Trekking in the Sahyadri Mountains or wandering through dense forests is a thrilling experience. But think about what if your team goes ahead, your mobile battery runs out and you are left alone in the forest? In such a situation, if you don't 'panic' and pay close attention to nature, it can become your greatest guide.
1. Alchemy of Sun and Shadow (East-West Direction)
2. Moss and bark on trees (north direction)
3. Ants' nest and nest (north-south direction)
4. Bird's nest (sign of the East)
5. Night Sky (Dhruvata and Mriga Nakshatra)
6. Soil and water flow
7. How to protect yourself in the monsoon forest? (Monsoon Survival)
8. What should you do when you know the direction but don't know where to go?
9. How to recognize human signs?
10. With the help of voice (Whistle or Shout)
11. With the help of light (Flashlight or Mobile Flash)
12. Mirror or shiny object (Signal Mirror)
13. With the help of fire (The Signal Fire)
14. Ground-to-Air Signals
15. Use of clothes
16. Water planning
Nature is giving us signs step by step. We just need the eyes to recognize them. So let's learn how to recognize directions with the help of nature.
1. Alchemy of Sun and Shadow (East-West Direction)
The oldest and most reliable method is the use of the sun.Simple Shadow Stick Method: 1. Place a straight stick on the ground. 2. Place a stone where the end of the stick's shadow is (this is your west direction). 3. After 15-20 minutes, when the shadow moves, place another stone at the new end (this is your east direction). 4. The line connecting these two stones will show you the exact 'east-west' direction.
2. Moss and bark on trees (north direction)
The trees in the forest are living compasses.Moss: Moss needs shade and moisture to grow. In the Northern Hemisphere (India), the north side of a tree is protected from the scorching sun. Therefore, the side on the tree trunk where the greenest moss is visible is generally the 'north' side.
Bark: The bark on the south side of the tree may be rough or cracked, as it receives more sunlight, while the bark on the north side is relatively smooth. 👉 Go to top of page
3. Ants' nest and termite (north-south direction)
Insects are very sensitive to weather.Ant Hills: Ants consider sunlight when building their hills. The side of the hill that has the steepest slope or where the most soil is stored is usually the south side . This is because it receives the most heat, which is needed to incubate their eggs.
Termite Hills: Termites are located on a north-south axis. Their narrow part is north-south and their wide part is east-west, so that the hot afternoon sun does not affect the temperature in the mill.
4. Bird's nest (sign of the East)
Birds carefully position the opening of their nests to protect themselves from the wind.
Since monsoon winds blow from the west in Maharashtra, nests are often found facing east. Also, their structure is tilted towards the east to allow the gentle morning sunlight to reach the nest.
5. Night Sky (North Star / Pole Star and Orian Constellation)
If you need to find your way at night, there is no greater friend than the sky.North Star / Pole Star: This star is always fixed in the north direction. To find it, use the group of seven stars called the 'Big Dipper'. If you look five times further along the line of the first two stars of the Big Dipper, you will see the bright North Star.
6. Soil and water flow
Soil moisture: Since the north side of the mountain is in the shade for a longer period of time, the soil there is more moist, while the soil on the south side is dry and reddish.
Summary:
1. Don't get confused: If you can't find your way, sit quietly in one place and drink water.
2. Check more than one sign: Don't judge by just looking at the moss, check the wind and sun as well.
3. Mark the path: Mark the path you are taking by placing stones or marking trees.
As beautiful as the forests of Sahyadri and Konkan are during the monsoon, they are also challenging. Along with finding direction, survival is a big responsibility. 👉 Go to the beginning of the page
7. How to protect yourself in the monsoon forest? (Monsoon Survival)
Nature changes during the monsoon. The following things can be your shield during such times:A) Protection from leeches and insects
'leeches' is the biggest problem in the rainforest.
