Tankai Fort

Tankai Fort is a historic hill fort located in the Satmala Range near Manmad in Nashik district, Maharashtra. Built in the 12th century by the Yadavas of Devgiri, it forms a twin fort complex with Ankai Fort and rises approximately 966 meters above sea level. The site features ruins of Maratha fortifications, rock-cut steps, water cisterns, and temple remains on a wide grassy plateau. It served as a strategic outpost guarding the Surat-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar trade route.

Visitors can expect a trek of moderate difficulty involving ancient stone-cut steps leading to a large, windy plateau covered in grass. The summit offers panoramic views of the Satmala ranges, Manmad plains, and railway routes below. Explorable features include ruined fort walls at the plateau corners, a small Pandav Temple, water ponds, and rock-cut cisterns. The site is largely in ruins with no shelter on the Tankai plateau itself, though adjacent Ankai Fort has a temple cave used for lodging.

Built in the 12th century by the Yadavas of Devgiri to monitor the Surat-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar trade route. Captured by Mughal general Khan Khanan in 1635, came under Maratha control in 1752 after the Treaty of Bhalki, and fell to the British in 1818. Considered one of the strongest hill forts in Nashik district alongside Ankai Fort.