Flashback of memorable Dine with Jaisalmer 2023

Dine With Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024
22 February | 2:00 – 3:30 PM

 

Dine with Jaisalmer is a community-driven initiative during the Desert Festival, providing tourists with authentic cultural and culinary encounters. Local community members generously open their homes to welcome visitors, sharing their stories, culture, and food. Host families, representing various Jaisalmer communities across different locations such as the fort, heritage havelis, and rural areas like Khaba, Badabagh, Moolsagar, Kanoi, and Pithodai, participate voluntarily.Noteworthy participants in this initiative include environmentalists, conservationists, and wildlife experts dedicated to preserving and promoting the biodiversity and ecological heritage of the Thar Desert. Beyond savouring traditional dishes, tourists have the opportunity to engage with locals, exchanging travel experiences, cultures, and knowledge. This not only encourages intercultural dialogue but also supports local art, crafts, heritage, history, and cultural traditions.

The Dine with Jaisalmer initiative continuously fosters intercultural understanding, establishing lasting connections and memories for tourists as they appreciate the extraordinary heritage, culture, cuisine, and life. Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has seen the involvement of over 30 families, hosting more than 450 tourists, with 40-45% being foreigners.

Megha, Harshad Vyas and family

Suraj Haveli, Near Jain Temple Inside Fort

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Megha, Harshad Vyas and family

Megha, Harshad Vyas and family

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An entrepreneur and an expert in traditional and international cuisines, Megha is Jaisalmer’s most celebrated cook. Her innate cooking skills and passion even got her featured among the top contestants of India’s national cooking TV show – Masterchef India. She believes cooking to be the passion of her life. A regular host of Dine with Jaisalmer initiative, Megha and her family lives at their ancestral house inside the Fort. Their house is known as Suraj Haveli and it is claimed to be one of the oldest havelis of Jaisalmer Fort and is located next to the ancient Jain temple.

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Shobha, Avinash Vyas and family

Opposite Sun temple, Vyasa Para, Inside Fort

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Shobha, Avinash Vyas and family

Shobha, Avinash Vyas and family

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Located near the ancient Laxminath and Suraj temples inside the Jaisalmer fort, Shobha and Arvind Vyas house is a 600-year-old structure. Shobha Vyas is a textile entrepreneur by profession. Her family is a regular host under the initiative. Join them to witness the humble life of the fort residents and listen to the untold stories of fort while dining with the family.

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Vimal Gopa and family

Near Jain Temple, Inside Fort

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Vimal Gopa and family​

Vimal Gopa and family

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Vimal Gopa and his family live inside the Jaisalmer Fort. Being a community leader, he is working to preserve the heritage, art and culture of Jaisalmer while promoting sustainable tourism. His house offers a glimpse into the diverse form of bustling life around the ancient Jain temple inside the Fort while being a riveting testimony of his passion in art, crafts and folk artistry.

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Rajeev and Manoj Pol Ji Vyas and family

KD Palace, Behind Rawan Chowk, Jaisalmer

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Rajeev and Manoj Pol Ji Vyas and family​

Rajeev and Manoj Pol Ji Vyas and family

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Dine with Manoj Pol and family who are descendants of royal brahmin family residing in the Fort for generations since the time it was built. Guests are hosted at their 200 years’ old ancestral house KD Palace which offers best views of the Jaisalmer Fort and ancient balconies from where queens used to bless kings and their troops before any war. Being situated right in the heart of the Fort, KD Palace gives bird’s-eye view of other heritage structure spread across the city also. Its architecture that is hand-carved with yellow stone majestically blends with the beauty of the living Fort.

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Nitesh Singh Bhati and family

On Fort, Opposite Hotel KD Palace Jaisalmer

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Nitesh Singh Bhati and family​

Nitesh Singh Bhati and family

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Nitesh Singh Bhati and family host guests at their 800-year-old house that is most famous for intricate ancient stone work inside the Jaisalmer Fort. Intricate yellow stone carvings in the house walks one through the rich legacy of ornately carved stone architecture of Jaisalmer.

