The Demodara Railway Loop is one of those quieter corners of Ella that many people miss, tucked beyond Nine Arch Bridge, where the crowds begin to thin, and the railway winds through jungle-covered hills.
It may not be as famous as some of the area’s bigger sights, but for anyone craving a more peaceful and offbeat experience, this little stretch of track is one of the most interesting places to visit in the highlands.
I visited the Demodara Railway Loop after the Nine Arch Bridge and found it to be a peaceful and surprisingly scenic extension to the day, with fewer tourists and a much calmer feel than some of Ella’s more popular spots.
In this guide, I’ll share how to visit the Demodara Railway Loop, what the walk is like, whether you can walk around the full loop, and what to expect from the short Demodara to Ella train ride back.
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Demodara Railway Loop at a Glance
The Demodara Railway Loop makes a great add-on after Nine Arch Bridge, especially if you want to swap Ella’s busier sights for something quieter and a little more off-the-beaten-track.
- Best for: an offbeat half-day adventure in Ella
- Start point: Nine Arch Bridge or Ella
- End point: Demodara Railway Station
- How to return: short Demodara to Ella train ride or tuk-tuk
- Difficulty: easy
- Time needed: around 2 to 4 hours, depending on where you start and how long you stop for photos
- Main highlights: peaceful railway walk, valley and jungle views, train spotting, and seeing the Demodara Loop
- Good to know: you may not be allowed to walk the full railway loop itself
- Who it’s for: travellers who want to get beyond Ella’s busiest sights and see a quieter side of the highlands
🌟 My top pick >> Want to add another classic Ella experience to your itinerary? This Halpewatte Tea Factory tour is a great option if you want something easy, scenic and very hill-country, with a guided look at how Ceylon tea is made followed by a tasting. It’s only around an hour, so it’s easy to fit around your other plans.
If you’re trying to fit this into a short stay, my 2 days in Ella itinerary shows where I’d place the Demodara Railway Loop alongside Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak and a few slower moments around town.
For a wider look at the area, my guide to the best things to do in Ella covers the main sights, quieter stops and how I’d plan your time without rushing around too much.
🏨 Accommodation // Where To Stay In Ella // 9.3+ ratings
Budget-friendly: Ella Ceylonka | Mid-Range: Secret View Homestay| Boho-Luxury: Arawe Retreat
I stayed at both Ella Ceylonka and Secret View Homestay during my trip, and I’ve written full reviews of each if you want a more personal look at the rooms, views, location and who I think they suit best.
Why Visit the Demodara Railway Loop?
If you’re already heading to Nine Arch Bridge, visiting the Demodara Railway Loop is such a lovely way to carry on the day.
While Nine Arch is one of Ella’s busiest and most photographed attractions, Demodara feels much quieter, more local and far less talked about, despite being just a little further along the line.
What makes the Demodara Loop so appealing is that it’s not just about one quick photo stop.
The walk itself is part of the experience, and for anyone who enjoys getting a little off the usual tourist trail, it feels like a rewarding extension rather than a separate trip.
Add in the chance to watch the train passing through this unusual section of track and then ride the short Demodara to Ella train back through the highlands, and it becomes one of the more unique and underrated things to do in Ella.
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A Short History of the Demodara Railway Loop
The Demodara Railway Loop is one of those places that feels impressive even before a train appears, simply because of the thinking behind it.
Built during the extension of Sri Lanka’s Main Line towards Badulla in the early 1920s, the loop was designed to help trains manage the steep hill country terrain by winding gradually around the hillside rather than climbing it head-on.
The railway passes through a tunnel directly beneath Demodara Railway Station, creating one of the most unusual stretches of track in the country.
Insider tip: Behind the station, there is even a small model of the loop, which makes it easier to picture how this unusual stretch of railway curves around the hillside and passes beneath the station.
How to Visit the Demodara Railway Loop
There are a few different ways to visit the Demodara Railway Loop, but the easiest and most rewarding option is to combine it with a trip to Nine Arch Bridge.
