Kerala teen tourist found dead after going missing near Chikkamagaluru waterfall

Kerala teen tourist found dead after going missing near Chikkamagaluru waterfall

Mangalore Today News Network

Chikkamagaluru, Apr 10, 2026: A 15-year-old girl from Kerala’s Palakkad, who went missing while sightseeing near the Chandradrona mountain foothills, was found dead after a three-day search operation, police said.

The teenager, identified as Sreenanda, had gone missing on Tuesday evening while visiting Manikyadhara Falls with a 41-member family group returning from a trip to Hampi. She was reportedly recording reels on her father’s mobile phone just minutes before she disappeared.

Officials said she went missing while descending steps in a crowded section of the tourist spot, triggering immediate concern and a large-scale search operation.

More than 60 personnel from multiple agencies, including the police, forest department, fire and emergency services, Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were deployed. Search efforts were intensified using thermal drones across the rugged terrain.

The Chikkamagaluru region is known for its steep and treacherous landscape, which made the rescue operation extremely challenging as teams combed deep ravines and multiple possible routes.

Her body was eventually recovered from a deep gorge nearly 2,000 feet below the Manikyadhara Falls area, bringing a tragic end to the search.