Tankai Fort

Tankai Fort is a historic hill fort situated in the Satmala Range in Nashik district, Maharashtra, near the town of Manmad in Yeola taluka. It stands about 2,930 to 3,170 feet above sea level, slightly lower than its nearby twin, Ankai Fort. Built in the 12th century by the Yadava dynasty of Devgiri, it was later controlled by the Mughals, Marathas, and the British.

The fort's ruins occupy a large plateau that stretches from south to north covering around 50 acres. It features steep rocky sides that provided natural defense, with remnants of strong gates, bastions, a carved Shiva temple with an intact Shivling and Nandi statue, and ancient water tanks carved in rock. The fort is accessible through a pass connecting it to Ankai Fort, and the climb is relatively easy.

There are also groups of Jain caves near the forts dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries, with intricate carvings and sculptures. Tankai, together with Ankai, is considered one of the strongest hill fort complexes in the Nashik district, offering significant historical, architectural, and scenic interest for visitors and trekkers. The forts played a strategic role historically, witnessing control shifts between several empires. Today, the site is open to the public and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.