Trekker Survives 3 Days Lost in Forest: 'Not Afraid

G S Sharanya walked out of the Karnataka forest on Sunday after three days lost and alone, telling rescuers she never felt scared despite having only a 500-ml water bottle and zero phone signal.

The 36-year-old tech professional from Kerala had been trekking to Tadiandamol Peak in Kodagu district when she lost her way on April 2. She was part of a 15-person group with a certified guide, but somehow found herself on an unfamiliar path with no one in sight.

"I walked till around 6:45 pm on the first day after losing the path," Sharanya later told reporters, appearing remarkably calm. "After that, I stayed in an open space near a stream."

Her phone died after one failed attempt to reach a colleague. For the next two days, she kept moving through the dense forest, expecting to find help around every corner.

Meanwhile, a massive search operation was unfolding. Nearly 70 personnel from police, the Anti-Naxal Force, forest staff, and local volunteers formed 12 dedicated teams to comb the area. They deployed thermal imaging drones, mobile phone tracking technology, call data analysis, and sniffer dogs.

Local tribal residents became the unexpected heroes when they told rescue teams about a woman they'd spotted the previous day. That tip led searchers to an abandoned temple deep in the forest, in a remote area "where nobody usually goes."

Rescuers found Sharanya there around 5:30 pm on Sunday, healthy and safe.

Why This Inspires

Sharanya's story captures something profound about human resilience. Alone in an unfamiliar forest with dwindling resources, she chose movement over panic, hope over fear. "I did not feel scared. I don't know why," she said.

Her survival also showcases the power of community response. From high-tech drones to local tribal knowledge, from forest officials to volunteers, dozens of people worked tirelessly for three days to bring one person home safely.

Karnataka's Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed she had no complications after her ordeal. The combination of her inner calm and the determined rescue effort turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of hope.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is keep walking forward, even when we can't see the path ahead.