Lost Youths Rescued After Neelakurinji Bloom Trip

Two young men, aged 23, ventured into the Attappady forest on Tuesday morning, September 8, 2026, without authorization. Their objective was to film the recently bloomed Neelakurinji flowers in the high-altitude Chenthamala area. However, their excursion took a dangerous turn when they lost their way on the return journey as darkness fell.

Forest officials were alerted around 8 p.m. and initiated a search and rescue operation. The team trekked for approximately three-and-a-half hours, locating the stranded youths around 11:30 p.m. The rescued individuals were exhausted, with one experiencing muscle cramps.

The return journey presented further challenges as the rescue team encountered wild elephants multiple times. Forest staff had to navigate carefully to avoid confrontation, eventually leading the youths safely out of the forest in the early hours of Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

This incident occurred in an area known for its rich wildlife, including elephants and tigers. The Neelakurinji had bloomed approximately three weeks prior, attracting some local tribal residents who filmed the flowers. The Forest department had issued warnings against entering the protected area due to inherent risks.

Following the rescue, the parents of the youths were informed about the dangers. The Forest department has registered a case against the two individuals for trespassing into the protected forest, emphasizing that legal action will be taken against anyone entering these areas without permission.