Jayasena Wimalasurendra, was inspired after observing a Kankany (supervisor) in a local tea estate undo his Talappawa (turban) and re-tie it around his head.

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.

Dhowa Rock Temple or Dowa Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: දෝව රජ මහා විහාරය) is a heritage listed rock temple in Sri Lanka, located in the central mountains of the Uva Province. It is adjacent to Dhowa, a small village situated on the Badulla-Bandarawela main road (approximately 7.5 km (4.7 mi) north of Bandarawela). The temple is 210 km (130 mi) east of Colombo and 120 km (75 mi) south of Kandy.[2]

History

The shrine room inside the temple

The temple is believed to have been constructed by King Valagamba in the first century BC and is one of many temples built by the king while taking refuge in Uva Province after an army from South India invaded the Anuradhapura Kingdom.[3] The temple dates back over 2000 years.[4][5]

On 1 November 1996 was formally recognised by the government as an archaeological protected monument. The designation was declared under the government Gazette number 948.[6]

Attractions

The unfinished Buddha image at Dhowa Raja Maha Vihara

The temple is famous for its large 12 m (38 ft) high unfinished Buddha image, which is carved into the vertical granite rockface. The image is an example of Mahayana sculpture.

Paintings

Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya has been built in the 1st century BC by King Walagamba. It is one of the mysterious and legendary temples in the hill country. It also consists of a very unique sculpture named Mahayana which tells an interesting story of the previous lives lived by Lord Buddha. There is also an uncompleted image of Buddha that is slowly breaking away.

Details of the destination

There are a small stupa and a cave functions as a stupaghara for the stupa. There is also a tunnel behind this cave which is guarded by a figure of Clay King Cobras. The tunnel is 11-kilo meters long and it has been cemented off due to the evil acts of treasure hunters. This tunnel used to connect the Ravana Maha Viharaya at Ella and the Bogoda Raja Maha viharaya.

There is also an image house and it has colorful Buddha statues and consists of 3 chambers. There are two guardians named as Watuka and Kuvera at the entrance. In the second chamber, there is a stunning Makara Thorana and a row of Buddha images along with paintings. There are a wooden door and two reclining Buddha statues in the entrance to the 3rd chamber. On a higher elevation is a Bo tree and a small pond surrounding a rock which has a natural water sprout and water keeps continuously flowing.

Declared a protected heritage site and an archaeological protected monument in Sri Lanka in 1996, Dhowa Temple is famed for its incomplete 38 feet Buddha Statue, carved out of a granite boulder. The temple is amalgamated with the cave that is adorned with vibrant and striking murals depicting Jataka stories.

Highlights

 It is an archaeological monument that’s been declared as a protected heritage site There is an incomplete Buddha statue that’s 38 ft. high carved out of a granite boulder The statue is very iconic and is said to have been carved by the King who built the temple, King Walagamba The tunnel is what the King is said to have used as an escape route before the completion of the statue

Nil Diya Pokuna is an underwater pond situated in a cave or a tunnel complex in Ella which is believed to have been built by king Ravana. The pond lies 80 meters deep inside a mountain cave in Karandagolla.

Entrance to Nil Diya Pokuna

The cave can be accessed via two independent entrances, of which the better-known one is situated in a forest reservation in the area. A villager then discovered a second entrance on a private property. The cave has a rabbit hole entrance through which the pond can be reached.

Mystique beauty of Nil Diya Pokuna

Nil Diya Pokuna is a place to be explored by the adventurous and caution should be taken during this journey. The water of the pond is crystal clear and gives a blue tinge of color when it reflects with light.

Nildiya Pokuna, located at a distance of 13.3 km from the Ella, is a great place to have an adventurous experience. Legend has it that King Rawana brought Sita from India and kept her in a very comfortable and very safe place. Many believe that the site is now a ruined underground palace complex filled with blue water. This is a very risky, well worth the trip. You too can have this experience as soon as possible, but do not ruin the place.

Nil diya pokuna history: Legend has it that King Rawana brought Sita from India and kept her in a very comfortable and very safe place. Many believe that the site is now a ruined underground palace complex filled with blue water.

Legend has it that King Rawana abducted Goddess Sita and hid in this cave. It is said that there were several tunnels under this rock which stretched for many miles. The tunnels from the Ravana Ella cave to the cold light of Nuwara Eliya near the Bogoda Rajamaha Viharaya and the Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya can still be seen today. It is also a memory that bears witness. In addition, it is believed that the tunnel was designed to reach several other areas hundreds of feet below the surface.

Rumor has it that there is a throne and a crown in it. However, no further action was taken as the tunnels were closed under the protection of the Police Special Task Force.

Nil diya pokuna ella: Ravana Falls or Bambaragala Falls is a huge waterfall that can be seen on the Ella-Wellawaya road in the Badulla District. Thousands of acres of rock formations in the background of the waterfall and the surrounding area are associated with the history of King Rawana. It is also said that there is evidence to support many of these stories. The Ravana Raja Maha Viharaya near the Ravana Falls and the cave near it which is considered to be the residence of King Rawana also give evidence of historical stories.

Nil diya pokuna entrance: After passing Ravana Falls for another 3 km on the Wellawaya road turn off at Karandagolla 10th mile post to Bandarawela. We can find the tunnel with the help of the villagers by going about 3 km down the road which is an alternative route and passing through a grove below the road. This tunnel and the largest underground cave in the country to date "Nil Diya Pokuna".

Located in: Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway to reach the Nil Diya Pokuna.

Traveling Time: 13.3 km (25 min)

Cost : Free