Named for its resemblance to a hooked nose when viewed from the valley, Duke’s Nose (locally Nagphani) offers one of the area’s widest views over the Sahyadri range and the Bhor Ghat below, and its vertical rock face has made it a regular training and rappelling site for adventure groups out of Lonavala and Pune. Duke’s Nose sits at an elevation of 753 m and is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include rappelling down the sheer 300-metre cliff face, panoramic view of Khandala and Lonavala valleys, and spotting the Duke’s Nose profile from Tiger’s Leap. It falls within Maharashtra, India.
State: Maharashtra
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Hours
January, November, December, February
There are no shops or stalls on the trail, so you must carry at least 2 litres of water per person and some light snacks like biscuits or fruit. At the base village, you may find small tea stalls, but it is safer to carry everything you need.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with a steep rock patch near the top that requires scrambling and a guide for safety. For seniors or those with knee or heart issues, it is best to attempt only the lower viewpoints or hire a local guide and take frequent rests.
No, the final 20-foot vertical rock face requires basic climbing skills and is not recommended without a guide, especially for first-time visitors or groups. Hiring a local guide at the base is inexpensive and ensures safety, as they know the proper handholds and can assist you with ropes if needed.
You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Lonavala station to the base village of Kurwande, which takes about 30–40 minutes. From there, the trek to the summit takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace and fitness level.
The ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry, and the trails are not slippery. Avoid monsoon months (June to September) as the rocks become extremely slippery and dangerous, and visibility drops due to fog.