Loading map...
CCU β VNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more varied landscape, transitioning from the Hooghly delta into the rugged fringes of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and providing the best views of major reservoirs and the massive Son River crossing.
Kolkata & Howrah Urban Sprawl
Immediately after takeoff, view the dense urban fabric of the twin cities and the iconic bridges over the Hooghly River.
Damodar Valley Reservoirs
Spot the Maithon and Panchet dams near the Bengal-Jharkhand border, surrounded by lush green hills.
Chota Nagpur Plateau Edges
Observe the terrain change from flat plains to undulating rocky hills and forest patches as you enter Jharkhand.
Son River Crossing
A highlights of the flight, the aircraft crosses the incredibly wide, sandy bed of the Son River near Dehri.
Durgapur Industrial Belt
Aerial views of the massive steel plants and cooling towers that define the industrial corridor of West Bengal.
For the best experience, book an afternoon flight to avoid the direct glare of the morning sun. The post-monsoon months (October-November) provide the best visibility and vibrant green landscapes. Look out for the massive Son River bridgeβit is one of the longest in India and looks spectacular from above.
The Fertile Gangetic Plains
An endless patchwork of agricultural fields in shades of emerald and gold, showcasing India's rural heartland.
Grand Trunk Road
Follow the path of the historic NH19 as it snakes through the plains, connecting the major hubs of the east.
Mayurakshi River
The winding silver ribbon of the Mayurakshi River is often visible cutting through the agricultural landscape.
The Ganges at Varanasi
During the final approach, you can see the sacred Ganges River curving toward the ancient city of Varanasi.
Varanasi Cityscape
If the flight approaches from the east, you can catch a glimpse of the dense cluster of temples and ghats lining the riverbank.
Morning flights are excellent on the right side as the sun is positioned on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photography of the plains. During winter, look for the 'river of fog' that often settles over the Ganges. The approach into VNS is relatively short, so keep your window shade up as soon as the descent begins to catch the river views.
Distance: 647 km (402 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: CCU (22.654699325561523, 88.44670104980469)
Arrival: VNS (25.4524002075, 82.85929870609999)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.