You must have heard of Sariska Tiger Reserve, in Alwar district of Rajasthan. It is home to 24 tigers (as of Jan 2023) in an area of 881 sq.kms. It is the first reserve in the world with successfully relocated tigers.
But it also hides the very beautiful Kankwari Fort, between the dense forest and the might Aravali Hills. The fort was built by Raja Jai Singh, senior commander of the Mughal Army. Unlike other forts which are built on high mountains or hills, this one was made on a small hill in the midst of the dense jungle and served as an ideal place for political imprisonment. Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, imprisoned his older brother Dara Shikoh, who was next in line to become the emperor, so as to become the next emperor.
The fort is 22kms inside the reserve and can be reached through gypsies. The fort is abandoned and not in good condition but the view from the fort is mesmerising. Palm trees are lined up in front of the fort and a lake is situated right next to it . Nobody usually visits this place and hence it’s a ideal place for leopards. If you are lucky you might spot a leopard climbing up and down on of the hills near the fort (like us :D)
When we started our morning safari we didn’t have much expectations. But as soon as we came face to face with this fort, we were pleasantly surprised. It was so green, so blue and so pretty, straight out of painting. Next time you are in sariska, do visit this place 
