Why You'll Fall in Love with the Breathtaking Views of Duke's Nose

Overview

The Duke's Nose trek, also known as Naagphani, is a scenic and thrilling adventure in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra.

Located near the town of Khandala, this trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills.

In this blog post, we will deep into the details of the Duke's Nose trek, providing you with all the necessary information to plan your next adventure.

Duke's Nose Trek Summary

Here's a quick overview of the Duke's Nose trek to assist you in your planning:

Things to Carry

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek to Duke's Nose trek, here are some essential items to pack:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Water bottle/hydration pack
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, fruits)
• Lunch (if not available at the base village)
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Extra clothes, socks
• Headlamp, torch
• Personal medication

Food:

• Carry snacks and water
• Lunch is available at the base village (optional)
• No food is available during the trek

Animal Presence:

• Yes, wild animals like snakes, monkeys, and birds
• Be cautious and make noise while trekking
• Keep a safe distance from animals

How to Reach

From Mumbai to Kurvande Village:

By Train:

• Take a train from Mumbai's CST or Dadar station to Lonavala
• Get down at Lonavala Railway Station
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Kurvande Village

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Mumbai's Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand to Lonavala
• Get down at Lonavala Bus Stand
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Kurvande Village

By Road:

• Take the Mumbai-Pune Highway
• Continue on the NH4 towards Lonavala
• Take a right turn at the Lonavala signboard
• Follow the village road to reach Kurvande

From Pune to Kurvande Village:

By Train:

• Take a train from Pune's Railway Station to Lonavala
• Get down at Lonavala Railway Station
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Kurvande Village

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Pune's Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand to Lonavala
• Get down at Lonavala Bus Stand
• Take a local taxi or rickshaw to Kurvande Village

By Road:

• Take the Pune-Lonavala Highway
• Continue on the NH4 towards Lonavala
• Take a right turn at the Lonavala signboard
• Follow the village road to reach Kurvande

Itinerary

• 7:00 am - Depart from Mumbai/Pune
• 10:00 am - Arrive at Kurvande
• 11:00 am - Start trek
• 2:00 pm - Lunch break
• 4:00 pm - Reach summit
• 6:00 pm - Descend
• 8:00 pm - Arrive at Kurvande

Key Insights from My Research and Reviews

1. Location and Accessibility:

• Duke's Nose is located near Lonavala, Maharashtra, easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune.
• Kurvande village serves as the base for the trek, with free parking available.
• Two trekking routes: One from Khandala Railway Station (6 km, 3-4 hours) and a shorter, easier 2 km route from Kurvande (1.5 hours).

2. Trek Difficulty:

• Beginner-friendly trek; however, requires some endurance, especially during the steep parts at the end.
• Total time to reach the top: Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Avoid ridge climbing during the monsoons due to potential risks.

3. Best Time to Visit:

• Monsoon and winter seasons offer the best experience with lush greenery, cool climate, and scenic beauty.
• Avoid visiting during the summer months (e.g., November) due to heat and lack of shade.

4. Views and Scenic Beauty:

• The top offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sahyadri peaks, valleys, Mumbai-Pune expressway, and several forts.
• Monsoons enhance the beauty with mist, waterfalls, and clouds enveloping the peak.
• Capturing photos and drone shots is highly recommended for the stunning aerial views.

5. Activities:

• The site is popular for activities like trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, and valley crossing, attracting adventure enthusiasts.
• A small Lord Shiva temple is located at the summit, adding to the spiritual ambiance.

6. Trek Experience:

• The trek is peaceful with less crowding, especially in the mornings or off-season.
• Some areas may be slippery during the monsoon, so wearing proper trekking shoes is advised.
• The top is flat, making it an ideal spot for capturing picturesque shots.

7. Amenities and Recommendations:

• Limited Amenities at the base village; visitors are advised to carry their own water and snacks.
• There are restaurants and shops in Kurvande village for basic supplies, but not many options for food or shelter at the top.
• Always check recent images and weather conditions before planning your visit.

8. General Tips:

• Begin the trek early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
• Prepare adequately for the hike by bringing necessary provisions as there is little shade or rest areas at the top.
• It's a great spot for family-friendly trekking and short getaways, with the added benefit of being a less commercialized destination.

Google Map of the Location

Conclusion

In the end, an awesome place if one want an arean view of Lonavala's nature. On top of duke nose there is a Mahadeva's. The view and the cold breeze is all you have on the top of it.

If you have any doubts, need any guidance, or have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

FAQs:

1: Why is it called Duke's Nose?

Ans: The trek is called Duke's Nose due to its unique shape, resembling a nose.

2: How long is the Dukes nose walk?

Ans: The Duke's Nose trek is approximately 6 km long, taking around 4-5 hours to complete.