The left side offers the more varied experience: Delhi's cityscape at departure, glimpses of the Deccan plateau and eastern coastline during cruise, and a distant view of Sri Lanka's central highlands on approach, while the right side is largely flat plains and open ocean.
Flown DEL to CMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Delhi to Colombo is 1,488 miles (2,395 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Deccan Plateau near Nagpur and Hyderabad, approaches the Bay of Bengal coastline near Chennai, then crosses the Palk Strait toward northern Sri Lanka.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
LEFTDeparting DEL to the south, the left (east) side shows the sprawl of Delhi's urban core, including the Yamuna River and old city monuments, before the aircraft turns onto its southbound track. The right side mostly shows flat Haryana farmland with little variation.
Landing at CMB
LEFTOn approach to CMB from the north, the left side offers views of Sri Lanka's central highlands rising in the distance before the final turn toward the coast, while the right side is dominated by the open Indian Ocean with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Colombo. The left side offers the more varied experience: Delhi's cityscape at departure, glimpses of the Deccan plateau and eastern coastline during cruise, and a distant view of Sri Lanka's central highlands on approach, while the right side is largely flat plains and open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
During takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DEL to the south, the left (east) side shows the sprawl of Delhi's urban core, including the Yamuna River and old city monuments, before the aircraft turns onto its southbound track. The right side mostly shows flat Haryana farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Delhi's urban sprawl, Humayun's Tomb area, flat Indo-Gangetic plain.
What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to CMB from the north, the left side offers views of Sri Lanka's central highlands rising in the distance before the final turn toward the coast, while the right side is dominated by the open Indian Ocean with little to see. Notable sights include: Sri Lanka's central highlands, Adam's Peak silhouette, coastal plains near Negombo, Indian Ocean shoreline.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Colombo?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes about 3 hours 45 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 Delhi to Colombo flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Deccan Plateau near Nagpur and Hyderabad, approaches the Bay of Bengal coastline near Chennai, then crosses the Palk Strait toward northern Sri Lanka.