Duke's Nose Trek

Region: Lonavala

Base Village: Kurwande

Duke's Nose is also known as Nagphani or Cobra's Hood. As you climb the Khandala Ghat, Duke's Nose looks like an alarming apex. It has earned a great fame and is considered to be easy to hike. Duke's Nose trek in Maharashtra is a very pleasurable trek. Just keep your water bottles filled to the brim always as drinkable water is difficult to be found on the way and enjoy the climb to the Cobra's Hood.

Khandala-Duke's Nose-Khandala : Tread back to Mumbai from Khandala Station. Take the old railway track that climbs up the hill, which is just past the level crossing (west).When the track ends, carry on the road going south-west for about a kilometer. This will bring you to Fore Bay. Here Tata duct line water is stored before being released down to Khopoli.

Now, it is from Fore Bay that a track stems off in the jungle. The actual trek makes a start here only. Now, you leave the track and enter into forests. After treading for 5 mins, you leave the Tata property and pass through a revolving barrier immediately. The path forks after this. On the right side, the trail is steep and full of scree.The path on the left side is gentle. Tread uphill for 15 mins and you will reach an area having a large electric pylon. You will have the sight of INS Shivaji-the naval training school and Koregad Fort at a distance on the other side.

From here, you can not see Duke's Nose but this is a comfortable and nice place where you can have a short break. Now catch the path dropping to INS Shivaji for 10-15 mins. This will bring you to the Open plain showing Duke's nose on the diagonal to your right. Now the entire area is at a higher elevation, thus, Duke's Nose looks like a small hillock. The walk to the Duke's Nose's base during monsoon is more enjoyable. On the way, you have to ford many small streams. From the base, a trail winds up and takes you to the top. At the top, you will find a Shiva temple, wonderful views and steep slope to the valley below. For returning, just retrace your steps the way you came up.

Trekking Options

1. Make your way past Ryewood Park to Monsoon Lake (also known as Lonavla Lake) from Lonavla. Tread along the shores till you see Duke's Nose. Then take a longer route of walking to the top.
2. Move from Lonavla to Kurvanda village. Then tread around the hill's base till you see Duke's Nose and head straight for the ridge.
3. Move from Lonavla to INS Shivaji. Trek cross-country to Duke's Nose.
4. You can also go past the old railway line. When you reach the road leading to Fore Bay, catch the track dropping into a jungle. Climb to the base of Duke's Nose. Only those who are skilled in rock-climbing should try this route.

Duke's nose trek in Maharashtra is a much-loved trek as it does not require any special climbing skills. You reach the top in 2 hours and the same time is consumed in coming down from the top. It must be kept in mind that at times the area gets windy and the vegetation cover is not thick on the top so you must be careful regarding your steps.