Ahivant Fort

Ahivant Fort is a historic hill fort located about 55 km from Nashik in Maharashtra, situated in the Satmala Hill Range. It is part of a group of three forts—Achala, Ahivant, and Mohandar—with the latter two built to guard Ahivant Fort. The fort dates back to at least the 17th century and was under Adilshah's control in 1636 before being captured by Mughal forces led by Shaista Khan's general, Alivardi Khan. Later, the Maratha king Shivaji won the fort in 1670.

The fort then changed hands during fierce battles involving Mughal commanders Mahabat Khan and Diler Khan, eventually surrendering to the Mughals again. In 1818, the British took control under Colonel Briggs. Ahivant Fort sits on a large, flat plateau and features ruins of storehouses, arches, bastions, water cisterns, and a central large pond.

The fort can be reached via trekking routes from nearby villages like Daregaonwani and Ahiwantwadi, with the trek being safe but exposed due to lack of tree cover. Night stays are difficult due to scarcity of potable water, but local villagers offer food and lodging. The fort offers panoramic views and takes about an hour to fully explore, making it an important historic and trekking destination in the Nashik region.