With a blend of history and modern marvels, the Kelani Bridge is the fourth-largest bridge in the country, connecting Colombo to nearby cities and towns. The bridge also traverses through one of the most vital waterways in the country, the Kelani River. The original Kelani Bridge dates back to colonial rule in Sri Lanka in 1895 and was then named Victoria Bridge after Queen Victoria. Today, it has undergone several reforms and renovations and features modern innovation and engineering that upholds the structure of the bridge. If you are curious to get a glimpse into this iconic bridge that connects Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo with the adjoining cities, you must add it to your itinerary.
Where Is Kelani Bridge Located?
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The Kelani Bridge is located in Colombo, the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. It spans the Kelani River, connecting the northern part of Colombo to its suburbs and other key areas. Due to its strategic location, the bridge serves as a major transportation network of the city. It is located near popular tourist sites like Colombo Harbor, Pettah, and Grandpass.
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Interesting Facts About Kelani Bridge
Get yourself familiar with some of the essential facts about Kelani Bridge before you finally go to explore it.
Historical significance: The original Kelani Bridge dates back to the British colonial period in Sri Lanka in 1895. It was initially named Victoria Bridge in honour of Queen Victoria. Back in the day, the bridge was constructed using imported steel from Britain. At present, it has been renamed New Kelani Bridge and features a more durable construction that can handle the increasing traffic and logistical demands of a growing city.
Location: XV3J+WVC Kelani Bridge, Kandy Road, Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka
Timings: There are no specific timing. It is open throughout the day.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees. It is accessible to the locals and tourists free of cost.
Things To Do At Kelani Bridge
Kelani Bridge and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of activities for travellers to indulge in. From cycling to leisurely walks on the bridge, there’s a lot you can do.
1. Cycling
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A popular activity that many indulge in on the Kelani Bridge is cycling from one end to the other. There are bicycle-friendly routes and lanes on the bridge, so you won’t have to worry about safety. Beyond the bridge, you can also cycle along the riverbanks and the nearby neighbourhoods. You will need to rent the cycles from the operators in Colombo.
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2. Boat Rides
Image Credit: Sandunlasantha for Wikipedia
Although not on the bridge, boating trips on the Kelani River underneath the bridge are a popular activity. Several types of boat rides are available, from short, leisurely cruises to more extensive tours that explore different parts of the river. You can soak in the surrounding views while feeling the breeze hit you on the face.
3. Photography
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One of the most popular activities to indulge in on the Kelani Bridge is photography. The stunning views and the dynamic scenes make for a perfect backdrop for your snaps. Ensure that you visit during the “golden hours”, which is early morning or late afternoon. Also, the vantage points from the bridge allow for panoramic shots of the Kelani River and Colombo’s skyline. You can take activity shots of moving vehicles, and people walking or cycling on the bridge as well.
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Places To Visit Near Kelani Bridge
Thanks to the central location of the Kelani Bridge, it is well connected to a lot of notable tourist attractions near the city. Some of the places worth exploring are:
1. Pettah Market
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More commonly known as the Manning Market, Pettah Market is a bustling hub with lines of shops and street food. It is one of the oldest markets in the country. It is located fairly close to the Kelani Bridge, which makes it easier for you to visit and explore the market with ease. From fresh produce, spices, and textiles to electronics and jewellery, Pettah Market offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Also, to ensure ease of shopping, the market is divided into sections, making it easier for you to explore the areas.
Distance from Kelani Bridge: 5.6 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
2. Colombo Fort
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Another popular sightseeing spot from the Pettah Market that you should add to your itinerary is the Colombo Fort. The origin of this fort dates back to the time when the Portuguese reigned in the area. It was later occupied by the British and served as an administrative building during their colonization. Today, it houses a lot of historical elements and iconic landmarks inside the fort including the President’s House, the Old Parliament Building, and the World Trade Center twin towers.
Distance from Kelani Bridge: 6 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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3. Gangaramaya Temple
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Sri Lanka boasts a wide range of Buddhist temples and the Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most popular ones. This is one of the few temples in the country that features a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese influences. Beyond the main shrine, the temple has a museum and a library, which are primary attractions in the temple. Also, you can immerse yourself in the unique Buddhist artefacts, relics, stupas, and statues inside the temple. The peaceful environment of the temple is another reason why it’s a great place to relax and unwind.
Distance from Kelani Bridge: 7.1 Km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Best Time To Visit The Bridge
Image Credit: Pol van den Scheetek for Wikimedia Commons
There are no time-bound restrictions on visiting the bridge. However, since the bridge witnesses mounds of traffic every day, avoid driving through the bridge during the peak hours. Instead, try to visit during early morning or late afternoon.
Besides offering less traffic during that period, the time is also perfect to catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset, which looks breathtaking against the flowing Kelani River beneath the bridge.
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How To Get To Kelani Bridge?
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Visiting the Kelani Bridge is seamless, all thanks to its central location. If you are driving, you can take the Colombo-Kandy Road (A1) or the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (E03) to access the bridge. Also, if you want to witness the bridge up close within a budget, there are public buses that ride across the bridge. You can board buses for that from the Pettah bus stand. For travellers that wish to explore the bridge on foot, you can reach the nearby town, which is Pettah, and then walk from there or rent a cycle to ride across the bridge for a pleasant experience too.
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Kelani Bridge in Colombo is one of the most significant sightseeing spots to explore in Sri Lanka. Beyond its engineering marvel, the bridge stands as a remnant of the colonial impact on the country. Today, with centuries behind, the bridge stands as a significant structure in Sri Lanka’s modern landscape. So, on your next trip to Sri Lanka, you must add visiting and exploring the Kelani Bridge as one of the things to do.
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Cover Image credit: By Pol van den Scheetek for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelani Bridge
What type of bridge is the current Kelani Bridge?
The current Kelani Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, which is a modern engineering design known for its strength and capacity to handle heavy traffic.
Are there any Kelani Bridge Sri Lanka tickets to explore the bridge?
You don’t have to purchase any Kelani Bridge Sri Lanka tickets to explore the bridge. It is accessible free of cost.
What are the best times to visit the Kelani Bridge for sightseeing?
Early morning or late evening are the best times to visit for beautiful views of the sunrise or sunset.
How can I get to the Kelani Bridge using public transportation?
You can take a bus from the Pettah bus stand or a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
Is the Kelani Bridge accessible 24/7?
Yes, the bridge is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can plan your visit anytime during these hours.
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