Polgolla Reservoir Airport

Polgolla Reservoir Airport offers travellers not just an arrival at their destination, but a true adventure before the excursion program even begins. Landing here takes place directly onto the mirror-like surface of the picturesque Polgolla Reservoir, surrounded by the lush greenery of central Sri Lanka. Instead of the usual echoing terminals, you are greeted by the tranquility of nature and a gentle breeze from the Mahaweli River, creating a unique atmosphere from your very first minutes in the island's cultural capital.

This waterdrome serves as a convenient air harbour for those who value their time and wish to avoid tiring journeys along winding mountain roads. A flight on a seaplane turns into a breathtaking aerial tour, revealing stunning panoramas of hills, tea plantations, and winding rivers.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• Unique Water Landing Experience: The airport is a specially equipped zone on the reservoir, making every takeoff and landing a spectacular event. Seaplanes taxi up to a small pier, ensuring a private and exclusive atmosphere.
• Proximity to Attractions: Located just 5–6 kilometres from the city centre, it allows you to reach the Temple of the Tooth Relic and other iconic sites in just 15–20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk.
• Time Saving: The flight from Colombo takes about 30 minutes, whereas a journey by car or train can stretch to 3–4 hours due to the complex terrain and traffic.

Please note: Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is a waterdrome (water aerodrome) and does not have a classic terminal building with permanent ground staff. All questions regarding flights, luggage, and service are handled through the operating airline (the main carrier in this region is Cinnamon Air).

• Airport Address (Drop-off point): Polgolla Reservoir, Kandy, Sri Lanka (The pier is located on the Polgolla Reservoir, near the dam).
• Official Website: The waterdrome does not have a separate website. Current schedules and information should be sought on the Cinnamon Air website (www.cinnamonair.com).
• Inquiry Hotline: +94 11 247 5475 (Hotline of the main carrier, Cinnamon Air).
• Email: reservations@cinnamonair.com (Reservations and customer support).
• Social Media: It is recommended to follow the official Cinnamon Air social media pages for the latest updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no dedicated Lost & Found office on the pier. If items are lost, please contact the airline representatives immediately by phone at +94 11 247 5451.
• Customer Support Contacts: Support is provided centrally through the airline's office in Colombo or via the feedback form on the carrier's website.

Since Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is a water aerodrome located directly on the Mahaweli River near the Polgolla Dam, logistics here have their own specifics. There are no familiar multi-level car parks or airport express stations here. The boarding and drop-off point is a small pier, which is most conveniently reached by light transport.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most reliable and comfortable way to get to the waterdrome. Considering the humid climate and the terrain, travelling with luggage by car is preferable to public transport.

• Tuk-tuks (Three-wheelers): The most popular and accessible transport in Kandy. A tuk-tuk easily manoeuvres through dense traffic and will take you right to the pier. Be sure to agree on the price in advance or ask to switch on the meter.
• Taxi Apps: Uber and PickMe services operate in the region. Ordering a car via an app often works out cheaper and safer than hailing a taxi on the street, as the price is fixed. In the app, select Polgolla Dam or Cinnamon Air Polgolla as your destination.
• Hotel Transfer: Most high-end hotels in Kandy and the surrounding areas organise guest pick-ups from the seaplane. Confirm this service when booking your room — a driver will meet you at the pier with a sign.

Public Transport

Reaching the location solely by public transport can be difficult for tourists with luggage, as there are no direct "station to waterdrome" routes.

• Buses: Local buses depart from the Kandy central bus station (Good Shed Bus Stand) towards the Watapuluwa area and Polgolla Dam. You need to get off at the stop near the dam and walk about 5–10 minutes to the aircraft mooring point. This is a cheap but not the most comfortable option.
• Train: Kandy Railway Station is located in the city centre, approximately 5–6 km from the waterdrome. Upon arrival by train from Colombo or Ella, you will still need to transfer to a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the reservoir.

Car Rental and Parking

There are no specialised Rent-a-Car desks at the pier itself. If you plan to travel by car, it is better to rent one in Colombo or central Kandy.

Parking: There is a public area near the Polgolla Dam where a car can stop briefly to drop off passengers. Secure long-term parking, typical of international airports, is not provided here, as the waterdrome is designed for transit tourists.

Travel Time and Estimated Cost

Travel time depends heavily on the traffic situation, which can be intense in Kandy, especially during peak hours (morning and evening).

