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Sevan: Where Desert Life Meets Legacy

There’s a rhythm to the desert — of wind, sand, silence, and the crackling of evening fires. When we conceived Manvār Sevan – The Desert Camp, we envisioned more than just a stay under canvas. We set out to create a living homage to Rajasthan’s rich heritage of war camps, shikār tents, and tented cities — the grand assemblies of kings, royal hunts, and desert weddings.

Roots in War Camps & Shikār Tents

Centuries ago, royal processions would pause in the desert, where ornate yet functional tents were set up. These weren’t mere shelters — they were mobile palaces. Whether used for war, shikār (hunting expeditions), or grand weddings, these ‘tent cities’ were pitched near forests or dunes. Royals and nobles rested, dined under cloth ceilings, and exchanged stories by the soft glow of lanterns.

In designing Sevan, we drew from that legacy. The layout, spacing, natural light intake, and open verandahs mirror those transient royal camps — creating a setting that feels grand, yet intimately connected to the land.

Jodhpur’s Tent Makers & Block Print Tradition

Where does a desert camp find its soul? In the patterns and fabrics that drape over poles, flutter in the wind, and settle softly on sand.

To bring Sevan to life, we collaborated with Jodhpur’s traditional tent makers — masters of block prints, indigo dyes, and handmade canvas art. The tents at Sevan are lined with hand-printed interiors, while the outer canvas is weather-treated yet breathable. Bedspreads, cushions, and canopies carry coordinated prints in earthy desert tones.

Furniture Inspired by Tented Cities & Local Craft

Step inside a Sevan tent, and you’ll discover more than just a bed. You’ll find handcrafted furniture inspired by historic campaign and safari camps, crafted by local artisans. Floors are lined with cotton-woven durries and coir mats, echoing the materials once used in royal war and shikār camps.

Though Sevan operates seasonally (October to March), the tents provide all modern comforts — including electricity with genset backup and fully equipped bathrooms with running hot and cold water.

How Sevan Complements Shergarh & Kumat

  • Shergarh is the Desert Resort — garden comfort and effortless luxury.
  • Kumat offers premium glamping with elevated amenities.
  • Sevan is poetic, immersive, and raw — a heritage tented experience.

Activities at Sevan

At Sevan, the experience extends beyond where you sleep. Guests can take part in immersive village walks, offering a genuine glimpse into everyday desert life. A unique highlight is the opportunity to visit the homes of the local staff — a gesture that fosters real cultural exchange.

For the adventurous, jeep rides across the dunes and camel rides through serene landscapes evoke the spirit of an older time. At night, a bonfire is lit and folk musicians perform beneath the stars. Dine under cloth canopies as the desert sky unfolds — these moments offer a balance of authenticity and comfort for the thoughtful traveller.

Why Sevan Completes the Rajasthan Journey

Jodhpur and Jaisalmer offer a visual and cultural feast — but without a night under canvas, your Rajasthan journey is incomplete. A couple of nights at Sevan allows you to slow down and immerse yourself in the true rhythm of the desert: the silence of the dunes, the hum of folk music, the sway of a camel ride, and the warmth of desert hospitality.

Operating since 1998, Manvār Sevan has quietly contributed to preserving the local desert ecosystem and supporting community livelihoods. This is not just a place to stay — it is a living legacy.

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