Kavnai Fort, Hill fort in Nashik district, India
Kavnai Fort is a hill fort located on a hillock north of Kavanai village in the Nashik district. The climb involves navigating a stone staircase followed by a steep section with metal ladders to reach the summit at 760 meters (2,500 feet) above ground level.
The fort was originally built by the Mughals and later came under Peshwa control following a treaty with the Nizam in the 18th century. This transition reflected the shifting power dynamics across the Deccan region during that period.
The fort stands among several other military structures in the Sahyadri ranges, forming part of Maharashtra's network of defensive fortifications.
The trek to the fort takes around three hours round trip and requires proper hiking gear and plenty of water. The steep metal ladder sections are best tackled with sturdy footwear and in dry conditions to ensure safer footing.
A small pond at the summit is one of the few structures that remains from the original fort. The main entrance gate is carved directly into the natural rock formation, making it an unusual architectural feature.
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