• From City Centre (Temple of the Tooth): 15–25 minutes. Tuk-tuk cost: ~500–800 LKR; Taxi (car): ~1200–2000 LKR.
• From Kandy Railway Station: 20–30 minutes.
• From Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: 30–45 minutes.

Nearest Alternative Airports

If weather conditions or schedules do not allow the use of the waterdrome in Kandy, you may consider other air harbours on the island. The country's main gateway, Bandaranaike International Airport, is approximately 85 km away, but the journey there via mountain roads takes about 3–4 hours.

For domestic flights, the following are also used:

• Castlereigh Reservoir Waterdrome (Hatton) — ~53 km. Convenient for those heading to the tea region.
• Sigiriya SLAF Base — ~70 km. An excellent option for combining a trip to Kandy with a visit to "Lion Rock".
• For travel to the east coast, the airports of Batticaloa (~122 km) and China Bay in Trincomalee (~146 km) may be useful.

The infrastructure of Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) differs radically from familiar international hubs. You will not find confusing corridors, multi-storey buildings, or aerobridges here. The entire "terminal complex" is a compact open-air zone, harmoniously blended into the reservoir landscape.

Structure and Service Zones

Essentially, the airport has one conditional terminal, the function of which is performed by a specially equipped pier (floating platform). Zoning here is intuitive and extremely simple:

• Drop-off and Pick-up Zone: A small area at the water's edge where taxis and tuk-tuks stop. A short walking route to the aircraft begins here.
• Waiting Zone: There is no waiting hall with armchairs and air conditioning as such. Passengers wait for the seaplane's arrival on the bank or directly on the pier, enjoying views of the Mahaweli River and the surrounding hills.
• Check-in Zone: There are no check-in counters. Document checks and luggage weighing are carried out by airline representatives (ground crew) right on the spot before boarding, often using portable devices.

Navigation and Transfers

It is impossible to get lost at Polgolla Airport. The movement scheme is linear: Parking/Drop-off ➔ Walking Path ➔ Pier ➔ Aircraft. The distance from the car drop-off point to the aircraft steps is only a few dozen metres.

Transfers between terminals: Since there is only one (and conditional) terminal, no transfers, shuttles, or crossings are required. The entire process of transferring from ground transport to air transport takes no more than 5 minutes on foot.

Check-in and Security Procedures

The absence of complex infrastructure is the main advantage of this waterdrome, allowing for significant time savings.

• Arrival Time: Airlines recommend arriving at the location 20–30 minutes before the departure time indicated on your ticket. This is quite sufficient to complete all formalities.
• Check-in: Takes place lightning-fast. Staff verify your passports against the passenger list.
• Security and Luggage: There are no scanners or metal detector frames here. Luggage inspection is conducted visually and manually by airline security staff. Luggage is immediately loaded into the tail compartment of the aircraft.

Recommendations for Passengers

Considering the specific nature of the "water terminal", it is worth noting a few tips for a comfortable departure:

1. Prepare for the Weather: The waiting area is outdoors. If it is raining, an umbrella will be useful, although staff often meet guests with umbrellas. On a sunny day, a hat is advisable.
2. Amenities: There are no toilets, cafes, or Duty Free shops on the pier itself. It is recommended to use restrooms beforehand (e.g., at your hotel before leaving) and bring a bottle of water.
3. Accessibility: The pier may be equipped with steps or inclined ramps, which travellers with limited mobility should take into account. It is best to warn the airline in advance if you require assistance with boarding.

The history of Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) differs significantly from the chronicles of major international hubs. You will not find dates for the laying of the first stone of a massive terminal or the opening of a concrete runway here. The biography of this air harbour is inextricably linked with the development of hydropower in Sri Lanka and the evolution of elite tourism on the island.

Laying the Foundation: Polgolla Dam

The actual "birth" of the site for the future airport can be considered the 1970s. It was then, as part of the massive Mahaweli River development programme, that the Polgolla Barrage was built. This engineering structure was intended to divert water towards the country's dry zone and generate electricity. The resulting reservoir with its calm water surface became an ideal natural "runway" for seaplanes.

The Era of Tourist Aviation

For a long time, the reservoir was used exclusively for technical purposes. The history of Polgolla as a passenger air hub began much later, with the development of the "air taxi" concept in Sri Lanka.

