Trekker Sharanya survived dense forest for four days, but here's what worries her now

“I was only lost for a few days. Now that I am back, I can go trekking again,” says GS Sharanya, with a smile. Her mother, Shailaja, sighed with relief as she hugged her daughter tightly. Father Gopi and brother Syam also smiled, happy to have Sharanya back, safe and confident. Sharanya, who got lost in the Thadiyandamol peak in Coorg, was rescued by a team of forest officials, police and tribal people after four days. 

How did you plan this trip?
I work as a software engineer in Kochi. I hadn’t applied for leave as it was a long weekend. I reached the place the previous day itself and learned that you need to book online for trekking. I booked a trek for the same night and got a slot between 6 am and 1 pm. I had planned to see around Coorg in the evening and then return to Kochi. I went for the trek carrying a few bananas and half a litre of water. I have been trekking for so long, but this is the first time that I got lost. 

Where did you lose the way?
A father and son were walking in front of me within my view. But suddenly they couldn’t be spotted. Although I walked a bit further, no one could be seen. I saw a few people standing on top of another mountain. I was hoping I could reach the summit of that mountain if I climbed down the mountain where I was standing and then headed towards it on the left side. However, I realised that I was in a dense forest as I kept climbing down. I was sure that I got lost when my phone ran out of charge. 

How was the night inside the forest?
I was so tired and fell asleep quickly. I realised that the forest is nothing like what we imagine at night. It was a full moon night, and the moonlight illuminated the forest. The crickets became silent by 7 pm, and then the forest was filled with fireflies. 

How did you manage?
I had called the homestay and informed them before the call was disconnected. I screamed at intervals, hoping that someone would hear me. It rained profusely one day. On the fourth day, I decided to climb up. I heard my name being called as I climbed. They were a group of tribals. I had been drinking lots of water while staying close to the stream. I must have drunk at least three litres of water each day. I was able to stay healthy only because of that. I certainly lost some weight, but I wasn’t too tired. 

What did you learn from this experience?
After the news of my getting lost in the forest spread, I am worried about only one thing. Girls who wish to go trekking may now be stopped, as my case illustrates. There is no need for all that.