Kavnai Fort

Kawanai, Maharashtra, India

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Kavnai Fort is a hill fort near Kavnai village in Igatpuri taluka of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India, standing at about 2,500 feet (around 760 meters) above sea level on a hillock north of the village.

Built originally by the Mughals, the fort was later transferred to the Peshwas after the Battle of Udgir in 1760 and eventually captured by the British in 1818 along with nearby forts such as Tringalwadi and Harihar. Today, only a few structures remain in good condition, including the main entrance gate, a small pond at the summit, some dilapidated mansion-like ruins, a western bastion, and a cistern nearby.

The fort is known for its easy and beginner-friendly trek, with rock-cut steps and a metal ladder leading to the entrance, and caves on the top where small groups can stay overnight for camping. Kavnai is part of the Igatpuri range of the Sahyadris and offers clear views of surrounding peaks like Kalsubai, Trimbak range, and Tringalwadi, making it a popular one-day trek and picnic spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.