• 2000s: First irregular flights. During this period, seaplanes began to be used for the rapid transport of government officials and VIP guests to the hill capital, bypassing complex ground routes.
• Early 2010s: Growth in popularity of domestic flights. with the increase in tourist flow, an acute need arose for rapid transfers from Colombo. At this time, the national carrier SriLankan Airlines launched the "Air Taxi" service, actively using the Polgolla waters for charter flights.
• 2013 — Present: A new chapter in the airport's history is connected with the entry of Cinnamon Air into the market. This marked the transition from sporadic charters to regular domestic flights. The airport received an official IATA code (KDZ) and became a fully-fledged point on the world aviation map.

Development and Modernisation

Since the airport is water-based, its "reconstruction" does not imply the construction of buildings. The main stages of development concerned improving service and safety:

• Installation of reliable floating piers capable of changing levels depending on water release at the dam.
• Establishment of precise coordination between air traffic controllers and dam operation services (Mahaweli Authority) to ensure landing safety.
• Implementation of modern passenger service standards directly on the shore, which allowed transforming a "wild" landing into a comfortable transfer.

Interesting Facts

• Dual Purpose: This is one of the few airports in the world whose "runway" is a strategic irrigation object. Pilots must take into account not only the wind but also the current water level, regulated by dam engineers.
• Proximity to the Sacred Site: Polgolla Airport has historically become the fastest access point to the Temple of the Tooth Relic for foreign delegations and celebrities visiting the island.
• Eco-friendliness: Thanks to the absence of asphalt runways and terminals, the airport's impact on the surrounding ecosystem is minimal, which aligns with the principles of sustainable tourism popular in Sri Lanka.

It is important to understand that Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is a waterdrome, consisting of a pier on the reservoir bank. There is no familiar terminal building here, so the range of services and amenities differs radically from international airports. All services are reduced to the minimum necessary for the quick boarding and disembarking of passengers.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

There are no catering or retail outlets on the territory of the pier itself. You will not find coffee shops, snack vending machines, or Duty Free shops here.

• Dining: It is recommended to have a meal in advance at your hotel or in the city. The nearest restaurants are a 5–10 minute tuk-tuk ride away in the dam area or in neighbouring hotels.
• Water: Be sure to take a bottle of water with you, especially in hot weather, as there is nowhere to buy drinks at the boarding point.
• Shopping: All purchases of souvenirs, tea, or travel necessities should be made in the centre of Kandy before leaving for the airport.

Lounges and VIP Services

There are no classic business lounges or enclosed waiting rooms here.

• Waiting Zone: This is an open space on the shore or directly on the pier. Your "waiting lounge" will be the scenic views of the Mahaweli River and the surrounding hills.
• VIP Service: The very format of flying on a seaplane is considered a premium service. Airline staff provide an individual approach to each passenger, meeting them at their car and escorting them to the aircraft. Waiting time is kept to a minimum.

Communication and Finance

• Wi-Fi and Charging Stations: Public Wi-Fi networks and sockets for charging gadgets are absent on the pier. It is recommended to fully charge phones and cameras before leaving, as you will want to take many photos during the flight. Mobile internet from local operators (Dialog, Mobitel) has strong coverage in this zone (4G).
• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no ATMs or exchange offices at the waterdrome. Ensure you have cash Rupees (LKR) for taxi payments in advance. The nearest banks are in the city centre.

Medical Services

There is no medical centre on the pier territory. In case of slight indisposition, a first aid kit can be requested from the flight crew. For serious emergencies, the nearest major hospital — Kandy General Hospital — is approximately 15–20 minutes away by car.

Services for Passengers with Children

Travelling with children on a seaplane is an exciting experience, but the infrastructure requires special attention from parents:

• There are no mother and child rooms or changing tables on the pier.
• Since the waiting area is near open water, it is necessary to watch children closely and not leave them unattended.
• Strollers will need to be checked in as luggage or left in the escorting car — moving them along the pier to the plane can be difficult.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The waterdrome has limited accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility:

• Boarding the seaplane (usually a Cessna 208 Caravan) requires climbing a small ladder and a certain amount of agility. Special ambulifts are not provided here.
• The path from the parking to the pier may have uneven surfaces or steps.
• Important: If you require assistance with boarding, you must notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure so that staff are prepared to assist.

Hotels Near the Airport

Since the airport is located practically within the city limits, the choice of accommodation is vast. Some hotels are located right on the river bank, allowing you to watch seaplanes take off from your room.

• Cinnamon Citadel Kandy: Located in close proximity to the river. Often used as a base for guests arriving on Cinnamon Air flights. From here, the pier can be reached in 10–15 minutes.
• Mahaweli Reach Hotel: A luxury hotel on the banks of the Mahaweli, located very close to the landing spot (about 5–7 minutes drive).
• Hotels in Kandy Centre: Queens Hotel, The Radh, and other city hotels are a 20–25 minute drive from the departure point.

