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Duke’s Nose, Lonavala Overview
Duke’s Nose is a popular tourist spot that is located at a distance of about 7 km from the town of Lonavala. The place gets its name from the Duke of Wellington who nose resembled the shape of the cliff. Owing to its shape, the Duke’s Nose is locally referred to as Naagphani, which means the hood of a cobra. Known for its picturesque location, serene ambience, beautiful valleys and lush greenery, the Duke’s Nose serves as a perfect place for trekking and to organize a picnic. As you reach the top, you will be stupefied by the view of the Sahyadri Range.
If you long for some adventure in life then you ought to undertake trekking and rock climbing at Duke’s Nose. The rocky terrain and long narrows trails that meander through the dense jungle will provide a memorable trekking experience. The view of Duke’s Nose from the Sunset Point in Khandala is outstanding and it will make you eager to travel to the place as soon as possible. Many travellers travelling to Mumbai from Pune or vice –versa stop at this location in order to get a picturesque view of the valley.
The lush green forest around the cliff is embellished with non-perennial waterfalls and streams which in turn enhances the beauty of the place. Duke’s Nose is a must-visit place for those longing for a break from fast pacing monotonous city life.
More on Duke’s Nose
Trekking at Duke’s Nose
The trek to the Duke’s Nose begins from the village base of Khandala and it approximately takes about four hours to reach the top of the cliff. First, you need to trek to Kurvande village and from here you will have to walk for another one and a half hour to reach the base of the 800 feet tall cliff. From here, the real fun begins. As you ascend the trek trail, you will come across dense foliage and narrow rocky paths. It will approximately take around 3 hours to reach the top of the cliff. It is recommended that you trek in groups so as to assist other members while climbing and to avoid any mishap. Do not forget to trek through the valley to the Duchess Nose. The trek trail comprises of dense forests and visibility is often low due to fog and mist that dominated the region.
If you carve for more excitement and fun then you should try out the night trek at Duke’s Nose. At the outset, you need to affiliate to a group that arranges the night treks at an affordable cost. In order to reach the base of the trek, you will have to walk 7 km from Lonavala Railway Station. This acts as a warm-up exercise for the trekkers. Once you reach the base point, you will need to climb a steep slope and navigate your way through the narrows pathways in the dark. It takes about 3 hours to reach the Duke’s Nose and once you reach the top you can either camp and stay for the night or start descending to the base camp.
Camping at Duke’s Nose
Once you are at the top of the cliff, you ought to spend a night camping at Duke’s Nose. You need to carry tents and other basic utilities in order to enhance your camping experience. The region is also well-known for stargazing. There are various dealers or companies that make arrangements for group camping activities such as the bonfire, barbeque, dinner, games and other types of entertainment. Camping cost varies anything between INR 1200 and INR 3500.
Adventure Sports at Duke’s Nose
In addition to the trekking activities at Duke’s Nose, you can also engage in other adventurous activities such as Traversing, Zip Lining and Rappelling. The costs for these activities differ from vendor to vendor. For instance, some might charge INR 1000 for feet traversing and others might charge INR 300 for feet rappelling. All the activities are supervised by the experts and there is no need to worry about the safety of the sports. You can also choose to participate in fun-filled activities after sunset which includes moonlight individual.
Best Time to Visit Duke’s Nose
The ideal time to plan a trip to Duke’s Nose is during the months between October and March. The weather stays pleasant during the day making it perfectly safe for trekking and sightseeing.
Tips for Visiting Duke’s Nose
1. You should wear comfortable trekking gear and sturdy shoes with good sole and grip.
2. You might trace few eateries around the cliff, however, it is advisable to carry water and snacks.
3. It is advisable to trek in groups. Do not forget to carry a first-aid kit.
4. Carry rain gear and umbrella while exploring the region during monsoons.
5. Carry a windcheater jacket as it usually gets windy on top of the cliff.
How to Reach Duke’s Nose?
You can either take public transport like bus and auto-rickshaw or hire a private cab from Lonavala town to reach the base of Duke’s Nose. The place is easily accessible from Lonavala railway station by autorickshaws or state bus.
