VOML - Mangaluru Intl. Arpt. - India

World Heritage Sites Air Adventures: Peaks, Prayer Flags, & Palaces
Flight Log #004 – July 11, 2025
Steam, Spires & Second Helpings Edition
Log Entry by Michael Palin, Guest Co-Pilot

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After a brief, humbling sabbatical courtesy of “Delhi Belly” (never trust a samosa with a mischievous glint), I’m back in the co-pilot’s seat, determined to keep both my altitude and my breakfast. Captain Cropduster greeted me at VOTV (Thiruvananthapuram) with a sympathetic grin, a bottle of ginger ale, and a gentle reminder that “the only thing more turbulent than the monsoon is your digestive tract.” Lani and Kai, our indefatigable canine copilots, gave me a hero’s welcome—mostly because I returned with a stash of dog biscuits.

The morning’s mission: ferry “Pāpulō,” our beloved DHC-5 Buffalo (N8086K), northward to VOML (Mangalore), tracing a route that would have any UNESCO official reaching for their camera and their antacids. The Tiger Shark Squadron, always eager for a bit of formation flying and in-flight banter, dotted the skies above India, their radios crackling with questionable puns and snack recommendations.

Pre-Flight Rituals & Culinary Courage
Before takeoff, Cropduster insisted on a “gut-friendly” breakfast at the airport’s legendary Idli Emporium. The “Palin’s Post-Recovery Platter” featured steamed idlis, coconut chutney, and a bowl of clear vegetable broth—“as bland as a BBC weather report,” Cropduster teased. I was grateful for the gentle reintroduction to solid food, and Lani and Kai graciously helped themselves to any leftovers.

Over the Rails: Mountain Railways of India
Climbing out of Thiruvananthapuram, we soon found ourselves tracking the serpentine lines of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the storied Mountain Railways of India. From above, the blue carriages wound through emerald forests and across precarious viaducts, steam mingling with the morning mist. Cropduster narrated the railway’s history with the zeal of a trainspotter and the flair of a noodle sommelier. Lani, ever the romantic, pressed her nose to the window; Kai, unimpressed, napped through the spectacle.

Temples in the Sky: Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
Turning northeast, we soared over the lush heartland of Karnataka, where the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas rose from the earth like jeweled chess pieces. The intricate temples of Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura glimmered in the midday sun, their carved stonework visible even from our cruising altitude. Cropduster waxed poetic about “ramen architecture”—layers upon layers, each more ornate than the last. I made a mental note to suggest a “Hoysala Heritage Broth” for our next culinary stop.

Squadron Shenanigans & Canine Commentary
The Tiger Shark Squadron’s aircraft swooped and circled nearby, occasionally joining us in loose formation. Their radio chatter was a mix of flight trivia, noodle reviews, and the occasional impromptu quiz on UNESCO sites. Lani and Kai, sensing the camaraderie, took turns “co-piloting” from the jump seat, offering the occasional barked suggestion (“More biscuits!”).

Descent into Mangalore: A Spicy Welcome
As we began our descent into Mangalore, the coastline unfurled beneath us—a tapestry of rivers, coconut groves, and red-tiled roofs. Cropduster, ever the optimist, promised a celebratory meal at “Malnad Miso House,” where the “Mangalore Masala Ramen” awaited: fish broth, rice noodles, crispy curry leaves, and a swirl of tamarind. I eyed my ginger ale nervously but couldn’t resist a second helping. The crew’s Ramen Passports received another stamp, and Cropduster declared the day a “triumph of guts and glory.”

Sunset, Stories & Second Chances
As the sun dipped toward the Arabian Sea, the crew gathered on the tarmac, bowls in hand, laughter echoing above the hum of cooling engines. Lani and Kai curled up at my feet, Cropduster raised a toast “to resilience, railways, and the restorative power of ramen,” and I found myself grateful for the adventure, the camaraderie, and the chance to chase the world’s wonders—one World Heritage Site (and one bowl of broth) at a time.

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