Vadakara: “She loves travelling. There’s hardly a place she hasn’t been. If we hear she has somehow come out of the forest, that’s enough…” — these were the words of Sharanya’s mother, Shailaja, after meeting Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar at Orkkatteri on Sunday afternoon.

Just two and a half hours later, that hope turned into reality. Sharanya, a native of Nadapuram who had gone missing during a trekking trip at Tadiandamol peak in Kodagu, was found safe. The news brought immense relief to her parents, Shailaja and Gopi, and their relatives, who had been in distress since Thursday night.

Shailaja, Gopi and their family had approached Shivakumar during his election campaign visit to Orkkatteri, seeking urgent intervention to intensify search operations. Responding immediately, he contacted senior Karnataka Police officials, including the Kodagu Superintendent of Police, and assured all possible assistance from the stage itself.

By the time Shivakumar moved on to another campaign event at Velam Palliyath, confirmation arrived that Sharanya had been traced.

Speaking earlier, Shailaja had expressed firm belief that her daughter would return safely, noting that Sharanya had always managed to come back unharmed from her travels. That confidence ultimately proved justified.

Shailaja also revealed that Sharanya had been in Kashmir during the April 2025 terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. She was originally supposed to visit Pahalgam, but changed plans due to rain — a decision that likely kept her out of harm’s way. The last conversation between mother and daughter took place on Wednesday, before news of her disappearance emerged on Thursday night.

“I knew my daughter would return,” says a relieved mother

“I was certain my daughter would come back. She always tells me not to worry — that wherever she goes, she will return,” said Shailaja, moments after receiving confirmation that Sharanya had been found.

The past three days of anxiety gave way to tears of joy, with family members, including father Gopi, sharing in the relief.

Around 6 pm on Sunday, Haridasan — a relative who was part of the search team in Kodagu — informed the family that Sharanya had been located. Shortly after, her brother Shyam, who was also in Kodagu, called to confirm the news. Overwhelmed with happiness, Shailaja said she was momentarily unable to respond.

Although she asked to speak with her daughter, Shyam informed her that they were on their way to meet Sharanya and that she was safe. Celebrations soon followed at their home in Perode, Nadapuram, with relatives distributing sweets to those who gathered after hearing the news.

A seasoned trekker with a passion for travel

Sharanya is an avid trekker with over 5 years of experience, frequently travelling across states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. She has undertaken treks both solo and with friends.

On one occasion, she even travelled to Kodaikanal on her motorcycle for trekking. According to her mother, Sharanya would sometimes inform the family only after completing trips, to avoid constant phone calls during her journeys.

Five years ago, after securing a job, she purchased a Royal Enfield Bullet, citing its suitability for long-distance travel.

Despite the recent ordeal, Shailaja remains supportive of her daughter’s passion. When asked whether she would restrict Sharanya from trekking in the future, she responded pragmatically: “She is an adult. Can we monitor her all the time?”