Ankai-Tankai Forts
Explore the unique twin Ankai-Tankai Forts near Manmad, offering historical ruins, rock-cut caves, and stunning panoramic views with a light trek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & stunning views
Ankai-Tankai Forts
Best Time
Lush greenery & stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the unique twin Ankai-Tankai Forts near Manmad, offering historical ruins, rock-cut caves, and stunning panoramic views with a light trek.
"A decent trek with less crowd and good views, perfect for a light exploration."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Water is only available at the base. Pack 2-3 liters per person for the trek. :droplet:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A light trek awaits! Ensure you have good trekking shoes for exploring the forts. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ankai Fort Exploration
Ankai Hill
Discover ruins, rock-cut caves, and a sacred Mahadev Temple atop this larger, more explorable fort.
Tankai Fort Plateau
Tankai Hill
A vast plateau with a ruined Shiv Temple and lake, offering stunning views of Ankai Fort, especially in monsoon.
Shared Fortification Wall
Between Ankai and Tankai
Marvel at the unique common fortification connecting these twin forts, a testament to historical architecture.
Panoramic Vistas
Summit of both forts
Experience gasp-worthy vistas of the surrounding landscape from the peaks of these ancient strongholds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek Smart: Water & Essentials
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Water is only available at the base. Pack 2-3 liters per person for the trek. :droplet:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A light trek awaits! Ensure you have good trekking shoes for exploring the forts. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Drone Photography Fun
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the twin forts and surrounding hills.
🚶♂️ Less Crowded Gem
Enjoy a peaceful trek with fewer crowds, perfect for a relaxed exploration. 🚶
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Water is only available at the base. Pack 2-3 liters per person for the trek. :droplet:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A light trek awaits! Ensure you have good trekking shoes for exploring the forts. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Drone Photography Fun
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the twin forts and surrounding hills.
🚶♂️ Less Crowded Gem
Enjoy a peaceful trek with fewer crowds, perfect for a relaxed exploration. 🚶
⛰️ Explore Both Forts
Ankai offers more to explore, but the view of Ankai from Tankai is spectacular. :mountain_cableway:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ankai-Tankai Forts for their free entry, lack of crowds, and rewarding light trek with good views. The historical significance and unique shared fortification are highlights. However, the absence of food and water facilities at the base requires thorough preparation.
"no ticket , no waiting ( direct free entry.)
Water bottles only available at bottom so take atleast 1 water bottle per person for tracking.
Good view ."
Yogesh Solanki
"Quiet a decent trek. There's not much to explore here. If you want to visit a place with less crowd and enjoy a light trek than this is for you."
THE KNIGHTMARE
"A very well-preserved fort, easy for all age groups. There is much to explore in Ankai fort, the path to tankai is parallel to Ankai and it is easy too, but most of the ruins and attractions are on ANKAI FORT."
Adit Wilankar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ankai-Tankai Forts are located near Manmad town in Nashik district. They are about 10 km from Manmad railway station and easily accessible by road. You can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw from Manmad to reach the base of the forts.
While direct public transport to the fort base might be limited, local buses and shared taxis are available from Manmad town to nearby areas. It's advisable to check local transport options upon arrival in Manmad.
The nearest major railway station is Manmad Junction. From there, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the forts. Some travelers have spotted the forts from the Vande Bharat train traveling between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Mumbai.
From Nashik city, you can take a bus or train to Manmad. The journey to Manmad takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road or train. From Manmad, proceed as mentioned above.
While official guided tours might not be widely advertised, local guides may be available at the base. It's also common for trekkers to explore independently, especially if they are experienced.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to enter the Ankai-Tankai Forts. Entry is free, and there is no waiting time, making it an accessible destination for all.
The forts are generally accessible throughout the day, as there are no specific opening or closing hours due to the free entry. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and better exploration.
There is no entry fee for the Ankai-Tankai Forts. Visitors can explore the historical sites without any cost.
Yes, you can visit the forts at any time of the year. However, the monsoon season offers lush green landscapes, while winter provides pleasant trekking conditions. Summers can be very hot.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always advisable to respect the historical site, avoid littering, and trek responsibly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ankai Fort is the larger of the two and offers more to explore. You can find rock-cut caves, a sacred Mahadev Temple, and various ruins that speak of its historical significance.
Tankai Fort features a ruined Shiv Temple and a lake. The plateau on Tankai Fort is quite large and offers an awesome view of Ankai Fort, especially during the rainy season.
The trek is considered a light one. Exploring both forts thoroughly can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each spot.
The trek is generally described as easy and suitable for all age groups. The paths are well-defined, making it a pleasant experience for most visitors.
Early mornings offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and clearer skies. The golden hour during sunrise and sunset also provides beautiful opportunities to capture the forts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food arrangements available on the forts or at the base village. It is highly recommended to carry your own food and snacks.
The nearest town with dining options is Manmad. There are many hotels at Manmad station west, and one recommended hotel is Hotel Visava.
Yes, it is essential to pack food and snacks for your trek, as there are no facilities available at the forts.
Manmad offers a range of local eateries and restaurants, typically serving Maharashtrian cuisine. You can find options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
While not designated picnic spots, the plateaus on the forts can serve as resting spots. However, it's best to carry out all your waste if you choose to eat there.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the summits of both forts are excellent. The common fortification wall, rock-cut caves on Ankai, and the plateau on Tankai offer unique photographic opportunities.
Drone photography is popular here, with several videos showcasing aerial views. However, always check for any local regulations or restrictions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the fort architecture. A good smartphone camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
The Mahadev Temple on Ankai Fort, the ruined Shiv Temple on Tankai, and the ancient rock-cut caves are particularly photogenic and offer a glimpse into the past.
The monsoon season (June to September) offers lush green surroundings, making for vibrant photos. The post-monsoon period also provides clear skies and good visibility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit