Mysuru: Trekker falls 20ft into gorge, rescued after 6 hrs

SHIVAMOGGA: A medical student from Bengaluru fell about 20 feet into a gorge at Hidlumane waterfalls in Kodachadri while trekking and spent over six hours perched percariously on rocks before he was rescued.
Amogh, 25, a native of Hassan, and two of his roommates, Sanjeev and Madhu, had planned a weekend trip and checked into a homestay near Nittur, about 80km from Shivamogga, on Saturday night.
The next morning, they hit the Hidlumane falls trail in Mukambika reserve forest of Hosanagara. There are two major falls in Kodachadri — Arisinagundi and Hidlumane, which are opposite to each other. Trekking enthusiasts usually climb Kodachadri hills from Hidlumane falls side which is near Nittur.

They reached the falls early in the morning and while descending, Amogh tried to get a foothold on the slippery rocks. He lost balance and fell down the gorge, which is about 80 feet deep. His roommates panicked but fortunately, found him amid rocks about 20 feet below, his fall halted by the thick vegetation around. Asking Amogh to stay calm, the duo walked some 1.5km to the main gate to alert foresters. They got in touch with police and emergency responders in Hosanagar.
Police, fire and emergency personnel reached the site and began rescue operation. About three hours were lost as heavy rain made movement difficult. Fire brigade staff finally rescued Amogh, using a rope, carefully hauling him from the gorge.
“Some other trekkers too reached the place when he cried for help. If he’d slipped deeper into the gorge, it could have been dangerous,” said fire brigade inspector KP Ramappa. Amogh sustained minor injuries and is doing fine, authorities said.
About a hundred people stay in the dense forest in Hidlumane hamlet. “Tourists are advised to take precautions while trekking to reach Hidlumane. Amogh tried to descend even though it was slippery,” range forest officer Rupesh Chavan said.
The trio returned to Bengaluru on Sunday evening.