Kodagu: An IT professional from Kerala has gone missing during a solo trek to Tadiandamol in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, prompting an extensive search operation by authorities.
According to police, Sharanya G S, 36, travelled from Kochi and checked into a homestay in Yavakapadi village near Napoklu. She began her trek on April 2 after completing formalities at a forest department checkpoint, where her ID and contact details were recorded.
Kerala woman goes missing during solo trek
Due to active wild elephant movement, forest officials advised her to join a group of around 10 trekkers. While the group returned safely by evening, Sharanya did not, raising alarm.
Officials said she informed homestay staff that she had lost her way before her phone went out of network coverage. When contacted, her number returned a message stating it was “out of coverage area”.
A large-scale search resumed early Friday with nearly 60 personnel, including forest officials, police and local volunteers. Five teams are combing dense forests, alternate trails and interior stretches. Drones and sniffer dogs have also been deployed, but no breakthrough has been reported so far.
Sources familiar with the route said, “The trail is not tough; most trekkers can complete it in two to three hours.”
Frequent trekker Carl Cariappa added, “It’s usually done in groups, people stick together, and generally there is no guide.”
On timing, he said, “Most trekkers start early in the morning around 6.30 am and complete the trail in three to four hours. For tourists or first-timers, it usually takes about six hours.”
Police have informed Sharanya’s family and her brother has reached Kodagu to assist in the search. A missing person complaint was filed on April 3, with investigators exploring all possible angles, including deviations from the main trail.