Lost Trekker Found Safe in Temple After 3 Days

When GS Sharanya called her trekking group to say she was lost in Karnataka's dense forest, 70 people immediately mobilized to find her. Three days later, she walked out of an abandoned temple, reunited with her rescuers, and completely healthy.

The 36-year-old tech professional from Kerala had disappeared on April 2 while trekking at Tadiandamol Peak, Karnataka's third-highest mountain at 1,748 meters. She was part of a 15-person group with an authorized guide when she became separated during the 4-kilometer trek in Kodagu district.

The moment her team reported her missing, the Forest Department launched a full-scale rescue mission. Twelve dedicated search teams fanned out across the mountainous terrain, combining cutting-edge technology with local knowledge.

Thermal imaging drones scanned the forest canopy while sniffer dogs tracked ground scents. Mobile phone tracking and call data analysis helped narrow the search area as forest staff and local tribal residents guided teams through challenging terrain.

For three days, nearly 70 personnel from the police, Anti-Naxal Force, forest staff, and local volunteers combed the area without rest. Their persistence paid off when residents from a nearby tribal hamlet reported spotting a woman matching Sharanya's description.

On Sunday evening, rescuers found her sheltering inside an abandoned temple deep in the forest. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre spoke with her after the rescue and confirmed the good news: "She is healthy and is not facing any complications."

The Ripple Effect

This rescue showcases what's possible when communities, technology, and determination work together. The tribal residents who spotted Sharanya and alerted rescue teams played a crucial role, demonstrating how local knowledge saves lives.

The operation also highlights how India's forest departments are increasingly equipped with advanced tools like thermal drones alongside traditional tracking methods. This combination of old wisdom and new technology creates a safety net for the thousands who trek India's mountains each year.

Sharanya's story will likely remind trekking groups nationwide to strengthen their safety protocols. The authorized guide system worked exactly as intended when her disappearance was immediately reported, triggering a coordinated response that brought her home.

Photos shared by the minister's office show Sharanya surrounded by four rescuers, all smiling with relief. After three nights in the forest and the dedication of dozens of searchers, she's heading home with a story of survival and the kindness of strangers who never stopped looking.

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