An old airstrip, peacocks and a bicycle
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’, but if that step is a step up a pedal then you surely cut your miles but add to your journey. On a quaint picturesque dawn in Kanadukathan village I set off from Visalam on a bicycle to explore an old trail. I was told by the hotel staff to follow the Karaikudi-Trichy Road and then to pick the trail from an abandoned runway that I should see in about 2-3 km. “If you go around sunrise, you may be lucky to spot a few peacocks”.
Can you spot the old WW II runway?
“An old WW II airbase and peacocks”, I had never heard about it before, needless to say, I was intrigued. You don’t see it on google maps, but on google earth you cannot miss the obvious cross of the airstrip. The researcher in me wanted to know more.
It turns out that Kanadukathan village has a really rich legacy when it comes to aviation. J.R.D Tata is usually credited with being India’s first licensed civilian pilot by getting his license from Juhu aerodrome in 1929. But the Natukottai Chettiyars – the wealthy businessmen from Chettinad, pioneered India’s flying clubs. Kanadukathan airstrip boasted one of India’s first flying clubs in the 1930s. There is even a report of India’s lone participation in the Spanish Civil war (1936-1939) with a single fighter aircraft being flown from Kanadukathan village airstrip. The 4000 m runway served as an excellent airbase for the emerging Royal Indian Air Force and it housed the DC3s, the Hawker Hurricanes, and the Spitfires during WW II. After independence, the airstrip fell into disuse and it passed through various government departments. Currently, the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry department owns this airstrip and its illustrious past.
Wild Peacocks rule the roost
But nature left on its own will reclaim anything built by man, and I found it ironic that instead of mighty jets soaring the air over this runway, it was a bird with a modest flight that now rules the roost. Wild peacocks have found refuge in the abandoned hangars and sheds of the old airstrip and made it their home. As I cycled my way on the trail the morning sun shone like a torch uncovering the vestiges of the dilapidated airbase, but there stood its new owner the peacock making its languid walk across the tarmac. Cycling along this trail I followed one around goading it to take to the air on the now unused runway.
The video is filmed on my action camera while I was cycling so its a bit jerky.