Ella, nestled in Sri Lanka’s highlands, captivates travelers with its mountain forests, tea plantations, and cool climate. It’s a popular stop and a key starting or ending point along The Pekoe Trail. Today’s stage, a short and easy walk to Demodera, is one of the trail’s most popular segments.

Beginning at Ella Train Station, the route follows Passara Road before branching left onto a path that leads through the Ella Forest Reserve. After about 2 km, you’ll arrive at the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a renowned and picturesque landmark. Often called the “bridge in the sky,” this colonial-era marvel is 80 feet high and 300 feet long. Constructed from stone, brick, and cement due to the diversion of steel for Britain’s war efforts during the Great War, the bridge’s elegant design is both historic and hauntingly beautiful.

Cross the bridge and walk 100 meters along the railway line until you find a small path branching to the right. Here, a short but steep climb takes you through a village, past local homes, and up steps to a village road. At this point, the hardest part of the stage is behind you. Nearby, a friendly family often offers fresh juice—perfect for a quick refreshment. This spot also provides fantastic views of the Nine Arches Bridge, offering perspectives from both the east and west.

Continuing for half a kilometer, the trail ascends gradually along a village road towards the main junction, where the Newburgh Tea Factory stands prominently. Just past a large gate leading to The Secret Ella Hotel, the trail takes a sharp left and begins a 2 km descent. This section winds through a charming village dotted with homes and guesthouses, descending to chena cultivations and a tea estate.

Entering the Demodara Tea Estate, the trail meanders along a scenic tea path. At the 4.5 km mark, a smaller trail to the left provides another view of the Nine Arches Bridge—this time from a greater distance. Following this path for half a kilometer leads to a small Buddhist shrine. Along the way, you’ll pass a cheerful local family and their playful goats, adding a touch of charm to the journey.

Rejoining the main tea trail, the route loops through the Demodara Estate for approximately 3 km. Descending towards Demodara, you’ll pass a serene lake on your left before reaching a small tarmac road. A track on the left leads to the Nine Skies Bungalow and the nearby village, where a short descent via 30 meters of steps brings you to the railway track, just a few hundred meters from the stage’s end.

The final highlight of this stage is the Demodara Loop, an ingenious feat of railway engineering. At Demodara Station, the rail line spirals beneath itself, completing a loop before emerging from a tunnel. The loop spans approximately 900 meters and was designed to address the steep elevation challenges between the hills. Local lore credits the innovative solution to Devapura Jayasena Wimalasurendra, inspired by observing a tea estate supervisor unwinding and re-tying his turban.

For those completing this trail as a day trip from Ella, convenient return options include arranging a pickup at Demodara Station, taking a tuk-tuk, or enjoying a scenic train ride back to Ella. Train schedules are available at the station.

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality.