Question 1

Is there an airport at Polgolla Reservoir?

Accepted Answer

There is no commercial airport at Polgolla. A small airstrip in the area has been used historically for government and charter light-aircraft operations related to the Mahaweli project, but it does not serve scheduled passenger flights. The nearest major airports for travellers are Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo and Ratmalana Airport for domestic connections.

Question 2

How far is Polgolla Reservoir from Kandy?

Accepted Answer

Polgolla is approximately 5 kilometres north of Kandy city centre, along the A9 highway toward Kurunegala. The drive takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. It is a straightforward detour that can be added to most Kandy itineraries.

Question 3

What is the Polgolla Dam used for?

Accepted Answer

The Polgolla Dam is a diversion weir built across the Mahaweli River as part of Sri Lanka's Mahaweli Development Programme. It diverts water through a tunnel to the Ukuwela Power Station to generate hydroelectricity, and also supports downstream irrigation in the dry zone. It is a functional piece of infrastructure rather than a tourist facility, though the reservoir it creates is scenic.

Question 4

Can I swim or boat at Polgolla Reservoir?

Accepted Answer

The reservoir is primarily an irrigation and power-generation facility, and there are no organised swimming or recreational boating services for tourists at the site. Local fishermen use small boats on the water. Visitors typically stop to view the reservoir and dam from the roadside or from designated viewpoints.

Question 5

What other attractions are close to Polgolla?

Accepted Answer

Kandy's main sights — the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and Kandy Lake — are all within 30 minutes. The Randenigala Dam, another Mahaweli structure, is accessible further upstream for those interested in the river system. The Makandawa Rainforest is also within driving distance.

Question 6

Which is the nearest domestic airport for reaching Kandy by air?

Accepted Answer

The most practical domestic air gateway for Kandy is Ratmalana Airport (RML) near Colombo, from which charter flights and light-aircraft connections operate. Some visitors also fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and transfer to Kandy by road, which takes roughly two to three hours depending on traffic.

Question 7

Is Polgolla Reservoir worth visiting as a standalone destination?

Accepted Answer

Polgolla works best as a brief stop rather than a full-day outing. The reservoir and dam viewpoint are rewarding for scenery and birdwatching, particularly in the early morning, but there are no on-site visitor facilities or ticketed attractions. It fits naturally into a Kandy day trip or as a roadside pause on a drive north toward Dambulla or Sigiriya.

Polgolla Reservoir Airport

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