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WELCOME TO MANVAR Coming from a family who has for generations been the Thakurs of Shergarh
( an area strategically located between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer ) he wanted to establish a resort in the area that was not the regular heritage hotel one finds in Rajasthan. To be spread over five acres of land Moti Singh Rathore wanted MANVAR ( symbolizing desert hospitality in the local dialect ) -to become a destination and the area surrounding it a movement. Helping him graph the movement was architect Rajiv Narain.
The location for the resort was ideal – in the heart of the sand dune region of Rajasthan between the ancient cities of Jodhpur 90 minutes Jaisalmer ( two hours ) & Bikaner ( 2 hours and 30 minutes ). Today Manvar nestles close to the ground almost blending with the surrounding landscape - it has not only become a tourist destination but also an economic hub around which a large portion of the neighbouring villages draw their sustenance. Manvar is an ideal base to explore the Indian desert life ,culture, wildlife & beauty .It offers contrasting desert experience on one hand is the desert resort built in traditional desert village style and other even more precious in today’s world – a tented camp seven kms from the resort in the desert ,a rare sanctuary of pristine beauty ,tranquillity and peace. Within Manvar’s timeless horizons, you will find yourself at one with nature . What better way to spend a day on camel back gazing at the chinkara – the shy Indian gazelle as they make way across the silent sands, see herds of cattle and sheep roaming around purposelessly. Watch the children trotting off to school, while their mothers prepare their afternoon meal on dung-fire– this is your sanctuary and theirs. LOCATION Located in the heart of the sandune region of Rajasthan between the ancient cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Manvar Resort is an oasis in the desert - designed as a desert village settlement.Manvar Resort is 110 kms from Jodhpur & 175 km from Jaisalmer off NH114. Manvar Tented camp is 7 kms from the resort in the middle of the sand dunes.
Converting barren land into an oasis was not an easy task. The local architecture was studied at great length before formulating a design for Manvar. The vernacular elements have been contextualized so that they can breathe & emit a particular ambience. Care has been taken to draw a distinction between imitation and inspiration .Woven into this rustic expression are technology and services that offer comfort levels expected by the contemporary tourist. The intention to make the interiors warm and comfortable in contrast to the earthy and rugged exteriors has led to a boutique environment. ACCOMMODATION The Resort has most comforts travellers wish for; luxurious accommodation, mouth watering cuisine, and an exclusive swimming pool. Throughout the resort the atmosphere is relaxed and enchanting. There is a courtyard, a restaurant and a bar that opens into a market street. Beyond this are the living quarters called ANANDGRAM –an area that has cottages, thatched roof top sit outs, swimming pool and massage rooms overlooking a small sanctuary.Each room has deep verandah’s supported on singular columns of rough –hewn sand stone which provide a transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The roofs are in thatch and draw inspiration from the local dhani (the village hut) but is constructed to be far more permanent. The interiors have smooth stucco plaster, patterned mosaic floors, woven headboards and bed side lamps, customised furniture and rugs, traditional khats have been converted into sofas, curtains and bed covers have been specially dyed by the family rangaara –all of them being
Tented Camp 30 Fixed Tents with attached toilets ACTIVITIES
Highlights & Features of Manvar excursions
Located 6 kms from the resort in the midst of the wilderness surrounded by the sand dunes is the splendid isolated splendor of Manvar Tented camp . The concept of MANVAR Desert Camp seems to trace its birth to the 17th century when while on his way to the battlefields, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, known for his luxurious lifestyle, used to set up royal style camps. These camps were equipped with all the amenities. This tradition was followed by later rulers as well as those of Rajasthan for their hunting trips, royal gatherings and recreational activities.
