Class S 12 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) on the Nine Arch Viaduct, Ella, Sri Lanka

My own collection. Purchased in Galle, Sri Lanka.

© Nilgiri Creation, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Train over the Nine Arch Viaduct, Ella, Sri Lanka

My own collection

Colombo - Badulla Railroad, Sri Lanka

The railroad between Colombo and Badulla in Sri Lanka is a unique and scenic rail road not to be missed when traveling in Sri Lanka. There are several train a day on this unique railway line through the tea plantations and the Central Hills of Sri Lanka, one of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites. The railways were introduced to Sri Lanka by the then British administrators. The railway system in the hill country line is still very much British with old signal systems, railway stations more than 100 year old (still preserved). Enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka on this scenic railway.

The Viceroy through the Tea Plantations, Sri Lanka.

The Viceroy is a 100 year steam engine restored  by a dedicated team of workmen attached to the Sri lanka Railway and is operated by a private company. The journey through the tea plantations in the hill country on the main line specially between Watawala and Badulla is a unique experience and a scenic ride.

Nine Arch Viaduct @ Gotuwala, Sri Lanka.

The 9 Arch viaduct is situated 2 km away from Ella town along "Passara" road between "Ella" and "Demodara" Railway Stations in a small village at Gotuwala. Therefore the local people refer to the Bridge as the Gotuwala viaduct or the Nine skies (Ahas Namaye Palama in Sinhalese language). Built by the British in the early 20th century, the Nine Arcs bridge is a engineering marvels of the day. This name is used since the bridge contains of 9 arches.  This bridge is 300 feet long and 25 feet wide. Located almost 3100 feet above the sea level. The bridge connects with two high lands and has been made of large cubic stones. This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921. One and only railway station trains travels same horizontal level in place is Demodara Railway station. There is a popular story to say that when construction work was commenced on the bridge, the World War 1 broke out and the steel consignment assigned for this site was seized and was used for war related projects. When the work came to a standstill the Sri Lankan came forward and build the bridge with solid stone bricks and cement without steel. Several Trains between Colombo/Kandy – Badualla and back  pass over the bridge on a single day. This is train No 9 between Badulla and Colombo.

Photo credit: Nick Lasure, Boulder, Colorado.

Demodera Spiral, Sri Lanka

Demodera-Loop is the only rail loop of its kind in the entire rail network of Sri Lanka.  It is situated at  Demodera, which is 172 miles from Colombo along the rail track. When the construction work came up to this point, the engineers were in a dilemma not knowing which way to cut across due to the wide gap between two hills confronting each other. For a while, they even thought the Upcountry Main Line might have to be terminated at this place. After much predicament, engineers of the time decided to cut the line towards the left, around the hill at a gradual slope forming a full circle. The line had to descend at 1 foot to every 44 feet, thus plunging 100 feet below the level of the station. The line by now had come below the hill. A tunnel 416 feet in length was then dug which brought the track to the other side of the bund. The open line now faced the opposite hill but the gap was not as wide as at the top of the hill. The stamp shows the  Demodera Station on top of the hill and the tunnel below

Gotuwala Nine Arch Viaduct, Demodara, Sri Lanka

A Sri Lankan Express Train between the capital Colombo and the main line terminus at Badulla enters the Nine Arch Viaduct also known as the Gotuwala Viaduct  between Demaodera and Ella Railway Stations in the Uva Provice. In a seperate post I have written about this viaduct. Recently the Sri Lanka Postal Authorities issued two stamps to commemorate the Engineering marvels of the Sri Lankan Railways. One stamp shows the viaduct and the other the Spiral Railway at Demodera.

The Viceroy Special, Sri Lanka.

The Viceroy Special train in Sri Lanka transports guests throughout the rail-way system in Sri Lanka.

A ride on this unique luxury steam train to Kandy, the Hill Capital is one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world. Specially popular are trips from Colombo to Kandy and the tea plantations of the hill country and down the west coast to the beach resorts to the walled city of Galle. Also the lush rain forest, cascading water falls, broad rivers, terraced paddy fields, shimming on the sun light, misty tea-clad hillside, herds of elephants and mile upon mile of sandy beaches, are best seen by train. As you journey through, in the modern and relaxing comfort, you are sure to witness and experience a way of life that has existed since time immemorial. Being steam-hauled, the train can stop on request and guests can photograph scenic beauty spots and even ride in the engine driver's cabin.

 

The Viceroy Special is a 75 year old private train and the only steam train still in operation in Sri Lanka. The train has two air-conditioned observation saloons furnished in period style, with 64 plush reclining seats and individual adjustable tables. A public address system is available for guides to describe details of the journey or for suitable music to be broadcast. Each saloon has an adjoining smokers' lounge and a modern toilet.

 

There is also a restaurant car, elegantly furnished with Edwardian ribbed fans and teak-trimmed wood paneling is complete with a fully equipped kitchen and a well complemented bar.