Named after Duke Willington, the popular trekking, camping, rappelling place for many trekkers, Duke’s Nose is situated between Lonavala and Khandala in The Big City ‘ Maharashtra’. This elevation was named so because it resembled the nose of the duke’s nose. Earlier it was known as Nagphani, which means the hood of a snake. With an experienced guide, the trek of duke’s nose can really be memorable.
How to reach
❖ By Railway
- The cheapest and the most convenient way to reach Lonavala is via railways
- The nearest railway station to Lonavala is the Lonavala railway station
- Duke’s nose is 6km away from the railway station
❖ By Road
- It has a well connected road system network to Dadar
- The trekking begins from Dadar, where you will be picked by a bus or jeep which will leave you at Duke’s Nose in 3 hrs
- The trek lasts for one and a half hours
There are mainly 2 trekking routes to reach the top
1. The Kurvande village route – It is a simpler route but is a bit dangerous as if you slip you will find yourself fallen in deep Sahyadri valley.
2. Khandala railway station route – it is a long one as compared to Kurvande. You will have to follow the arrows to reach the top. It takes 2-2.5 hours to complete the trek.
❖ Accommodation
Some of the best hotels and lodges near Anjaneri fort in Nashik are:
- No accommodation is available. It is usually a morning trek and does not require accommodation but if willing one could set up a tent to stay.
- No food is available on the duke’s nos or around in the village. Carry your food.
- Near Bhushi Lake there is a village where you can find some refreshments in summer.
❖ Things To See
- I.N.S. Shivaji, Maharashtra (1.5 km away from duke’s nose)- It is a naval engineering training base that is named after a valiant king. It is not actually a tourist spot but it is the point where the path starts.
- Tiger’s Leap, Maharashtra (1.7 km from duke’s nose)- It is called so because if you see it from the right angle it looks like a leaping tiger. On clear days, the view is magnificent.
- Shivsagar Lake, Maharashtra (2 km away from duke’s nose)- It is an artificial water body that was formed when the Koyna Dam was constructed. Various boating facilities like speed boating, scooter boating are accessible at economical rates.
- Bhushi Lake, Maharashtra ( 3.8 km away from duke’s nose)- it is one of the tourist attractions near Khandala. There are many waterfalls flowing in the lake especially during the rainy season.
- Ryewood, Maharashtra (8.6km away from duke’s nose)- it is a majestic garden owned by the state government. It was named after English army officer Mr Rye who lived there for years. This park has many tree samples amongst which some dating back hundreds of years.
❖ Things To Carry
- Water
- Camera
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear
- Skin moisturiser
- Sturdy backpack
- Personal medicines (if any)
