Makaldeniya – Poonagala

Makaldeniya at Poonagala, in Sri Lanka's Uva highlands, is a well-organised grass launch above the Wellawaya basin. It has ample space for both forward and reverse takeoffs and gives a clean run-out when conditions are right. Reserved for experienced solo pilots and Para Adventure-coordinated tandem operations in season, with a mandatory local briefing for every visitor. Morning air is generally smooth and laminar; from late morning onwards thermals build and strong valley winds may develop towards Wellawaya, so the flight window matters as much as the wind direction.

Launch & conditions

Grass launch with room for forward and reverse takeoffs. Clean run-out in the right conditions. Suitable for experienced solo pilots and for coordinated tandem operations during the season.

Getting there & local rules

Reachable by tuk-tuk, motorbike or off-road vehicle up to the pull-in, then a ~200 m walk along the ridge to the designated takeoff pad.

Local rules & hazards

All pilots must check in with local site management before flying. Visiting and international pilots must get a site briefing before their first flight. Tandems are permitted only under local site coordination. Reserve parachute, helmet and certified equipment required. Launch and landing directions must follow the briefing. No test flights, no acro, no low turns below safe height. No flying over Wellawaya town, main roads or congested areas. Landing beside the Wellawaya–Beragala road is permitted only at the designated site. Best in the main flying season with stable synoptic winds — morning is smoother; afternoons bring stronger valley winds and possible gust fronts. Cloud can build fast due to orographic effects.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Makaldeniya – Poonagala, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Makaldeniya – Poonagala with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.