A daring Kozhikode woman, G S Sharanya, an IT professional from Nadapuram, turned a routine trek into a tale of grit and survival after going missing for three days in the dense forests of Coorg. Her rescue on April 5, 2026, has gripped the Malabar region, highlighting the perils of adventure in neighboring Karnataka’s wilderness.
The Trek That Turned Perilous
Sharanya, 36, joined a group of 12 trekkers on April 2 for a hike to Tadiandamol, Coorg’s highest peak near Madikeri. Originally planning a solo trip from her homestay in Yavakapadi, she heeded advice against it due to wild elephants and linked up with the group. During the descent that Thursday afternoon, disaster struck. Walking slightly ahead with two others nearby, Sharanya paused briefly. When she looked back, her companions had veered onto a different path in the thick foliage. She pressed on, spotting another group on a ridge and circling through the forest to join them. By the time she arrived, they were gone. Dusk fell around 6:30 PM, forcing her to halt near a stream by a large rock for safety from nocturnal threats.
Days of Isolation and Ingenuity
With no food, Sharanya survived solely on stream water. Her phone died after a quick call to friend Yadhu, alerting the group, and an attempted text to rescuers. Day two brought a sore leg, so she stayed put, climbing higher the next day for visibility, hoping drones would spot her in the open. She clicked photos to stay calm, believing help was coming. Saturday’s heavy rain was the toughest drenched and freezing, she barely slept. Elephant signs appeared, but no encounters. By Sunday noon, fading hope spurred her uphill, shouting for attention.
High-Stakes Rescue Operation
News of the missing Nadapuram native spread fast in Kozhikode. Karnataka police, forest officials, anti-Naxal squads, drones, and dog teams scoured Betta forest with 60 personnel. Kozhikode’s proximity fueled anxiety, with family rushing to the base camp. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar mobilized teams after her mother’s plea, amplifying efforts. Around 3 PM Sunday, rescuers heard her calls. By 5 PM, the joint team found her exhausted but smiling, deep in the woods.
Sharanya’s Calm Reflection
Post-rescue, Sharanya spoke unfazed: “I wasn’t scared… no wild animals.” Cheers erupted as friends reunited at camp. She credited patience and open positioning for her survival. Medically fine, she reunited emotionally with her mother. Her story underscores presence of mind over panic.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/04/05/lost-trekker-rescued-coorg-forest-sharanya-kerala-techie.html