Meet Sharanya: Kerala Techie Who Survived 3 Days In Forest With Just 500 ML Water
A 36-year-old tech professional from Kozhikode, G.S. Sharanya, was rescued safely after spending over three days lost in the dense forests of Kodagu, highlighting a remarkable story of endurance and presence of mind.
Sharanya had travelled to Kodagu on April 1 for what was planned as a one-day trek to Tadiandamol, a popular yet challenging trekking destination.
She checked into a homestay near Kakkabe and joined a group of trekkers. However, while descending the peak on April 2, she reportedly got separated from the group and went missing.
With a limited phone battery and poor network connectivity, Sharanya soon lost all contact.
Carrying only a 500 ml bottle of water and no food, she spent her first night near a rocky stream, choosing not to move in the dark to avoid further risk.
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Over the next two days, she relied on careful decision-making rather than panic. Despite a leg injury, she avoided venturing deeper into unfamiliar terrain and instead stayed in relatively open areas where she could be spotted.
At one point, she attempted to position herself in visible patches, hoping rescue teams using drones might locate her.
Meanwhile, a large-scale search operation was launched involving police, forest officials, Anti-Naxal Force personnel, and local tribal communities.
Multiple teams combed through difficult terrain under harsh weather conditions, deploying thermal drones and even extending the search towards the Karnataka–Kerala border.
On the third day, Sharanya considered climbing to higher ground but was forced to abandon the attempt due to heavy rain. She conserved energy, stayed put, and periodically called out for help.
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Her resilience paid off on the fourth day when members of the Kudiya tribal community, familiar with the forest terrain, reportedly heard her faint calls from a remote stretch of the Pattighat reserve forest.
Around 4 pm on Sunday, more than 72 hours after she went missing, Sharanya was found conscious and stable.
She was immediately escorted out and taken for medical evaluation. Authorities confirmed that she did not suffer any major injuries.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar thanked all those involved in the rescue, including tribal communities, forest officials, police personnel, and volunteers, for their coordinated efforts.