Conference Halls and Business Centres

There are no business services at the waterdrome itself. If you need to hold a meeting immediately after arrival or print documents, it is best to use the business centres in the aforementioned hotels, Cinnamon Citadel or Mahaweli Reach.

In terms of dining, Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is an exception to all familiar rules. Since there is no terminal building here, and all infrastructure is limited to a pier on the reservoir bank, there are no restaurants, cafes, bars, or vending machines within the airport territory itself.

Passengers are strongly advised to plan their meals in advance — before leaving the hotel or upon arrival in the city. Below are recommendations for dining in the immediate vicinity of the departure point and tips on gastronomic preparation for the flight.

Dining at the Airport (Pier Zone)

There is no food service directly in the boarding zone (on the pier). Considering the tropical climate and the lack of air-conditioned rooms, it is important to observe the following rules:

• Water: Be sure to carry bottled water with you. It is impossible to buy it on site.
• Snacks: If you are flying with children or feel hungry, take a light snack with you (biscuits, fruit, nuts) that will not spoil in the heat.
• On Board: Seaplane flights are usually short (30–45 minutes), so full meals are not provided on board. Passengers may be offered water and refreshing wipes, but do not expect lunch in the sky.

Nearest Restaurants and Lunch Spots

Since the waterdrome is located within the city limits of Kandy, travellers can use the infrastructure of nearby hotels and restaurants, which are located just 5–15 minutes drive from the takeoff/landing point. This is an excellent alternative to absent business lounges.

1. Restaurants at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy Hotel

Located downstream, this hotel often serves as a base for Cinnamon Air passengers. This is the closest place (about 10–15 minutes by car) where you can find high-level service.

• Panorama: The main restaurant with a view of the Mahaweli River. Offers an extensive buffet with international and Sri Lankan dishes.
  Average bill: $$$ (2500–4500 LKR).
  Opening hours: Breakfast (06:30–10:00), Lunch (12:30–14:30), Dinner (19:30–22:00).
• Cafe C: A great place for a quick snack, a cup of Ceylon tea, or a light dessert before your flight.

2. Restaurants at Mahaweli Reach Hotel

The hotel is literally in the neighbourhood next to the Polgolla Dam.

• Main Restaurant: Offers A la Carte dishes and themed buffets. Ideal for a quiet lunch after arrival.
  Average bill: $$$ (3000–5000 LKR).

3. Local Cafes and Bakeries (Watapuluwa Area)

Within a radius of 1–2 km from the dam, you can find small local establishments (kade) and chain bakeries.

• Perera & Sons (P&S): A popular Sri Lankan bakery chain. Here you can buy "short eats" — local pastries for a quick snack.
  What to try: Fish Buns, vegetable rotis, chicken pastries.
  Average bill: $ (200–500 LKR).
  Recommendation: An excellent option to take food with you for the road.

Local Dishes Worth Trying

If you have time for lunch in Kandy before or after your flight, pay attention to the region's culinary calling cards:

• Rice and Curry: The staple of the Sri Lankan table. In Kandy, it is often served with jackfruit (kos) or banana flower.
• Hoppers (Appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk. They come with an egg (Egg Hopper) or plain/sweet. Ideal for breakfast.
• Kottu (Kottu Roti): Chopped roti flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, cheese, and meat to the rhythmic beat of metal blades. A popular evening dish.

Special Dietary Requirements (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Sri Lanka is a very comfortable country for people with special dietary needs, and establishments near the airport are no exception.

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Sri Lankan cuisine is rich in plant-based dishes. Dhal (lentil curry), beetroot curry, green bean or pumpkin curry are available almost everywhere. Hotels always have vegetarian sections at the buffet.
• Halal: Kandy is home to a significant Muslim community, so finding Halal restaurants (usually marked with a Halal sign) is very easy. In major hotels, meat is typically Halal certified (it is best to confirm with the waiter).
• Gluten-Free: This is more challenging in street cafes (due to the use of wheat flour in roti). However, rice and rice noodles (string hoppers) are a safe base. In 5-star hotel restaurants (Cinnamon, Mahaweli Reach), staff are aware of gluten issues and will assist with choices.

Time Recommendations

For a quick snack, it is best to stop at a chain bakery on the way to the dam (takes 10 minutes). For a full lunch, plan a visit to a hotel restaurant at least 1.5–2 hours before your departure time to enjoy your meal without rushing and reach the pier by the start of boarding.

