While takeoff offers ocean views, the landing approach into Delhi provides more sustained and dramatic geography—the Yamuna River, Delhi's massive urban footprint, and the Aravalli Hills create a more visually interesting descent than the relatively flat Sri Lankan departure.
Flown CMB to DEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colombo to Delhi is 1,488 miles (2,395 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Bengal (roughly 200 miles of open water), then enters the Indian subcontinent over the Odisha/Andhra Pradesh coast. The Deccan Plateau's western edge becomes visible as terrain elevation increases. The flight passes east of the Western Ghats mountain range (visible as a distant ridge on the left/west side during mid-flight). The Gangetic Plain dominates the final 90 minutes of flight, with the Yamuna River becoming increasingly prominent as you approach Delhi from the northwest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka's western coastline during the initial climb. CMB typically departs eastbound (Runway 04), so the right side faces the ocean and the island's western shore as you gain altitude.
Landing at DEL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Indian subcontinent's interior as you descend into Delhi. The approach typically comes from the northwest (Runway 27L or 27R), so the left side faces the Gangetic plains and the city's sprawl during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Delhi. While takeoff offers ocean views, the landing approach into Delhi provides more sustained and dramatic geography—the Yamuna River, Delhi's massive urban footprint, and the Aravalli Hills create a more visually interesting descent than the relatively flat Sri Lankan departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka's western coastline during the initial climb. CMB typically departs eastbound (Runway 04), so the right side faces the ocean and the island's western shore as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean (immediate right), Colombo city grid and harbor (below/left), Western coastal plains of Sri Lanka, Kelani River delta.
What can I see when landing at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
When landing at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Indian subcontinent's interior as you descend into Delhi. The approach typically comes from the northwest (Runway 27L or 27R), so the left side faces the Gangetic plains and the city's sprawl during final descent. Notable sights include: Yamuna River (visible as a brown ribbon through Delhi), Delhi's urban sprawl and monuments, Aravalli Hills (distant southern horizon), Gangetic plains extending to the horizon.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Delhi?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,488 miles (2,395 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombo to Delhi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Bengal (roughly 200 miles of open water), then enters the Indian subcontinent over the Odisha/Andhra Pradesh coast. The Deccan Plateau's western edge becomes visible as terrain elevation increases. The flight passes east of the Western Ghats mountain range (visible as a distant ridge on the left/west side during mid-flight). The Gangetic Plain dominates the final 90 minutes of flight, with the Yamuna River becoming increasingly prominent as you approach Delhi from the northwest.