Lost in the Wild: Two Young Trekkers Rescued After Hours-Long Search in Wayanad

A weekend trekking adventure in Kerala's Wayanad district turned into a tense survival ordeal after two young trekkers lost their way while descending Ponmudikotta Hill, prompting a late-night rescue operation by emergency teams.

The two trekkers, Mubashir and Mohammed Mundhir, both residents of Kalloor, had set out for the popular trekking destination near Ambalavayal on Sunday afternoon. Trouble began when they chose a different route while descending the hill and soon realised they had wandered off the trail.

As darkness covered the hill, the pair attempted to retrace their steps and return to the summit. However, the unfamiliar terrain only left them more disoriented, making it impossible to find a safe way back.

Their situation took a positive turn around 7 pm, when mobile network connectivity briefly returned, allowing them to contact the Fire and Rescue Services and seek immediate assistance.

Responding swiftly, the Sulthan Bathery Fire and Rescue Services coordinated with the Ambalavayal Police, while local residents also joined the search effort. The joint rescue team navigated the hilly terrain for nearly two-and-a-half hours before locating the stranded trekkers at around 9.45 pm.

Both youngsters were safely escorted back to Ambalavayal without any reported injuries.

Officials later revealed that the trekkers had been stranded in an area where wild animals are frequently spotted, making the rescue operation even more critical.

Ponmudikotta Hill, one of Wayanad's popular trekking destinations, attracts adventure enthusiasts from across Kerala. The incident serves as a reminder for trekkers to avoid venturing onto unfamiliar routes, especially close to nightfall, and to ensure they have adequate navigation tools and communication facilities before heading into remote hill terrain.