Kankwadi

Kankwadi, also known as Kankwari, is a historic site comprising a fort and a small village situated within the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally established by Maharaja Jai Singh II as a famine relief project, providing employment during times of scarcity. Later, a palace structure was added to the complex by Pratap Singh Prabhakar. Located in a region rich with wildlife, the site represents a unique intersection of royal Rajput architecture and natural conservation efforts, serving as a landmark within the dense forests of the tiger reserve.

The historical trajectory of Kankwadi includes significant recent changes regarding its habitation status. In 2009, the village was officially evicted to aid conservation goals, though a few families remained as of 2016 while government-led migration efforts continued. Despite the depopulation of the surrounding settlement, the fort itself is undergoing renovation to promote tourism. It remains accessible to visitors from October through the end of July. Tourists can reach the site by renting a safari jeep from the local Forest Office, allowing them to explore the ruins while experiencing the biodiversity of the reserve.

Today, Kankwadi stands as a protected monument where historical preservation meets ecological safety. While the residential village has largely been relocated, the fort continues to attract visitors interested in Rajasthan's royal heritage and its connection to the landscape. The ongoing restoration work aims to stabilize the structure and enhance its appeal as a cultural destination within the national park. This dual focus on maintaining architectural history and supporting the tiger population ensures that Kankwadi remains a significant, albeit quiet, chapter in the region's story.