Kankrala

Kankrala Fort is an ancient hill fort located in the Malegaon taluka of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India. Situated south of the more prominent Galna Fort, it occupies two hills at an elevation of 2,476 feet. Constructed primarily from stone, the structure currently exists as a ruin under the ownership of the Government of India. While the exact year of its original construction remains unknown due to sparse historical records, the site holds significance as a strategic military point that was eventually captured by British forces under Colonel Wallace in 1818. Today, the fort is open to the public, though visitors should be aware that the entrance is in a dilapidated condition and no substantial structures remain on the summit aside from scattered ruins.

The site offers several points of interest for history enthusiasts and trekkers, despite its ruined state. The top of the fort and the rocky areas near the gate feature numerous rock-cut water cisterns, with the water near the entrance noted as being potable. Additionally, there are a few caves located near the entry point. Accessing the fort requires a moderate level of hiking difficulty, as there are no proper steps or paved pathways leading to the top. The journey typically begins from the nearby village of Karanjgavhan, reachable via roads from Malegaon or National Highway 3. From the base, it takes approximately one hour to reach the summit, where a temple near the fort provides a clear view of the historic site.