Distance from Tangalle – 77.0 km (1 hour 42 minutes)

Athu Ela Bridge is situated along the Galle – Deniyaya – Madampe Highway between the towns of Pitabeddara and Morawaka. It is renowned as one of the largest stone arch bridges in Sri Lanka. The bridge is also known to be one of the oldest bridges in the country. It was built during the British colonial era in order to transport tea products from Deniyaya. The bridge is known as “Athu Ela Bridge” because elephants used to walk along the small stream over which the bridge lies. Although it was built for carts during the previous era, its construction is of such high quality that it can even bear the load of containers today.

Getting to Athu Ela Bridge

From Tangalle travel along the Southern Expressway and the Galle – Deniyaya – Madampe Highway passing Beliatta, Akuressa and Pitabeddara to reach the Athu Ela Bridge which is situated along the Galle – Deniyaya – Madampe Highway between the towns of Pitabeddara and Morawaka

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