Introduction, Geography & History of Forts:
Type: Hill Fort
Height: Approx. 3200 ft above MSL
Grade: Easy
Region: Manmad .
Ankai
Ankai-Tankai is a twin fort located in Nasik-Manmad region and just 8km away from Manmad.
A flight of steps lead to ancient Buddhist caves situated at the base of the Tankai fort. Beautiful sculptures on the wall, carving on pillars and roof, a duplex cave with gallery, a temple in the cave is worth looking and a boon for photography enthusiasts. Regular steps leads to a number of fortified entrances, caves with some sculptures and finally to the top where a domed building is located.
On the top one can see 5 caves, 7 water tanks, an arched enclosure at the end of the fort with a huge pond, Dargah etc. A huge cave below the summit is now an Ashram or a temple of Agatsya, the sage who is credited with the first crossing of Vindhya Mountains. The Fortification walls and entrance are still in a good condition.
From the top, one can have a beautiful view of surroundings, a pinnacle called Hadbi chi shendi, Gorakshnath, Tankai Fort and Chandvad range if weather is clear.
Tankai
A flight of steps lead to ancient Buddhist caves situated at the base of the Tankai fort. Beautiful sculptures on the wall, carving on pillars and roof, a duplex cave with gallery, a temple in the cave is worth looking and a boon for photography enthusiasts. Regular steps leads to a number of fortified entrances, caves with some sculptures and finally to the top where a domed building is located.
On the top one can see 5 caves, 7 water tanks, an arched enclosure at the end of the fort with a huge pond, Dargah etc. A huge cave below the summit is now an Ashram or a temple of Agatsya, the sage who is credited with the first crossing of Vindhya Mountains. The Fortification walls and entrance are still in a good condition.
From the top, one can have a beautiful view of surroundings, a pinnacle called Hadbi chi shendi, Gorakshnath, Tankai Fort and Chandvad range if weather is clear.
Tankai
After a first common entrance, the route forks into two directions. One goes to Fort Ankai and the other to Fort Tankai. Steps lead to the damaged entrance of Fort Tankai. Fort Tankai is a huge plateau with a lake and Mahadev Mandir, ruins of the construction and a bastion. Visible from the top are, Ankai Fort, Hadbi chi Shendi etc.
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These were said to be the strongest hill forts captured by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1635. They command a wide view of Khandesh and Godavari valleys.
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The itinerary for the Trek is as given below:
Sunday 9 February 2014.
Meeting Point and Time: Midnight 12:00 Hrs Sharp @ Mumbai CST Railway station with your ticket till Manmad Junction
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Note: The train that we will take is 11093- Mumbai Varanasi Mahanagari Express.
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These were said to be the strongest hill forts captured by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1635. They command a wide view of Khandesh and Godavari valleys.
.
The itinerary for the Trek is as given below:
Sunday 9 February 2014.
Meeting Point and Time: Midnight 12:00 Hrs Sharp @ Mumbai CST Railway station with your ticket till Manmad Junction
.
Note: The train that we will take is 11093- Mumbai Varanasi Mahanagari Express.
Please catch the same train at your respective station halting at :
Dadar @ 00:23 Hrs
Thane @ 00:45 Hrs
Kalyan @ 01 :10 Hrs
There are still 20 (SL) seats vacant for sleeper class ... For comfortable journey please book yourself in advance ...
05:10 Hrs: @ Manmad
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06:00 Hrs: @ Ankai village by rickshaw
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Breakfast time
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07:00 Hrs: Ascend
07:30 Hrs: @ Buddhist Caves
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Sightseeing/Photography break at the caves for 30 mins
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08:15 Hrs: Caves to First Entrance
09:00 Hrs: Atop Ankai Fort
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Breakfast time
.
07:00 Hrs: Ascend
07:30 Hrs: @ Buddhist Caves
.
Sightseeing/Photography break at the caves for 30 mins
.
08:15 Hrs: Caves to First Entrance
09:00 Hrs: Atop Ankai Fort
Sightseeing/Photography atop fort Ankai (~ 1.5 Hr)
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10:15 Hrs: Trek from Ankai to Tankai start
11:30 Hrs: @ Tankai fort
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Explore the vast tableland of Tankai (~1.5hrs)
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12:30 Hrs: @ Descend 2 village
13:30 Hrs: @ Ankai Village
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Lunch
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Rickshaw to Manmad
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17:00 Hrs: Move by Tapovan Express 17618 to Mumbai (Still 58 seats available for 2S )
We will reach mumbai arnd 22:00 Hrs.
Ø Group Size: Max.15 Only.
Ø Contribution: Rs. 350/-
Includes:
1. Transport from Manmad to Manmad by local transport
2. Morning & Evening Tea breakfast.
Excludes:
1. To & fro Rail ticket.
1. To & fro Rail ticket.
2. Lunch of the Sunday, Cold drinks, mineral water, etc.
3. Anything not mentioned herein.
Ø Things to carry:
1) Lunch of the Sunday
2) Some ready to eat food, dry snacks, biscuits, cakes, etc.
3) Water bottle min.2 Ltrs
4) Rail ticket up to Manmad
5) Extra pair of cloths. Towel, etc.
6) Personal medical kit. (if reqd).
7) Bedding (Sleeping mat/bag)
9) Torch with spare set of batteries.
9) A haversack to put in all the things to be carried.
Ø Special Notes:
1) Registration through phone calls only
2) Avoid wearing gold ornaments and carrying valuables.
3) We all are going for an historic, adventurous and interesting trekking expedition, please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR, There will be ample of enjoyment but not at the cost of discipline.
4) Do’s & Don’ts will be explained during the introduction session. All are bound by the same.
Contact:
Kumar Gaudse: 9870577761 / 9930252241
Kavish Sukhthankar : 9820330615
Join us @ Facbook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156590737807072/