AN oasis of rare exclusivity The MANVAR TENTED CAMP consists of 30 colorfully decorated, safari-style tents arranged in a semi-circle around a central ‘durbar’ Hall Each of the thirty tents is carefully placed for commanding views over the desert wilderness. They are extremely luxurious - more like mini-marquees with smart polished traditional camping style teak furniture, rich jute rugs and lovely custom designed block-printed tent linings. Beds are large, can be arranged as single, double or twins, and have electric lamps on side tables that light the tents effectively at night. Large windows have pull up flaps to allow light and fresh desert air through and permanent insect netting to keep out any unwelcome visitors. The attached tiled bathrooms have running hot and cold water, flush toilets and proper wash basins. For cold desert nights each tent is provided a electric blower for heat. Delicious Indian Meals are provided in the strategically located dining tent (the central durbar) which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the surrounding country side. Evenings are livened up by camp fire, mashaals, and local musicians & dancers. With stunning sunrises, mesmerising sunsets and dazzling night skies, life in this peaceful wilderness is spectacularly elemental - and extraordinarily silent
MOBILE CAMPS Manvar mobile camping provides an unsurpassed experience of the desert of Rajasthan .It is the ideal method of travel for people who enjoy close proximity to the bush and wilderness and want to experience the desert of Rajasthan at first hand but still want the comforts of a large, comfortable camp being exclusively set up for them. Although this is a real bush safari we don’t skip on the amenities. The camps are designed for comfort featuring airy two person tents with proper cots & bedding, hot showers and a “bathroom ‘ tent. Enjoy the star studded skies, gourmet meals around a cozy campfire and the sounds of the desert of Rajasthan
MANVAR SAFARIES The excursions around Manvar are especially for those tourists who want to experience the adventure of being "off the beaten track" among the colorful desert people of Rajasthan. At these little rural places there are no grand sights but that is the point; here you will see a Rajasthan where way of life little-changed over the centuries. The village tour will allow you to share the fascinating culture of these friendly people and show you the beauty and tranquillity of the vast desert. The journey into the desert is an opportunity to come in proximity of village life in one of the harshest conditions of the world.
The desert landscape is spellbinding. For miles altogether, there is nothing, but from this aridness one can expect the unexpected as groups of women appear and disappear in their colorful clothes, apparently going nowhere. Visit the homes of the inhabitants living in the desert ( bishnois, rajputs, meghwals) .Also see some homes of the desert craftsmen ( carpenters, metal smiths ,,cobblers ) See unique desert adapted species of flora and fauna , Visit the farms in the desert and learn about farming ( chilli, mustard ) in the desert , See & climb the untouched sand dunes .
For sheer excitement, an outing in a rugged four - wheel drive vehicle cannot be beaten.
Camel treks give guests an opportunity to see the splendor of the THAR Desert from the back of its most famous and iconic inhabitant – THE SHIP OF THE DESERT. The Village walks in contrast to the Jeep & Camel safaris offer a quieter and more informative way to experience the desert way of life around MANVAR. Longer safaris take you to Khichan ( 45 minutes from Manvar )where thousands of migratory birds come every year from October to March . The villagers of Khichan have a very special relationship with these birds. During the winter season, over 8,000 - 10,000 birds can be seen at Khichan. This phenomenon was nurtured by one villager by the name of Ratan Lal Malu Jain, who began to feed these birds twice a day, several years ago. As the number of birds began to increase, he sought the help of his fellow villagers, who rallied to 'adopt' these birds. The wealthier farmers were approached for donations of grain or for money to purchase grain to feed these birds. Many folk songs are based on them. According to Marwari legend and song, these birds were signs of good luck and also carried messages to the local women from their lovers and loved ones in faraway lands.. The number of cranes that migrate here is said to be increasing by 10 to 15% each year and currently it takes over 600 kgs. of grain to feed these birds each day. The grain is spread in the fields in the night for the early morning feeding and once again in the afternoon before the cranes returns for an evening meal. Khichan is a perfect example of how man can co-exist with nature and even nurture the survival of a particular species. It is a shining example of the conservation efforts of a group of people driven by a sheer love of nature, without the help or encouragement of any outside forces.
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