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SHJ → CMB
Which side of the plane to sit from Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah) to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it provides a front-row seat to the dramatic Western Ghats mountain range and the diverse coastline of India as you travel south toward Sri Lanka.
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Sharjah & Dubai Skyline
Upon takeoff, you get a sprawling view of the urban landscape of the Northern Emirates and the Burj Khalifa in the distance.
Musandam Peninsula
Look for the rugged, fjord-like limestone mountains of Oman where the desert meets the Strait of Hormuz.
Konkan Coastline
As the plane reaches the Indian subcontinent, you will see the winding beaches and river mouths of Maharashtra and Goa.
Western Ghats
A UNESCO World Heritage site, these lush green mountains run parallel to the coast and offer spectacular terrain views.
Kerala Backwaters
Near the end of the Indian segment, the intricate network of lagoons and lakes around Kochi is often visible.
Gulf of Mannar
The final approach over the shallow waters between India and Sri Lanka reveals beautiful turquoise reefs and sandbars.
Choose the left side (Seat A) for the best chance to see the Indian coastline. Many flights on this route are overnight; if you are on a morning flight, the sunlight will hit the Western Ghats from the east, making the peaks and valleys very distinct. For night flights, this side offers the twinkling lights of major Indian hubs like Mumbai, Mangalore, and Kochi.
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UAE Desert Sands
Immediately after departure, witness the rolling orange dunes of the Arabian desert stretching toward the horizon.
Arabian Sea
A vast expanse of deep blue water that dominates the mid-section of the flight, offering a sense of immense scale.
Horizon Sunsets
On evening flights, the right side is perfectly positioned to watch the sun dip below the ocean horizon.
Coastal Shipping Lanes
Near the tip of India and Sri Lanka, you can spot large cargo vessels and fishing fleets entering the Laccadive Sea.
Laccadive Sea Islands
Depending on the specific flight corridor, you may see distant glimpses of the Lakshadweep archipelago's atolls.
The right side (Seat F/K) is best for travelers who prefer unobstructed horizon views and sunsets over the open sea. While it has fewer land-based landmarks, it is often quieter and darker for sleeping during red-eye flights. On the final approach into Colombo (CMB), the right side may offer views of the Negombo lagoon and the Indian Ocean coastline depending on the wind direction and runway in use.
Book Hotels in ColomboDistance: 3,280 km (2,038 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 52 min
Departure: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Arrival: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Route Type: International
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