Travelling through the Polgolla Reservoir water aerodrome differs radically from the experience in major international hubs. There is no hustle, endless queues, or complex navigation here, but there are specific aspects related to the type of aircraft and the location on water. To ensure your flight is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled key recommendations.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the "arrive 3 hours early" rule. Polgolla Airport is a compact departure zone without shops or cafes.

• Recommended Time: Arrive at the pier 20–30 minutes before departure time. This is quite sufficient to pass document checks and receive instructions.
• Why you shouldn't arrive too early: There is no comfortable air-conditioned waiting hall on the pier. Waiting for more than half an hour under the tropical sun or during rain can be tiring.
• Punctuality: Seaplanes fly on a strict schedule. Unlike large liners, the pilot cannot wait long for late passengers, as the "slot" for takeoff from the water is limited.

Check-in, Luggage, and Safety

Procedures here are simplified but have strict rules due to the small size of the aircraft (usually a Cessna 208 Caravan).

• Weighing: Be prepared that not only your luggage will be weighed, but you yourself (or you will be asked for your exact weight). This is critically important for balancing a light aircraft.
• Luggage Restrictions: The standard allowance on domestic flights is often lower than international ones (usually around 23 kg, but best to check your ticket). Excess weight is expensive, and worse, excess luggage may be sent on the next flight or by ground transport if the plane is overloaded.
• Security Check: There are no classic metal detector frames here; inspection is conducted manually by security staff. Please treat this with understanding.

Hand Luggage: Do's and Don'ts

There is very little space in the seaplane cabin, and familiar overhead bins are absent.

• Dimensions: "Cabin Size" suitcases (standard hand luggage) will not be allowed in the cabin — they will be taken to the luggage compartment in the tail or "belly" of the plane.
• What to take in the cabin: Only a small handbag, a backpack with camera equipment, or a laptop. Keep all valuables, documents, and money with you.
• Prohibitions: Rules for carrying liquids and sharp objects are the same here as in general aviation. Do not attempt to bring scissors or large containers of liquid into the cabin.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

On seaplanes, there is usually no advance online seat selection, and seating has its nuances.

• Balancing: The pilot or ground staff may assign you a specific seat for the correct weight distribution (centring) of the aircraft. You cannot argue with this — it is a matter of safety.
• Best Views: The 1-1 or 1-2 cabin configuration guarantees that almost every seat is a window seat. Since the flight takes place at a low altitude, the views will be stunning from any side.
• Tip for Photographers: If there is a choice, sit not under the wing, but slightly behind it, so that the landing gear struts and the wing itself do not block the panorama when shooting downwards.

For Transit Passengers

If you are using a flight from Kandy to connect with an international departure from Colombo (Bandaranaike Airport):

• Allow Extra Time: Seaplanes fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Heavy rain, fog, or wind can delay departure. The recommended buffer time between arrival in Colombo and an international flight is at least 4–5 hours.
• Transfer in Colombo: Cinnamon Air flights from Kandy usually arrive at a special domestic terminal at Bandaranaike Airport, which is very convenient. But if the flight goes to "Waters Edge" (Colombo centre), you will need a taxi to the international airport (about 45–60 minutes). Check the arrival airport code on your ticket carefully.

Customs and Visa Nuances

Polgolla Airport serves exclusively domestic flights.

• Passport Control: There are no border guards or customs here. You will not get a departure/arrival stamp. However, carrying your passport (or a copy) is mandatory for identity verification.
• Duty Free: There are no duty-free shops. Alcohol and cigarettes are not sold here.

Tips for Economy and Comfort

• Restroom: Visit the restroom before leaving your hotel. Facilities on the pier may be absent or basic.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes without high heels. You will have to walk along a wooden or metal pier and climb a small ladder into the plane.
• Transport: Use taxi apps (PickMe or Uber) to get to the pier. Drivers "off the street" may inflate the price upon learning that you are flying by plane (which is associated with wealth).

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

The weather in the Kandy mountain region is changeable, and delays are possible.

• Stay Connected: When booking, provide a current phone number with working roaming or a local SIM card. The airline often notifies about changes via WhatsApp or SMS.
• Plan "B": Keep the contact details of your driver or taxi handy. In rare cases of full flight cancellation due to bad weather, the airline may offer a ground transfer, but having your own option gives you more freedom of manoeuvre.
• Charging Gadgets: Since there are no sockets on the pier, be sure to bring a fully charged power bank with you.