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Pankaj Chouhan and family

Kotdi Para, On Fort, Jaisalmer

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Pankaj Chouhan and family​

Pankaj Chouhan and family

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Pankaj Chouhan and his family has generational connection with the living Fort. He is working in the tourist industry from nearly two decades. Meet him and his grandmother, listen the best stories of Jaisalmer from Pankaj and extraordinary tales of his family. Kotdi is ‘an ancient community meeting courtyard’ located inside the Jaisalmer fort and it still holds its historical significance for the communities living around it.

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Sandeep Chouhan and family

Lotus Haveli, Kotdi Para, Inside Fort, Jaisalmer

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Sandeep Chouhan and family​

Sandeep Chouhan and family

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Sandeep regularly hosts tourists at his 100-year-old house in Kotdi Para which offers one of the most prolific views to the heritage city of Jaisalmer city. The best sunsets can be viewed from the ancient haveli of Sandeep.

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Ram Singh, The Trio Haveli

Talariya Para, Opp Hotel Jaisal Palace, PNB Road, Shiv Road, Jaisalmer

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Ram Singh, The Trio Haveli​

Ram Singh, The Trio Haveli

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The Trio Haveli is located in the old city of Jaisalmer. This meticulously restored, 100+ years old structure is a unique representation of the legacy of yellow stonework and architectural landscape of Jaisalmer. It has beautifully preserved the region’s rich culture while embracing modernity. The Haveli boasts of a wide and vibrant collection of antique artefacts representing a bygone era and the stories behind them. Dine at the terrace of the Haveli with host Ram Singh and enjoy the prolific view of the heritage city of Jaisalmer.

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Bhawani Singh Tanwar and family

Charidar Para Jaisalmer

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Bhawani Singh Tanwar and family​

Bhawani Singh Tanwar and family

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An ardent art lover, the family’s collection of fine, antique artefacts collected from remote locations of border towns of the Jaisalmer district is a testimony to their love for hand curated Rajasthani art.

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Bax Khan and family

Kalakar Bhawan, Dedansar Road, CVS Colony, Jaisalmer

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Bax Khan and family​

Bax Khan and family

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Bux Khan comes from the internationally acclaimed Manganiyars community of folk musicians. He has tirelessly worked to preserve the historical, traditional and unsung folk music by forming Gunsar Lok Sangeeth Sansthan Jaisalmer. It is where talented poor children are trained in Rajasthani folk music free of cost. More than 500 children of Manganiyars community have attended this institute to learn the music and the institute also supports the folk artists who make traditional musical instruments like Kamaicha, Kartal and Morchang.

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Sahil Mahecha and family

Gardh Meera, Opposite Vridhashram, Kalakar Colony, Malka Pol, Jaisalmer

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Sahil Mahecha and family​

Sahil Mahecha and family

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Sahil runs a hotel in the heart of Kalkar (artist) colony. This unique community consists of talented individuals including folk musicians, Kalbeliya dancers, and puppet makers. Many of them come from underprivileged families, and it has always been Sahil’s passion to support them, especially during significant events like marriages. Sahil even initiated a fundraising campaign to provide relief to these communities during the difficult times of Covid-19. His steadfast commitment to support the poor and vulnerable is reflected in his practice of providing employment and training to the underprivileged communities.

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Jitendra Singh Sisodia and family

Charidar Para, Jaisalmer

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Jitendra Singh Sisodia and family​

Jitendra Singh Sisodia and family

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Jitendra Singh, a community person whose personality resonates with the culturally rich and magical region of Jaisalmer, is dedicated from decades to boost responsible desert tourism. Listen to the most endearing stories of Jaisalmer and its heritage from Jitendra Singh while enjoying traditional meal with his family.

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Jitendra Panwar and family

Darji Para, Opposite Sachin Classes, Gandhi Colony, Jaisalmer

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Jitendra Panwar and family​

Jitendra Panwar and family

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The family is an expert in hand crafted stitch work of Jaisalmer specially of the traditional garments that is equally prevalent in the cross-border region of Sindh in Pakistan. Their work draws inspiration from the border towns of Jaisalmer. Savour the traditional meal of Jaisalmer while listening to the art work from the family.

