If you’ve ever wondered where and what the bridge from the Harry Potter film series is named, it’s Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is located on West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland, and was constructed between 1897 and 1901.
Did you know there is a bridge in Sri Lanka that was built similar to the Glenfinnan viaduct or Harry Potter bridge?
The Harry Porter Bridge of Sri Lanka, commonly known as the nine-arch bridge, is located in Demodara, between the Ella and Demodara railway stations. Because of the bridge’s architectural brilliance and the lush vegetation in the surrounding hillsides, the surrounding area has seen a steady growth in visitors.
Nine Arch Bridge was built 3100 meters above sea level among the jagged hills of the Central Highlands. A viaduct connects the Ella Railway stations. The bridge was constructed completely of brick, cement, and rock, and has not been touched by steel since its construction in 1921. Locals used these materials to build the bridge. During World War I, construction was halted due to a steel shortage.
This is the story Behind the construction of the harry porter bridge in Sri Lanka
K. Appuhami was a well-known Kappatipola resident who lived near the Ella area. Appuhami was a well-known traditional drummer and devil dancer who was born in 1870. (a form of ritual dancing). A British official noticed Appuhami one day after he returned home feeling defeated after losing a competition. Appuhami, who was still dressed in his dance costume at the time, was terrified of the devilish apparition. He did, however, quickly become friendly.
When Appuhami learnt that a foreigner was visiting his territory to construct a railway, he offered to assist him by providing labor from nearby villages. However, building the railway was not a simple task. Because of the valley between the two hills, they were unable to manage the vast distance between the two hills. It was unable to create good anchoring due to the marshy ground. When Appuhami discovered this, he wanted to take over the bridge construction. Appuhami was initially rejected, but they finally accepted him because of his friendliness and assistance.
According to legend, Appuhami began works on the bridge in 1913. Appuhami was able to overcome the problem of unstable ground by tumbling large rocks into space, creating a solid bed of rocks. The brick columns for the bridge were then placed across the bed. Appuhami’s construction procedures were so efficient and user-friendly that the entire project was completed in a year.
This helped Appuhami to save a significant amount of money. British officials were astonished to find that Appuhami had completed such a massive job so fast. They refused to believe it was solid. Appuhami is said to have sworn to the strength and claimed he would lie under the bridge when the railway line was first operated. He maintained his word and astonished the officials when the track was completed.
How to get to the nine arch bridge?
The distance between colombo and Ella is around 205 kilometers, and it is possible to go to Ella by bus, train, or cab, the most favored transportation method is by train. Indeed, this train ride is considered to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. As the train passes over enormous mountains and little villages, passing lush green tea plantations and gorgeous water streams, even if you’re traveling in a private vehicle, be sure to ask the driver to drop you off at Nanu oya station to catch the train to Ella so you don’t miss the route’s breathtaking scenery.
Never miss out on the chance to see the majesty of the nine arch bridge, which is the main spotlight of ella town. The breathtaking design and massive structure of the bridge, which is a prominent landmark on the Sri Lankan travel route, provide all visitors with a great travel experience, and the amazing train ride to Ella adds to that experience.
Image courtesy of Charlie Marchant via creative commons licenses. some rights reserved.
Those who are pondering visiting nine arch bridge Ella can go through our tour packages or make the resevations through our website.