Ankai

Ankai Hill's ancient heritage includes Brahmin Caves (on the fort) and Jain Caves (at base village), linked to Agasti Muni. Built in the 12th century by the Yadavas of Devgiri, the fort was crucial on the Surat–Chhatrapati Sambhaji M. Nagar trade route. Key dates: 1635 (Mughals won by bribe), 1752 (Maratha territory via BHALKI treaty), and 1818 (captured by the English).

Start from Ankai Village road (near the school). Spot Ganesh idols & Veerghals along the way. See a 4-foot square Veerghal near the school (carvings include a wild boar hunt and Sati's hands). **Jain Caves (10th/12th Century)** * **Access:** 10-min climb via steps built by the archaeological department. * **Level 1:** Two caves; one has a water tank outside. * **Level 2:** 5 caves (10-15 more steps). * First two caves are two-floored with halls, terraces, and beautiful doorway carvings (Yaksha, lotus ceiling). * Second cave veranda features Yaksha (left) and Indrani/Bhavani Mata (right). * Third cave veranda has idols of Kichak (left) and Ambika Mata (right). * Fifth cave holds Tirthankar statues.**Ascent & Fortification** * **The Pass:** Protected by a fortification wall with *charya* (slits). * **Door 1 (South-Faced):** Reached after 10 mins. Guarded by two large *bustons* (towers). Wooden door remnants still visible. * **Fort Split:** Ankai Fort is on the left, Tankai Fort is on the right. In front is the massive Manmad Door (Vayavya Door). This pass is protected by two doorways and a fortification wall. * **Ankai Fort Direction:** Find a structure (possible checkpost) leading to the Brahmin Cave (deteriorated, contains room/GARBHAGRUHA, statues of Jay and Vijay). Nearby cistern and huge pillar-supported water reservoir above.**Upper Doors & Plateau** * **Doors 2, 3, 4:** Second door has two octagonal *bustons*. Steps behind it are 80-degree angle. Doors 2, 3, 4 are in a straight line, guarded by a huge wall/solid carved rock. * **Doors 5 & 6 (Deteriorated):** Entry to the fort. * **Cisterns:** Found left and right after entering. Trail leads to Sita Guha. * **Sita Guha:** Has internal/external water reservoirs (often used for cattle; cannot stay here). * **Agasti Muni Cave:** 2-min walk from Sita Guha. Well-decorated, saints live here. Water reservoir 4 feet from the ground above the cave.**Fort Plateau Highlights** * **Kashi Lake:** Lake carved in rock. Center features a self-immolation spot of Augusti Muni. * **Wada Structure:** Large, ruinous structure (arch remains, no ceiling). Dry central lake. Contains a square-shaped *buston* and a Pir (Darga) at one end. * **Final Climb:** Ascend the hill above the Agasti Cave. Spot a large constructed water reservoir on the right. * **Summit:** Only a flagpost remains. * **Views:** Tankai (East), Gorakhgad, Katra, and Hadbichi Shendi (South). * **Time:** Allow 1 hour for visiting spots on the fort.