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BOM → CMB
Which side of the plane to sit from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai) to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a consistent view of the Indian coastline, the dramatic Western Ghats mountain range, and the lush interior landscapes of Sri Lanka upon approach.
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Mumbai Skyline
A panoramic view of the Colaba peninsula and the iconic Gateway of India shortly after takeoff.
Western Ghats
The UNESCO-listed mountain range featuring steep escarpments and dense green forests parallel to the coast.
Goa Coastline
Clear views of the winding rivers and famous sandy beaches of the Konkan region.
Kerala Backwaters
A glimpse of the intricate network of lagoons and canals as you pass the Malabar Coast.
Adam's Peak
On a clear day, the distinctive conical shape of Sri Lanka's sacred mountain is visible during descent.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane, illuminating the Indian coastline. The transition from the rocky Konkan coast to the tropical Malabar region is best viewed from this side. Keep your camera ready during the first 45 minutes and the final 20 minutes of the flight for the most scenic landmarks.
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Arabian Sea
Vast expanses of deep blue water with sightings of large cargo ships heading toward Mumbai port.
Lakshadweep Sea
Crystal clear turquoise waters as the flight path moves further away from the mainland.
Negombo Lagoon
A beautiful coastal lagoon featuring local fishing boats and palm-fringed shores just before landing.
Indian Ocean Sunset
Uninterrupted views of the sun dipping below the horizon on evening flights.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening departures to catch the sunset over the open ocean. While there is less land to see during the cruise, the approach into Colombo often provides a stunning view of the Sri Lankan coastline and the Negombo lagoon from this side. It is generally quieter for photography due to fewer land-based distractions.
Book Hotels in ColomboDistance: 1,526 km (948 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 2 min
Departure: BOM (19.0886993408, 72.8678970337)
Arrival: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Route Type: International
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