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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 wanted more than just a stay under canvas. We set out to build a living homage to Rajasthan’s rich heritage of war camps, shikar tents, and tented cities - the grand assemblies of kings, royal hunts, and desert weddings.

Roots in War Camps & Shikar Tents

Centuries ago, the royal processions would stop in the desert, and temporary tents would be set up - functional yet ornate, mobile yet regal. These were not mere shelters, but statements of power and style. Whether used for war, shikar (hunting camps), or weddings, these ‘tent cities’ were placed near forests or dunes, where royals and nobles would rest, feast under cloth ceilings, and exchange stories around simmering lanterns.

In designing Sevan, we drew on that legacy. The layout, the spacing, the intake of light, and the open verandahs all mirror those transient camps - a setting that feels grand, yet intimately rooted in 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 wind, and mold to sand. For those details, we looked to Jodhpur’s old tent manufacturers, masters in block prints, indigo dyes, and handmade canvas art. The tents of Sevan are lined with traditional block prints and the outer canvas is strong, weather-treated, yet breathable. Interior textiles — bedspreads, cushions, canopies — carry coordinating prints in desert tones.earthy desert tones.

Furniture Inspired by Tented Cities & Local Craft

Walk into a Sevan tent and you’ll find more than a bed. You’ll find handcrafted furniture inspired by old camp furniture, created by local carpenters. Cotton-woven durries and coir mats cover the flooring, echoing the textures of old war and shikar camps.

Though the tents are seasonal and operate only from October to March, they offer all modern comforts — electricity with genset backup, and fully functional toilets with running hot and cold water.

How Sevan Complements Shergarh & Kumat

  • Shergarh is the Desert Resort which offers garden comfort and walk-in ease.
  • Kumat gives premium glamping with full amenities.
  • Sevan is poetic, immersive, and raw - a heritage tented experience.

Activities at Sevan

The essence of Sevan is not just in where you sleep, but what you experience. Guests can take part in immersive village walks, offering glimpses into everyday desert life. A unique highlight is visiting the homes of local staff who work at the camp - a gesture that fosters real cultural connection.

For the more adventurous, Sevan offers jeep rides across the undulating dunes and camel rides through the serene landscape, echoing the rhythms of an older time. As night falls, a bonfire is lit and folk musicians begin. Dine under cloth canopies, stars overhead. These activities offer a balance of comfort and authenticity, tailored for the thoughtful traveller.

Why Sevan Completes the Rajasthan Journey

A visit to Jodhpur or Jaisalmer is a visual and cultural feast - but without a night under canvas, the story is incomplete. Spending a couple of nights at Sevan allows travellers to step into the region’s authentic rhythms - the silences of the dunes, the hum of folk songs, the gentle sway of a camel ride, and the warm simplicity of desert hospitality.

Having been in operation since 1998, Manvār Sevan has quietly contributed to the conservation of local flora and fauna, ensuring that the delicate desert ecosystem continues to thrive. This is not just a place to stay — it's a legacy in the making.

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