Rappelling @Dukes Nose, Khandala

Dukes nose is a huge pinnacle which can be seen while travelling between Mumbai and Pune. It’s shape is like a nose or a thumb. The sights from the top are unique and magnificent as one sees a vast landscape and the winding Mumbai Pune Express Highway cutting through the ghats and trains chugging along the tracks. It is famous for rock climbing, valley crossing and rappelling adventure activities. 

We went to Dukes nose rappelling with YHAI (Youth Hostels Association of India)and the team arranging actual activity was YUGA. We wanted to start rappelling early morning 06:30 AM, so we started from Malad at 1 AM on Friday and after resting at Lovavala for 1 hour and reached the base village at 05:30 AM.

 

Sunrise from Duke's Nose Base Camp. Good to be awake at such early hours after long

The rappelling spot view. Rappelling starts from top and goes on till the bet in lower mid portion. There is a 2000 ft steep fall after it which make rappelling even more thrilling

The day started with night trek to the base camp, it took around 1 hour to reach the base camp. The actual Rappelling started at 7 AM after breakfast and team served by YUGA team, early morning hot breakfast felt too good at such location.

The Rappelling was a thrilling experience with 320 ft rappelling hanging on 2000 ft valley. 

Thanks a ton to YHAI and YUGA team for such a thrilling experience. The team is highly technical and experienced; they have been conducting Rappelling at Duke’s Nose for last 16 years. Safety is their first priority and they are very good at what they do.

Dabhosa waterfall resort - Nature Trails, Jawhar, Thane

Dabosa waterfall resort near Jawhar, Thane is a part of Nature Trail’s group of resorts. This place is one of their newest locations. A very nice place, superb location and well managed resort. It was a good experience being there. Adventure activities were conducted by trained people. Good food served throughout the stay. The rooms are clean, have bare minimum furniture, no tv and no mobile signal but excellent valley/ waterfall view which makes the stay worth it.

Banjara people on the way, the moment they realized I am clicking
snaps they started asking for money in return :p

Waterfall view from the room

Nice hammocks outside every room

Waterfall view from the dining area, enjoyed cool breeze along with it

Valley crossing, the Nature Trails people call it "Flying Fox"

Once the rains started the view was even better

Since its located deep into tribal area you can see many insects around.
This guy surely stood out, unlike other insects he made no attempt to
get away from humans,. Probably he knows he is the deadliest

Kayaking activity in still water

Valley view

Rappelling activity in the valley, it was indeed fun.
Nice 200ft distance for the activity, which is much
bigger than what most others offer

The water falls from around 200ft creates
a pond in beautiful surroundings 

Most of the population around Dabhosa stays in mud houses like this. 

360 degree Panorama