Ankai

You will find many ancient but picturesque medieval forts in the Satmala Range of mountains in Maharashtra. There is one pair of forts popularly known as Ankai and Tankai that stand out. These are two different forts, but are often considered together, because they are very close to each other. These forts rise up to several hundred feet from the neighboring landscape. The Ankai fort is located at a height of 961 meters above the sea level. It has spacious surroundings measuring 700 meters x 200 meters. It was big enough to hold a lot of garrison with their armaments to hold off the approaching enemies from down below.

Are you planning a trip to the Ankai fort? It could be a wonderful weekend trip. But do remember, you will have to pass through seven rings of fortifications (now of course less hazardous, as compared to the earlier days), and must also pass through an interesting Hindu rock-cut temple. The winding steps that now take visitors to the top with ease were originally designed to make the ascent difficult and arduous. It was particularly difficult for the invaders coming up to capture the fort. That’s because, they had to pass through the final 60 or 70 steps that were so narrow that hardly more than a single person could pass at one time. The enemy could be crushed with boulders let loose on these treacherous steps by the keepers of the fort. According to local folklore, large stock of firewood was also kept ready in the fort for burning the enemy alive by setting fire to these. In bygone days, when aerial fire power was beyond the knowledge of humans, these simple but effective defensive methods often worked like magic.

How to reach: You will find both private and public buses that leave from Pune and Mumbai. If you prefer the train, then you must get down at the Ankai station. The fort is close enough. You can drive from Pune too – it will take you about five hours. From Mumbai, the driving time is about six hours.

There are no hotels in Ankai fort and cottages in Ankai fort. However you will find some decent accommodation options in the town of Ankai. Nothing premium though.