Solution: If a leech sticks to your body, do not pull it off, as this can cause injury. Always keep salt or tobacco with you . If you put it on the leech, it will fall off automatically.
Applying odomos or neem oil to the feet provides protection against insects.
B) Lightning Safety
If you are on an open plateau or mountaintop and lightning starts to flash, then:
Don't stand under a large tree: Lightning is more attracted to tall trees.
Find low ground: If possible, go to a valley or low ground. Keep metal objects (e.g. trekking poles or umbrellas) away from you. 👉 Go to top of page
c) Be careful while crossing watercourses.
During the monsoon, small streams in the forest can become violent at any time (Flash Floods).
Take a guess: If the stream water is muddy and has driftwood or mulch floating in it, it means heavy rain is falling upstream. Don't dare cross the stream at such a time.
If the water is above your knees, do not cross the stream alone.
d) Falling path and stones
During the rainy season, the rocks and soil become extremely slippery.
Watch your step: There is a 90% chance of slipping on the green moss that has accumulated on the stones. Use a walking stick to assess the ground before stepping.
If possible, walk on the edge of the dirt or with the support of grass.
E) Maintain body temperature (Hypothermia)
Constant exposure to rain can lower body temperature, leading to fatigue and shivering.
Waterproof bag: Cover your bag with plastic from the inside. Keep at least one pair of dry clothes wrapped in a plastic bag so you can change into them once you find shelter.
Keep jaggery, nuts or chocolate with you to maintain energy.
"Nature is our friend, but respecting it and following its rules is the mark of a true trekker." 👉 Go to the beginning of the page
Finding your way in the forest is half the battle, but choosing the right path is the other half. If you can't find your original path, follow these steps:
A) Use the STOP rule
When you realize you're lost, the first thing you should do is:
S (Sit): Sit quietly in one place.
T (Think): Think - where was the last time you saw a familiar sign?
O (Observe): Look around - do you see any footprints, broken branches, or human traces?
P (Plan): Plan calmly rather than running in panic.
B) 'Water flow' is the biggest path.
The surest way out of the forest is water .
Find a small stream flowing down the mountain.
Start walking in the direction the water flows.
Streams continue to merge into rivers, and there is a 99% chance of finding human settlements or villages along the banks of rivers. 👉 Go to the top of the page
C) Reach the high ground (Survey the Terrain)
If there is dense vegetation around, climb a hill or high place and look around.
What to look for? Power lines, mobile towers, rooftops, fields, or a road visible from a distance.
If smoke is visible, there is a strong possibility that there is a human settlement there.
D) Walk in a straight line (Avoid Walking in Circles)
When a person is scared in the forest, he unconsciously starts walking in circles. To avoid this:
Determine a direction (e.g. north or west).
While walking, keep two trees in front of you in a line.
Look back at the tree behind you to see if you are in a straight line. This is called 'Zeroing' .
When leaving the forest, look for these signs of 'civilization':
Electric wires or poles: If you see electric wires, they are connected to a village or pump house. You can get out by walking under or along them.Cattle: If you see signs of cattle or dung, then there is probably a cowherd or village nearby.
"Nature is our friend, but respecting it and following its rules is the mark of a true trekker." 👉 Go to the beginning of the page
Finding your way in the forest is half the battle, but choosing the right path is the other half. If you can't find your original path, follow these steps:
A) Use the STOP rule
When you realize you're lost, the first thing you should do is:
S (Sit): Sit quietly in one place.
T (Think): Think - where was the last time you saw a familiar sign?
O (Observe): Look around - do you see any footprints, broken branches, or human traces?
P (Plan): Plan calmly rather than running in panic.
B) 'Water flow' is the biggest path.
The surest way out of the forest is water .
Find a small stream flowing down the mountain.
Start walking in the direction the water flows.
Streams continue to merge into rivers, and there is a 99% chance of finding human settlements or villages along the banks of rivers. 👉 Go to the top of the page
C) Reach the high ground (Survey the Terrain)
If there is dense vegetation around, climb a hill or high place and look around.
