Trekker's Disappearance in Kodagu Ignites Debate on Forest Trekking Safety in Karnataka
The recent disappearance of a trekker from Kerala in the dense forests of Kodagu has once again thrust into the spotlight the significant and often underestimated dangers linked to trekking in Karnataka's wilderness areas. As the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and other picturesque hinterlands draw thousands of adventure seekers annually, trekking experts and conservationists are sounding alarms. They warn that these visually stunning landscapes can rapidly become hazardous without proper oversight and robust safety measures.
Gaps in Official Trekking Portal Aranya Vihaara
Following a series of similar incidents in recent years, authorities are being urged to comprehensively reassess how ecotourism activities are managed in forest regions. Particular concerns have been raised regarding deficiencies in the state forest department's dedicated trekking portal, Aranya Vihaara. A prominent issue is the surge in unregulated trekking along lesser-known trails, often promoted on social media with minimal attention to terrain difficulties or inherent risks.
A leading trek expedition company has pointed out inconsistencies within the official platform. "In 2024, the forest department introduced the Aranya Vihaara portal to organize trekking expeditions in state forests. However, it fails to include many popular trekking destinations such as Kumara Parvatha, Rani Jhari, Mandalpatti, and Brahmagiri. While the forest department acknowledges these as favored eco trails, the Aranya Vihaara website omits numerous locations from its trekking lists. Currently, the portal features only 33 trek routes across 12 districts," a representative from the firm explained.
Procedural Lapses and Seasonal Risks
G Veeresh, a conservationist based in Chikkamagaluru, highlighted ongoing procedural shortcomings despite the portal's launch. "Even with a dedicated portal in place, there are consistent lapses whenever large crowds of trekkers converge on specific trails. Additionally, the government should prohibit trekking expeditions during the peak summer months of March and April, as well as the early monsoon period. Recently, many trekkers engage in photoshoots or reel creation during their journeys. Straying off trails for photos and videos can be deadly, and there is an over-reliance on forest department personnel for search and rescue missions. Excessive use of mobile phones for photography and recording leads to rapid battery drain, isolating groups from external contact. Forest staff often hesitate to confront such trekkers, fearing negative repercussions on their careers," Veeresh stated.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Protocols
Belagavi-based techie-turned-conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has formally written to the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), advocating for strengthened safety protocols in ecotourism zones. "The Kerala trekker's incident underscores the dangers arising from unreliable communication networks and lack of structured tracking procedures. Both trekkers and staff depend heavily on mobile networks, which are nearly non-existent in dense forest areas. Staff should be equipped with walkie-talkies and handheld GPS tracking devices to monitor group movements and any deviations," he emphasized. Kulkarni also stressed the necessity of digitally recording trekking trails from start to finish via a centralized monitoring system.
Popular Trekking Trails of Karnataka
- Kodachadri (Shivamogga)
- Kudremukh (Chikkamagaluru)
- Bandaje Waterfall (Chikkamagaluru)
- Ettina Bhuja (Chikkamagaluru)
- Netravathi (Dakshina Kannada)
- Skandagiri (Chikkaballapur)
- Makalidurga (Bengaluru Rural)
Source: Aranya Vihaara, forest department, Government of Karnataka
Essential Guidelines for Trekkers
What Trekkers Should Do:
- Obtain official permission or tickets
- Hire nature guides or watchers from the forest department
- Inform someone about your expedition plans
- Move in groups for safety
- Carry power banks and mobile phones
- Stick to marked trails at all times
- Start at dawn and conclude by dusk
- Carry essentials: water, first aid, energy food, flashlight, GPS, compass
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes and full-sleeve clothes in nature-blending colors
- Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks
- Observe wildlife from a safe distance
What Trekkers Shouldn't Do:
- Trek solo
- Ignore weather reports
- Venture off designated trails
- Feed, instigate, or disturb wildlife
- Make loud noises or play music
- Carry alcohol or drugs
- Smoke in forest areas
- Litter the environment
Areas Needing Improvement for Forest Department
- Utilize communication gadgets like walkie-talkies or satellite phones in dense forest zones
- Equip guides with GPS tracking devices, range locators, and small arms
- Mark trails by blazing on trees or using tree girdling with colors instead of signage
- Issue a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for trekking and ecotourism activities
- Train staff in emergency medical care
- Ban trekking in core forest areas
- Define group sizes and carrying capacities for trails
- Enforce zero tolerance towards trekkers focused on shooting reels or selfies
- Implement bans on trekking during summer and early monsoon seasons
Source: Trekking experts and stakeholders
Trekking Tragedies Over the Past Decade
- September 2019: A Bengaluru techie lost his way and was rescued after two days near Kumara Parvatha in Subrahmanya
- February 2022: A New Delhi native and Bengaluru student fell into a gorge while trekking to Brahmagiri Hill in Kodagu
- January 2024: A near-stampede situation occurred at Kumara Parvatha after hundreds of trekkers descended on the peak
- June 2025: Eleven medical students, who got lost during a Bandaje forest trek, were traced after an overnight search
- September 2025: A chartered accountant from Mangaluru died atop Konajekallu peak in Dakshina Kannada
