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.

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.