What to look for? Power lines, mobile towers, rooftops, fields, or a road visible from a distance.
If smoke is visible, there is a strong possibility that there is a human settlement there.
D) Walk in a straight line (Avoid Walking in Circles)
When a person is scared in the forest, he unconsciously starts walking in circles. To avoid this:
Determine a direction (e.g. north or west).
While walking, keep two trees in front of you in a line.
Look back at the tree behind you to see if you are in a straight line. This is called 'Zeroing' .
When leaving the forest, look for these signs of 'civilization':
Electric wires or poles: If you see electric wires, they are connected to a village or pump house. You can get out by walking under or along them.Cattle: If you see signs of cattle or dung, then there is probably a cowherd or village nearby.
Foot Trails: Both animals and humans use footpaths in the mountains. A path marked with footprints or cairns can lead you to a safe place.
"You don't get lost in the forest, you lose your confidence. As long as your gaze and thoughts are steady, you can never forget the path." 👉 Go to the beginning of the page
When you are in trouble in the forest, it is very important to give the 'SOS' (Save Our Souls) signal to attract the attention of the rescue team. This is a globally recognized signal. You can give this code as follows with the help of simple tools you have:
10. With the help of voice (Whistle or Shout)
"You don't get lost in the forest, you lose your confidence. As long as your gaze and thoughts are steady, you can never forget the path." 👉 Go to the beginning of the page
When you are in trouble in the forest, it is very important to give the 'SOS' (Save Our Souls) signal to attract the attention of the rescue team. This is a globally recognized signal. You can give this code as follows with the help of simple tools you have:
10. With the help of voice (Whistle or Shout)
If you have a whistle, it is most effective.
SOS pattern : 3 short whistles - 3 long whistles - 3 short whistles (. . . --- . . .).Short: Blow the whistle for 1 second.
Long: Blow the whistle for 3 seconds.
This allows people at a distance to understand that this is not a natural sound but a call for help.
11. With the help of light (Flashlight or Mobile Flash)
You can signal at night using a battery or a mobile phone flash.
Method: Blow 3 short bursts of light, 3 long bursts, and 3 short bursts again, just like a whistle.
If you don't have a battery, you can move your mobile screen with the brightness at maximum.
12. Mirror or shiny object (Signal Mirror)
'Signal mirroring' can be done using a mirror, a steel box, or even a mobile phone screen in the sunlight during the day.
Catch the sunlight on a mirror and flash it towards the rescue team or helicopter.
Constantly flashing the flash quickly attracts people's attention from afar. 👉 Go to the beginning of the page
13. With the help of fire (The Signal Fire)
Fire is considered the biggest signal in the forest.
The number three : According to international rules, three bonfires in a row or triangle are a sign of trouble.
During the day : Put wet mulch or green leaves on the fire, which will produce thick white smoke .
At night : The brighter the fire, the better.
14. Ground-to-Air Signals
If there is a possibility of an airplane or helicopter flying overhead, make markings on the ground.
Dig out stones, wood or soil and write the word 'SOS' at least 10-15 feet long.
Make sure the letters are a different color than the surrounding ground (e.g. white stones on green grass).
15. Use of clothes
Tie the brightest colored cloth you have (red, orange, or yellow) to the top of a tall tree or stand on a high place and wave it.
Important note:
When giving any signal, try to give it in 'counts of 3' (3 whistles, 3 light flashes, 3 fireworks). Nothing in nature happens naturally in groups of three, so the rescue team immediately knows that this is a human action. 👉 Go to top of page
16. Water planning
Water is the most important element when you get lost in the forest while trekking. In such a situation, the following are some important survival rules to follow to plan and use water wisely:
A. Do proper water rationing:Drink water in small sips: Instead of drinking half a bottle at once when you feel thirsty, take small sips of water. This will keep your mouth moist and save more water.
