Two youths lost in Attappady forest in Keralam rescued in night operation
Two youths were rescued by forest officials after getting lost in the Attappady forest while attempting to film Neelakurinji flowers for social media. The incident highlights the dangers of entering protected wildlife areas without permission, leading to legal action against the individuals.
Why it matters
It underscores the growing trend of social media-driven tourism causing safety risks and environmental damage in protected ecological zones.
Two youths who entered the Attappady forest to film blooming Neelakurinji lost their way and became stranded, prompting a late-night search by forest staff who encountered wild elephants several times during the rescue.
Abheendar and Shanu, both aged 23 and from Thavalam in Attappady, entered the Chenthamala forest without permission on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) morning. They walked for more than three hours to reach the high-altitude area, where shola forests meet grasslands.
However, they lost their way on the return journey. Darkness fell before they could find their way out.
Forest officials were alerted around 8 p.m. and launched a search, carrying water and biscuits for the youths. After trekking for about three-and-a-half hours, the team found them around 11.30 p.m.
“They were tired, and one of them had muscle cramps,” said N. Safeer, Attappady range forest officer, who supervised the operation.
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