The right side consistently delivers the flight's best scenery: distant Western Ghats views during climb-out from Bangalore, and a coastal approach past Sri Lanka's lagoons and beaches into Colombo, while the left side offers mostly featureless inland plains throughout.
Flown BLR to CMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangalore to Colombo is 441 miles (710 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Palk Strait and the shallow limestone shoals of Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu) connecting Rameswaram, India to Mannar, Sri Lanka, visible as pale underwater lines in the sea below during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BLR
RIGHTDeparting BLR southbound, the right (west-facing) side looks out toward the Deccan Plateau's edge and the distant Western Ghats/Nilgiri foothills as the aircraft climbs, while the left side only shows flat plateau farmland stretching toward the Bay of Bengal side with nothing distinctive.
Landing at CMB
RIGHTOn approach into CMB the flight path hugs Sri Lanka's west coast, so the right side offers views of the Indian Ocean, Negombo Lagoon, and palm-fringed coastline, while the left side mostly faces flat inland paddy fields and scrub with no strong visual anchor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) to Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangalore to Colombo. The right side consistently delivers the flight's best scenery: distant Western Ghats views during climb-out from Bangalore, and a coastal approach past Sri Lanka's lagoons and beaches into Colombo, while the left side offers mostly featureless inland plains throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in Bangalore?
During takeoff from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BLR southbound, the right (west-facing) side looks out toward the Deccan Plateau's edge and the distant Western Ghats/Nilgiri foothills as the aircraft climbs, while the left side only shows flat plateau farmland stretching toward the Bay of Bengal side with nothing distinctive. Notable sights include: Bangalore's southern suburbs and tech corridor, Cauvery river basin, distant Western Ghats escarpment, Nilgiri Hills silhouette.
What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into CMB the flight path hugs Sri Lanka's west coast, so the right side offers views of the Indian Ocean, Negombo Lagoon, and palm-fringed coastline, while the left side mostly faces flat inland paddy fields and scrub with no strong visual anchor. Notable sights include: Negombo Lagoon, Indian Ocean coastline, coconut palm coastal belt, fishing boats near Katunayake.
How long is the flight from Bangalore to Colombo?
The flight from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 441 miles (710 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangalore to Colombo flight path pass over?
Palk Strait and the shallow limestone shoals of Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu) connecting Rameswaram, India to Mannar, Sri Lanka, visible as pale underwater lines in the sea below during cruise.