The short answer
Ankai-Tankai Fort: what visitors should know first
Worth it as a half-day detour if you can climb for about half an hour and like quiet ruins; allow about three hours for both forts and the caves. It is not a place for those with knee or balance problems, and there are no facilities on the hill.
History and context
The story behind Ankai-Tankai Fort
Ankai and Tankai stand on adjacent hills in the Satmala range, in Yeola taluka of Nashik district. The Yadavas of Devgiri built the forts. The Mughals under Khan Khanan took Ankai in 1635 after bribing its commander, and Jean de Thevenot noted the forts in 1665 as a stop between Surat and Aurangabad.
The Marathas took control in the 18th century, with sources giving 1739 or 1752 (under the Treaty of Bhalki), and the British captured the forts in 1818.
Useful facts
Ankai-Tankai Fort facts at a glance
- Location
- Ankai village, about 10 km from Manmad, Nashik district
- Experience type
- Half-day twin hill-fort climb with Jain caves
- Known for
- Cliff-edged hill forts and Mahavir cave carvings
- Elevation
- Ankai is about 966 m (3,170 ft)
- Climb time
- About 30 minutes to Ankai's entrance gate
- Visitor note
- No facilities on the hill; caves locked at night
Why it matters
Why Ankai-Tankai Fort is worth your time
Ankai and Tankai show how the Deccan trade route between Surat and Aurangabad was guarded. The Yadavas of Devgiri built the forts, the Mughals under Khan Khanan took them in 1635 by bribing the fort commander, and the French traveller Thevenot mentioned them in 1665 as a stop on that route. The Marathas gained control in the 18th century and the British captured them in 1818.
The caves add a second layer. Carved into the hill foot, they preserve Jain imagery that predates much of the fort history, so a single visit covers both religious and military heritage. The site is quiet and little visited, so it suits travellers who want something other than Shirdi's crowds, as long as they bring their own supplies.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Ankai's upper fort
The passage between the lower and upper parts leads to a cliff-edged summit with wide views across the Satmala hills.
- 02
Tankai at day's end
The adjacent hill is best visited in the late afternoon for softer light.
- 03
The Jain caves
Five upper caves hold Mahavir figures, and the main cave has carvings of a Yaksha, Indrani and a lotus.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Reach Manmad first, which is the nearest town and has the hotels and the railway junction, then continue about 10 km to Ankai village. Start early. A trail begins from a hillock north of the village and takes about half an hour to reach the entrance gate of Ankai. Carry water, as there are no shops or taps on the hill, and wear shoes with grip.
Ankai is the higher of the two, with steep cliffs on most sides, and the passage between the lower and upper parts is one of the features to look for. Tankai stands on the adjacent hill and is best seen later in the afternoon, when the light is softer. Seeing both forts takes roughly three hours at an easy pace, so they combine well into one outing.
At the foot of the hills are Jain caves on two levels. The lower level has two caves without idols, and the upper has five with well-preserved Mahavir figures; the main cave has carvings of a Yaksha, Indrani, a lotus and Mahavir. Visit these before the heat builds, and respect the sanctity of the caves by removing footwear.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early; there is no shade on the climb
- Carry water and snacks; nothing is sold on the hill
- Visit the caves by daylight, as they are locked at night
- Remove footwear in the caves
- Plan the road route via Manmad; confirm timings locally
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Ankai village, Yeola taluka, Nashik district; about 10 km from Manmad and roughly 70 km from Shirdi by road
- Time needed
- About 3 hours for both forts; add time for the Jain caves
- Best time
- October to February, early morning for Ankai and late afternoon for Tankai; the monsoon is green but slippery
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Not suited to most senior visitors. The route climbs on uneven rock and steps with no handrails, seating or shade, and the forts have steep cliffs on most sides. The Jain caves at the foot are far easier and can be seen without the climb.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee or opening hours are published. The Jain caves are reported to be locked at night, so visit by daylight and confirm access in Ankai village.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ankai-Tankai Fort
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Not suited to most senior visitors. The route climbs on uneven rock and steps with no handrails, seating or shade, and the forts have steep cliffs on most sides. The Jain caves at the foot are far easier and can be seen without the climb.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Ankai-Tankai from Shirdi?
Roughly 70 km by road via Manmad, with Ankai village about 10 km beyond Manmad. Allow around two hours each way.
How long does the climb take?
About half an hour to Ankai's entrance gate, and around three hours to see both forts.
Are the Jain caves open?
They sit at the foot of the hills and are reported to be locked at night. Visit by daylight and ask in Ankai village.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
