The
sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in
1982. It is located at Kankwari fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi - Jaipur
Highway. The terrain is predominantly hilly, as it lies in the Aravalli
range. It has total area of 788 sq. kilometres, with a core area of
approximately 474 sq. kilometres. The beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the
edge of the reserve, with a quaint hunting lodge overlooking it.At last count in 1985, there 35 tigers were reported. Other carnivores of the area are the panther, jungle cat, jackal and hyena. Three caracals were also reported during the last census in 1985. Other animals include the sambar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai and umpteen porcupines.
The birdlife comprises of the pea fowl, gray partridge, quail, sand grouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl.
Magnificent ruins peppered around the neighbourhood of Sariska add to the region's fascination. The Neelkanth (Shiva) temples (6th-13th century AD) are just 32 kms from the Park and the ancient Kankwari Fort inside the Reserve, is where Emperor Aurangzeb once held his brother Dara Shikoh captive. A beautiful palace complex built in 1902 has been converted into a hotel.