Kerala woman techie on solo trek goes missing in Kodagu: Search enters Day 3 as mobile signal vanishes

According to officials, Sharanya reportedly informed the homestay staff that she had lost her way before her mobile phone went out of network coverage. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Napoklu police station by a forest officer, when her mobile number was called, a message in Malayalam stated that the number was “out of coverage area”. The staff immediately reported this to their superiors, who then alerted the police.

The search resumed early Friday with nearly 60 personnel, including forest officials, police, and local volunteers. Five teams—three from the forest department and two from police and locals—are combing dense forests, alternate trails, and interior sections of the peak. Drones and sniffer dogs have also been deployed, but officials say no breakthrough has been achieved yet.

Sources said that though the route is moderate in difficulty, it requires caution. “The trail is not tough; most trekkers can complete it in two to three hours,” sources said.

Carl Cariappa, a frequent trekker from Coorg who has completed the Tadiandamol trail more than 10 times, described the route as moderate and manageable for most walkers. “It’s usually done in groups, people stick together, and generally there is no guide,” he said.

On timing, he added, “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. Sharanya reportedly started her trek at 8.15 am, but when the group returned at 4 pm, she was not among them.”

The police said that after they informed Sharanya’s family, her brother arrived in Kodagu to assist with the search. A formal missing person’s complaint was filed on April 3. Investigators are exploring all angles, including possible diversions from the main trail and gaps in monitoring.