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GIU → TRR
Which side of the plane to sit from Sigiriya Air Force Base (Sigiriya) to China Bay Airport (Trinciomalee)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the Sigiriya Rock fortress and Pidurangala Rock immediately upon departure, followed by the majestic curves of the Trincomalee natural harbor during descent.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The iconic 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the ruins of a palace atop a massive granite monolith.
Pidurangala Rock
The nearby brother peak of Sigiriya, offering a rugged contrast and dramatic geological formations.
Trincomalee Harbor
View one of the world's largest natural deep-water harbors, bustling with naval and commercial vessels.
Koddiyar Bay
The expansive blue waters of the bay meeting the white sands of the eastern coastline just before touchdown.
Sit on the right side and have your camera ready immediately after takeoff from GIU, as the proximity to Sigiriya Rock is stunningly close. Early morning flights offer the best lighting to capture the golden hues on the rock faces and the clear turquoise waters of the harbor.
Minneriya National Park
Observe the vast plains and ancient reservoirs where wild elephant herds often congregate near the shoreline.
Giritale Tank
A beautiful ancient irrigation tank reflecting the sky, surrounded by lush tropical forest canopies.
Kantale Reservoir
A massive man-made lake with a historical dam that serves as a central landmark during the mid-flight segment.
Thambalagamuwa Bay
A shallow, picturesque bay located just west of the Trincomalee peninsula as you approach for landing.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. During the dry season from June to September, look closely at the edges of the reservoirs for large gatherings of Asian elephants.
Distance: 82 km (51 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 min
Departure: GIU (7.956669807430002, 80.7285003662)
Arrival: TRR (8.538510322570799, 81.18190002441406)
Route Type: Domestic
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