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BOM → PNQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai) to Pune Airport (Pune)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point of the iconic Sahyadri mountain range, including famous landmarks like Karnala Fort, the Lonavala-Khandala ghats, and the vast Pawna Lake during the descent.
Navi Mumbai Skyline
Detailed views of the planned city, including the Vashi Bridge and the shifting mangroves of the creek.
Karnala Fort
The iconic 'Thumb' peak of Karnala Fort is easily identifiable jutting out from the bird sanctuary.
Lonavala & Khandala
The dramatic cliffs and hair-pin bends of the Bhor Ghat section are clearly visible from this altitude.
Pawna Lake
The expansive blue waters of the Pawna reservoir provide a stunning contrast to the mountain terrain.
Hinjewadi IT Park
As the plane aligns for landing at PNQ, you can see the sprawling tech campuses of western Pune.
The right side is essential for seeing the most famous geographic features of the Sahyadris. Try to book an early morning or late afternoon flight to see the shadows emphasize the rugged cliffs. During the monsoon season (June to September), keep your eyes peeled for the massive waterfalls near Duke's Nose. Since this is a very short flight, ensure you have your camera ready immediately after takeoff.
Northern Mumbai Sprawl
Aerial view of the dense urban landscape of suburban Mumbai and the Eastern Express Highway.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A massive green lung visible on the northern edge of the city limits during the initial climb.
Matheran Hill Station
The distinctive flat-topped plateau of Matheran stands out among the surrounding valleys.
Ulhas River
The winding path of the Ulhas River as it flows through the Karjat region toward the sea.
Sit on the left for views of the northern suburbs and the sprawling salt pans near Thane Creek. This side is particularly scenic during the monsoon when the hills turn vibrant green and numerous small waterfalls become visible along the ridge lines. Morning flights provide excellent lighting for photography of the Western Ghats without glare.
Distance: 124 km (77 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: BOM (19.0886993408, 72.8678970337)
Arrival: PNQ (18.58209991455078, 73.9197006225586)
Route Type: Domestic
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