A 14-year-old Class 10 student from Palakkad, Kerala, named Sri Nanda or Sreenanda, went missing on the evening of 7 April during a family trip to the Chandradrona hill range in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. She disappeared around 5.30 p.m. near Manikyadhara Falls while hiking with a group of about 40 relatives.
After searching locally until late evening, her family reported her disappearance to the police, prompting a multi-agency search operation involving local police, forest officials, disaster response teams and thermal drones. Despite continuous efforts spanning more than two days, there has so far been no confirmed trace of her and authorities have appealed to tourists and local residents for any information that might help locate her.
Large-Scale Search Continues
The teenager went missing while her family was exploring Manikyadhara Falls and the surrounding Chandradrona hills, a scenic but rugged region in the Western Ghats. She became separated from her relatives during the hike, and initial search efforts by family members continued until around 8 p.m., when poor visibility forced them to seek official assistance.
Police, forest department personnel, fire and emergency services and the State Disaster Response Force launched a sustained search operation through the night. Teams used thermal imaging drones and organised ground teams to comb the steep, densely vegetated slopes that characterise the area. The Superintendent of Police confirmed that all potential routes and nearby areas were being searched thoroughly, while call records and other leads were being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Fog, dense vegetation and steep terrain have been cited as major obstacles in locating the missing girl.
Government and Officials Step Up Coordination
Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Ministry directed forest officials to provide full support to the district administration and police in tracing the missing student. Officials emphasised that the steep terrain and dense vegetation necessitate the involvement of trained forest personnel and specialised equipment.
Additional teams, including a special investigation unit and disaster management personnel, have been deployed and local volunteers familiar with the landscape have joined the search to widen the perimeter. Search operations have continued despite challenges posed by rough topography, fog and dense grasslands, which have limited visibility and slowed progress. Police have appealed to tourists, locals and drivers moving in the area to share any sightings or information that could aid the operation.
The incident comes shortly after a separate case in neighbouring Kodagu district, where a 36-year-old woman from Kerala went missing during a trek in the Tadiandamol hills and was later located and rescued after several days. That incident has prompted discussion among officials on improving safety protocols and response strategies for trekkers and visitors to hilly, forested areas.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The disappearance of a young student during a family holiday is deeply distressing. It highlights the unpredictable nature of rugged landscapes and the importance of safety awareness and preparedness among visitors. While the multi-agency search operation demonstrates strong institutional coordination, communities and tourism authorities must consider preventive measures such as clear trail signage, check-in systems for trekking groups, temporary tracking applications and broader public awareness about the risks of trekking in remote areas.
At the same time, speculation should be avoided, and the focus should remain on supporting the family, the search teams and the wider public in understanding the complexities of such incidents. Our thoughts are with Sri Nanda’s family as the search continues, and with the teams working tirelessly under challenging conditions to bring her home safely. How can authorities, local communities and visitors work together to strengthen safety measures in hilly and forested tourist regions, especially for minors and groups unfamiliar with the terrain?
A 15-year-old girl from Palakkad has been reported missing during a family trip to Manikyadhara in Chikkamagaluru. Around 6 pm on April 7, the family members noticed her was missing and searched around the place, before informing the police around 8.30 pm.https://t.co/0GfFOrq7Pd
— The Hindu-Bengaluru (@THBengaluru) April 8, 2026