That way, you can continue on foot to Demodara Railway Station, enjoy the quieter scenery along the way, and then return to Ella by train.
It’s a simple half-day outing and one of the best ways to see a more peaceful side of the hill country.
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1. Walk from Nine Arch Bridge to Demodara Railway Station
This is the best option if you’re already planning to visit Nine Arch Bridge and want to turn it into a longer, more offbeat adventure – which is what I did.
After the train had passed at Nine Arch Bridge, I carried on along the railway towards the Demodara Railway Station, and it ended up being one of the most tranquil parts of my days in Ella.
The route was very easy to follow – directly along the train tracks – and once I left Nine Arch behind, the crowds quickly disappeared.
The valley opened out, the railway wound through jungle-covered hills, and for most of the walk, I didn’t see another soul.
I even spotted monkeys in the trees and one of the more old-school Sri Lankan trains passing through, which made the whole experience feel even more special.
There was one drawback: the bat tunnel absolutely stank, so I’d recommend covering your nose and mouth as you walk through.
Towards the end, the scenery became a little less beautiful closer to Demodara Station due to quarrying, but overall, this was still one of the loveliest and quietest walks I did around Ella.
If, like me, you enjoy quieter, self-guided adventures around Ella, you might also like my guide to the Ella Rock hike.
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2. Start from Ella
If you’re leaving directly from Ella, you can visit the Demodara Railway Loop as a standalone outing.
It’s possible to take the back roads from Ella to Demodara, which will weave through Demodara village along the Nine Arches Road.
The walk from Ella is the shortest option, usually taking around 6 km, with the station area and nearby viewpoints as the main endpoints.
3. Take a tuk-tuk or train to Demodara
If you don’t want to walk, you can also reach Demodara Railway Station by tuk-tuk and simply visit the station and viewpoints.
This is the easiest option for anyone short on time or not keen on walking in the heat.
There’s also a higher viewpoint marked near the station area, while behind the station itself is a small viewing platform, making this a good option even if you are only stopping briefly.
How to Get Back to Ella
One of the best things about visiting the Demodara Railway Loop is that getting back to Ella can be part of the experience too.
After the walk, I was definitely ready to give my feet a break, so hopping on the train at Demodara Railway Station felt like the perfect way to end the day.
I bought my ticket at the station for just 20 LKR, didn’t need to pre-book anything, and the whole thing was really easy.
What I loved most was that the short Demodara to Ella train ride gave me a completely different perspective of the railway line I had just walked.
Before boarding, I was able to watch the train emerge through the tunnel and curve around towards the platform, and once on board, everyone was leaning out for photos, taking selfies and enjoying the gorgeous valley views.
It felt lively and fun, but still much quieter than some of Sri Lanka’s more famous train journeys. Crossing back over the Nine Arch Bridge by train was such a brilliant way to wrap up the trip!
If you’re also planning Sri Lanka’s most famous rail journey, I’ve shared everything you need to know in my guide to the Kandy to Ella train, including seat tips and booking advice.
👉 BOOK: Want an easier way to visit Demodara? If you’d rather skip the walking and see it as part of a full Ella sightseeing day, this private tour includes the Demodara Loop, plus four other top sites.
Can You Walk the Full Demodara Loop?
One thing I really wanted to do when I reached Demodara Railway Station was carry on walking around the full Demodara Railway Loop itself, as that had been one of my main reasons for coming.
However, when I tried to continue along the tracks, a conductor stopped me and told me I couldn’t go any further.
I had read that some travellers had managed to walk the loop, or at least had done so in the past, so it seems this may have become more restricted.
For a moment, I did wonder whether to risk carrying on when no one was looking, but because the loop eventually circles straight back towards the station, it didn’t feel worth it.
If someone spotted me again, it would have been pretty obvious.
So, while you may still come across blogs or traveller reports suggesting that you can walk the full Demodara Loop, I wouldn’t count on it.
Based on my experience, it’s best to go expecting to see the loop from the station area or a nearby viewpoint, rather than assuming you’ll be able to walk around the whole thing yourself.