Don't drink water to save water: Not drinking water at all can be dangerous. Keep drinking water little by little to keep your body hydrated.
B. Retain water in the body (Reduce Water Loss):Rest in the shade: Avoid walking in the hot midday sun. Sit in the shade of a large tree. This will reduce sweating and maintain the body's water level.
Keep your mouth closed: Breathe through your nose while breathing. Breathing through your mouth can quickly dry out your throat and make you feel the need for water.Keep your clothes on: Keep your clothes on all over your body to protect yourself from the sun, so that sweat does not evaporate quickly. 👉 Go to the top of the page
C. Control food: If you are very dehydrated, avoid eating anything. The body needs more water to digest food. Even if you feel hungry, it is best to avoid eating until you have water.
D. Finding natural water sources:Moist soil: Where the soil looks a bit damp or where there is dense vegetation, digging a hole is likely to provide water.Bird watching: The direction in which birds are flying or where their noise is loudest is more likely to be where there is water.Dew: Dew that accumulates on the leaves in the morning can be collected by wiping it with a clean cloth.etc. Water purification: Be careful when drinking water directly from a river or stream. If possible, boil the water or use water purification tablets if you have them.
E. Stay Calm: Panic increases the heart rate and depletes the body of energy and water at a rapid rate. If you stay calm and think, it will be easier for you to plan your water intake.
It is always beneficial to always carry a little more water than you need when going trekking and to know in advance where water sources are located along the way.
14. Ground-to-Air Signals
If there is a possibility of an airplane or helicopter flying overhead, make markings on the ground.
Dig out stones, wood or soil and write the word 'SOS' at least 10-15 feet long.
Make sure the letters are a different color than the surrounding ground (e.g. white stones on green grass).
15. Use of clothes
Tie the brightest colored cloth you have (red, orange, or yellow) to the top of a tall tree or stand on a high place and wave it.
Important note:
When giving any signal, try to give it in 'counts of 3' (3 whistles, 3 light flashes, 3 fireworks). Nothing in nature happens naturally in groups of three, so the rescue team immediately knows that this is a human action. 👉 Go to top of page
16. Water planning
Water is the most important element when you get lost in the forest while trekking. In such a situation, the following are some important survival rules to follow to plan and use water wisely:
A. Do proper water rationing:Drink water in small sips: Instead of drinking half a bottle at once when you feel thirsty, take small sips of water. This will keep your mouth moist and save more water.
Don't drink water to save water: Not drinking water at all can be dangerous. Keep drinking water little by little to keep your body hydrated.
B. Retain water in the body (Reduce Water Loss):Rest in the shade: Avoid walking in the hot midday sun. Sit in the shade of a large tree. This will reduce sweating and maintain the body's water level.
Keep your mouth closed: Breathe through your nose while breathing. Breathing through your mouth can quickly dry out your throat and make you feel the need for water.Keep your clothes on: Keep your clothes on all over your body to protect yourself from the sun, so that sweat does not evaporate quickly. 👉 Go to the top of the page
C. Control food: If you are very dehydrated, avoid eating anything. The body needs more water to digest food. Even if you feel hungry, it is best to avoid eating until you have water.
D. Finding natural water sources:Moist soil: Where the soil looks a bit damp or where there is dense vegetation, digging a hole is likely to provide water.Bird watching: The direction in which birds are flying or where their noise is loudest is more likely to be where there is water.Dew: Dew that accumulates on the leaves in the morning can be collected by wiping it with a clean cloth.etc. Water purification: Be careful when drinking water directly from a river or stream. If possible, boil the water or use water purification tablets if you have them.
E. Stay Calm: Panic increases the heart rate and depletes the body of energy and water at a rapid rate. If you stay calm and think, it will be easier for you to plan your water intake.
It is always beneficial to always carry a little more water than you need when going trekking and to know in advance where water sources are located along the way.