While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and sustained—the Bay of Bengal and Chennai's waterfront provide continuous visual interest during the critical descent phase. The takeoff view, though good, is brief.
Flown CMB to MAA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colombo to Madras is 402 miles (647 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Palk Strait, a narrow body of water separating Sri Lanka from southern India. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), passengers may glimpse the strait's shallow waters and the Tamil Nadu coast approaching from the north. The Western Ghats mountain range lies inland to the west but remains below the horizon for most of the flight. Clear weather offers views of the coastline and open ocean for the entire route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
RIGHTCMB typically departs runway 04 (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of Colombo's western coastline and the Indian Ocean immediately after liftoff, with the city sprawling below. Left seats face inland toward the central highlands too early to see meaningful detail.
Landing at MAA
LEFTMAA uses runway 07 or 25 depending on wind; typical approach is from the southwest (runway 07). Left-side seats descending toward Chennai offer views of the Bay of Bengal, the Cooum River, and the city's eastern waterfront. Right seats face inland toward the plateau too late in descent for useful detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Chennai International (MAA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Madras. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and sustained—the Bay of Bengal and Chennai's waterfront provide continuous visual interest during the critical descent phase. The takeoff view, though good, is brief.
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. CMB typically departs runway 04 (northeast heading). Right-side seats offer views of Colombo's western coastline and the Indian Ocean immediately after liftoff, with the city sprawling below. Left seats face inland toward the central highlands too early to see meaningful detail. Notable sights include: Colombo Harbor and port facilities, Indian Ocean coastline extending north, Kelani River delta, Colombo city grid.
What can I see when landing at Chennai International in Madras?
When landing at Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Left side for the best views. MAA uses runway 07 or 25 depending on wind; typical approach is from the southwest (runway 07). Left-side seats descending toward Chennai offer views of the Bay of Bengal, the Cooum River, and the city's eastern waterfront. Right seats face inland toward the plateau too late in descent for useful detail. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal, Cooum River and city waterfront, Chennai's coastal urban sprawl, Marina Beach district.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Madras?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Chennai International (MAA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 402 miles (647 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombo to Madras flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Palk Strait, a narrow body of water separating Sri Lanka from southern India. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), passengers may glimpse the strait's shallow waters and the Tamil Nadu coast approaching from the north. The Western Ghats mountain range lies inland to the west but remains below the horizon for most of the flight. Clear weather offers views of the coastline and open ocean for the entire route.