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COK → MLE
Which side of the plane to sit from Cochin International Airport (Kochi) to Malé International Airport (Male)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides provide a spectacular entry into the Maldives, the Right Side is preferred for its higher probability of seeing the densely packed capital island of Malé and the iconic atoll structures during the final approach.
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Kochi Port & Islands
Views of Willingdon Island and the industrial heart of Kochi as the flight climbs westward.
Malé City Skyline
The incredibly unique, wall-to-wall urban landscape of the Maldives' capital island, often visible just before touchdown.
Resort Island Panorama
A bird's-eye view of private resort islands, characterized by their signature overwater bungalows and circular lagoons.
Hulhumalé Views
The modern planned island of Hulhumalé and its connecting bridge are frequently visible during the final turn to the runway.
The right side offers the most iconic 'Maldives' views. For the best color saturation in the lagoons, choose a flight arriving between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun is overhead. Try to sit ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the island clusters.
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Vembanad Lake
Aerial views of India's longest lake and the sprawling Kerala backwaters shortly after takeoff from Kochi.
Malabar Coastline
A beautiful perspective of the southern Indian coastline as the aircraft transitions over the Laccadive Sea.
Eastern Atoll Chain
Vibrant turquoise reef patterns and deep blue channels of the North Malé Atoll during the descent.
The left side is excellent for early morning flights as it remains in the shadow of the aircraft, reducing glare for photos of the Kerala coast. During landing, look for the long stretches of white sand banks on the eastern edges of the atolls.
Get eSIMs for India
Get eSIMs for MaldivesDistance: 735 km (457 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 14 min
Departure: COK (10.152, 76.401901)
Arrival: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Route Type: International
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