500ml of water, four days in dense jungle; Malayali techie's story of survival

BENGALURU: Saranya, the Kozhikode native who went missing while trekking in Tadiandamol Peak in Kodagu, survived in the dense forest for four days. It was on the fourth day that the local tribal community finally found her. Saranya was trekking to the highest peak in Kodagu, Tadiandamol. She had gone trekking on April 2 after staying at a homestay in Yavakapadi village. The forest department officials had advised her to go with a ten-member group due to the presence of wild elephants.

The rest of the trekking group returned in the evening, but Saranya lost her way. After informing the homestay staff that she had lost her way, her phone went off. She had only a 500 ml bottle of water with her. The search was expected to be carried out using a drone. Therefore, Saranya chose to stay near an open area where a drone could locate her.

The tribal community said that the location from which Saranya was found was a prohibited area that even the tribals hesitate to travel to. Saranya said she howled at her top voice at certain intervals to attract attention from security. This sound reached the community, which made the rescue operation successful.

Saranya, who was brought out of the forest area, will be taken to the nearby Kakkabe village for primary treatment. The police said that they will check Saranya's health condition. If satisfactory, the woman will be allowed to return home. Saranya, an IT professional from Kochi, Nadapuram, went missing on April 2.