A Dutchman on holiday in Sri Lanka escaped death after falling backwards off a cliff while taking a picture of his bride, local media reported.

The man was visiting World End’s mountain when he stepped backwards and fell down the 4,000 foot cliff. But his fall was broken by bushes and he survived by clinging on to a branch for some 3.5 hours.

Around 40 soldiers were involved in his rescue and used ropes to reach the man and bring him to safety. He was treated in hospital for minor cuts and bruises and later released.

The World’s End cliff is a key tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. In 2011, a 53-year-old Australian fell to his death off the cliff while on holiday.