Best Place to See the Demodara Railway Loop
Although I wasn’t able to walk around the full Demodara Railway Loop, there’s still a good place to see it once you reach the station.
Near Demodara Railway Station, there is a small viewing platform where you can look out over the curved tracks and get a clear sense of how the line bends around the hillside.
I was lucky enough to arrive just in time to catch the train passing by, which made the stop feel even more worthwhile.
A few other people were already waiting there for the shot, so if you know a train is due, I’d recommend getting into position a little early. It is not a huge viewing area, and it definitely gets more popular when a train is expected.
There is also a higher viewpoint near Demodara that some travellers visit for a more elevated look over the loop and surrounding hills.
I didn’t go up there myself, so I can’t comment on what it’s like from personal experience, but it could be worth considering if you want a broader panoramic view rather than staying around the station.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
Before visiting the Demodara Railway Loop, there are a few things worth knowing to make the day a little easier. It’s a simple outing overall, but a bit of planning will help you enjoy it more and avoid disappointment.
- Visit after Nine Arch Bridge if you want to turn it into a longer and more offbeat half-day adventure.
- Check train times in advance if you want to catch the train at the station or ride back to Ella afterwards.
- Don’t assume you’ll be able to walk the full Demodara Loop, as access may be restricted once you reach the station.
- Take water and a snack, especially if you’re already walking from Ella to Nine Arch Bridge first – there are no stalls along the route after the bridge.
- Wear decent shoes, as even though the route is straightforward, parts of it can feel uneven underfoot.
- Be prepared for the bat tunnel, because the smell is honestly pretty grim and worth covering your nose and mouth for.
- Carry some cash for your train ticket back and any small local purchases.
- Get to the viewing platform early if a train is due, as other people may already be waiting for the best photo spot.
If you’re still planning your Ella days, my things I wish I knew before visiting Ella guide covers a few useful things I’d tell a friend before arriving, including busy sights, tuk-tuks, weather, walks and how not to cram too much into one day.
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End Note: The Demodara Railway Loop
The Demodara Railway Loop ended up being one of my favourite little add-ons in Ella.
It may not be as polished or as popular as some of the town’s bigger sights, but that was exactly why I liked it so much.
The peaceful walk, the valley views, the quiet atmosphere and the short train ride back made it feel like a more offbeat and rewarding way to spend the day.
Even though I was disappointed not to be able to walk the full loop itself, I still think it is well worth doing, especially if you’ve already visited Nine Arch Bridge and want to carry on somewhere a little quieter.
For me, it was one of those simple experiences that ended up being more memorable than expected.
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FAQs: About Visiting the Demodara Railway Loop
Is the Demodara Railway Loop worth visiting?
Yes, I do think the Demodara Railway Loop is worth visiting, especially if you’re already going to Nine Arch Bridge and want to continue somewhere a little quieter. It feels much more offbeat, the walk is peaceful, and the train ride back to Ella is such a fun way to finish. It’s not one of Ella’s biggest headline attractions, but that’s also part of the charm.
Can you walk around the full Demodara Railway Loop?
Maybe, but I really wouldn’t count on it. I wanted to do exactly that, but when I reached Demodara Railway Station, a station employee stopped me and told me I couldn’t go any further. I’ve seen other travellers say they managed it before, so it may have been possible in the past, but based on my experience, I’d go expecting to view the loop from the station area rather than assuming you’ll be able to walk the whole thing.
How do you get back from Demodara to Ella?
The easiest and nicest way is by train. I bought my ticket at the station for just 20 LKR, didn’t need to book anything in advance, and the journey back was short, scenic and really fun. It also takes you back over Nine Arch Bridge, which gives you a completely different perspective from seeing it on foot.
Is the Demodara Railway Loop less crowded than Nine Arch Bridge?
Yes, definitely. That was one of the things I liked most about it. Nine Arch Bridge can get quite busy, especially when a train is due, but once I carried on towards Demodara Loop, it felt so much quieter and more peaceful. I hardly saw anyone for most of the walk, which made it feel much more offbeat and relaxed.
