Planning a trek? Take the following precautions

Yet again, Kerala witnessed two youngsters getting stuck in the forest area on Wednesday, during a trek in Malappuram, forcing authorities to employ rescue officials in the night to help them.

It was in February last year that 23-year-old Babu was rescued after getting stuck in Kurumbachi Hills in Palakkad. Babu was rescued after 48 hours. If you are not careful enough, the beautiful trekking experience you wish for can turn into a nightmare and even put many lives in danger.

Here are the precautions you should take to ensure a smooth trek:
1) Rather than being an extremely 'spontaneous' trekker, be a wise one. Research well on the area you are going to explore, to understand the do's and don'ts, areas not to be trespassed, officials to be intimated, permits to be taken and study the map of the area to understand your way.

2) Make sure you are in the best of health, by doing a check-up. It's better to check whether your body has enough fitness to traverse the terrain of your trekking trail and its challenges.

3) If the terrain is extremely treacherous, avoid a solo trek. See whether you can avail the facility of a guide if available.

4) Make sure you travel at a time when there is adequate light. If trekking at night, carry light sources and battery backup that can last for long hours.

5) Many trekking trails might not have full phone network coverage. Check with the officials on how communication is ensured in the circumstance, in the particular trekking trail. Follow their advice.

6) If you lose your way, keep your calm and find a spot where you are safe from wild animals. Make sure you don't waste your energy excessively.

7) Don't taste random wild products tempted by their colour or smell. Even fruits or seeds that resemble the ones you eat regularly can be poisonous or dangerous.

8) Wear the right gear for the terrain. Also, carry the essentials, but travel light.

9) Anticipate unexpected weather changes, flash floods, mist, etc, depending on the region. Check with tourism officials about what should be done in such a turn of events.

10) Don't go near wild animals or even click their pictures in a provocative fashion. Employ extreme caution if you encounter them.