Kerala woman missing in Kodagu forest for 4 days found safe, says she ‘never felt afraid’
PTC Web Desk: A 36-year-old woman from Kerala, who went missing during a trek in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, was safely rescued on Sunday after surviving alone in the dense forest for four days. The woman, identified as Sharanya, an IT professional from Kozhikode, was found in good health, according to state authorities.
Sharanya had set out on April 2 as part of a trekking group heading to the Tadiandamol peak, one of the highest points in Karnataka. She reportedly reached the base early that morning along with other trekkers and a guide. However, she lost contact with the group while descending later in the day, triggering concern when she failed to return.
Officials said she had last informed her homestay that she had lost her way. A large-scale search operation was launched immediately, involving nine teams comprising forest officials, police personnel, Anti-Naxal Squad members, and local tribal communities. Advanced equipment, including thermal drone cameras, was deployed to trace her in the challenging terrain.
Speaking to reporters after her rescue, Sharanya recounted how she became disoriented while trying to find her way back. With only a 500 ml bottle of water and no mobile connectivity, she attempted to contact a colleague before her phone battery died. She walked for several hours on the first day before halting near a stream as darkness and dense vegetation made it unsafe to continue.
Over the next three days, she kept moving through the forest in search of help. Despite being in an area known for wildlife, including elephants, and facing intermittent rainfall, she said fear never overtook her. “I did not feel scared. I don’t know why,” she said, appearing calm after the ordeal.
Sharanya was eventually spotted by locals in a remote section of the forest rarely accessed by visitors. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed her rescue.
The search efforts were intensified following directions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, especially after requests for intervention from Kerala authorities. Officials noted that the absence of mobile connectivity in the forest significantly complicated the operation.
Sharanya is now safe and will be escorted back to Kerala.
- With inputs from agencies