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Karishma, Prerna & Rashmi Vyas

173, Jai Narayan Vyas Colony, Jaisalmer

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Karishma, Prerna & Rashmi Vyas​

Karishma, Prerna & Rashmi Vyas

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From starting one of the Jaisalmer’s first hotel to a famous bakery ‘ Wake and Bake Bakery’, the family is known to be one of the pioneers of hospitality industry in Jaisalmer. The bakery is run by young female entrepreneurs of the family: Karishma, Prerna and Rashmi. Enjoy the stories of the family’s legacy while experiencing the best traditional meals of Jaisalmer.

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Mahendra and Jyotsana Khatri

775, Nanak Street, Gandhi Colony, Behind Bajaj Showroom, Jaisalmer

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OMahendra and Jyotsana Khatri​

Mahendra and Jyotsana Khatri

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Mahendra hails from the city of Jaisalmer. Their beautifully curated home inspired from the heritage architecture of Jaisalmer has a guest room called “Pathiyal”. Pathiyal offers a space with no doors and is designated area for entertaining guests. Enjoy meal with the family while traversing through the culture, lifestyle, architecture and cuisine of Jaisalmer in a lively atmosphere.

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Jyotika Janga

Kotdi Para On Fort Jaisalmer

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Jyotika Janga

Jyotika Janga

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Living with her family at her ancestral house inside the Fort, Jyotika is a science student and the youngest host of Dine with Jaisalmer initiative. Her place is one of the oldest homes on one of the bastions which provides a prolific view of the city. Listen to the ancient stories of war and valour from Jyotika’s father including that of her grandfather who served indian Army.

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Lokesh Chouhan and family

Mainpura Street Near Gandhi Chowk Jaisalmer

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Lokesh Chouhan and family​

Lokesh Chouhan and family

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Listen to the most intriguing tales of Jaisalmer while dining with Lokesh and his family that graciously hosts and interacts with guests about local food, lifestyle and Rajputi culture.

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Nishant Chouhan and family

Sunset Point, Cafe The Kaku, Suli Dungri, Malka Pol, Jaisalmer

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Nishant Chouhan and family

Nishant Chouhan and family

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Nishant comes from the family of tourism entrepreneurs working in Jaisalmer since two generations. Nishant runs a restaurant known as Cafe the Kaku in Jaisalmer from 10 years. Situated on the sunset point, the place which has historic significance offers the most prolific city and fort view.

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Narpat Singh And Mrs Silvia Panadero

Geeta Ashram Circle, Secret House

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Narpat Singh And Mrs Silvia Panadero

Narpat Singh And Mrs Silvia Panadero

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The family organizes custom trips for India , author travel  and offer Desert  safaris  in Jaisalmer to the most pristine places of the Thar desert since 2004. A unique experience to explore Indian and international cultural diversity in Jaisalmer, the family welcomes you to the most mesmerising traditional meal with them.

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Mohan Singh and family

Khabha Village , Sam Road, Jaislamer

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Mohan Singh and family

Mohan Singh and family

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The family is a regular host and lives in Khabha village that boasts of ancient Khaba Fort. The Fort is very popular for being one of its kind and has a museum in it that has geological artifacts and a few age-old rocks. Living in the village Khaba since generation, Mohanpal and his family are always excited to share the untold stories of Khaba, a village which was a home to the Paliwal Brahmins.

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Sarpanch Family, Village Kanoi, Yaar Mohammad and Aafhiyat

Siyalo Ki Basti, Village Kanoi, Sam Road, Jaisalmer

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Sarpanch Family, Village Kanoi, Yaar Mohammad and Aafhiyat

Sarpanch Family, Village Kanoi, Yaar Mohammad and Aafhiyat

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Siyalio Ki Basti is a hamlet in the village Kanoi that is located close to the famous Rajkumari Ratnawati Girls School and amidst the beautiful dunes of Kanoi. The Sarpanch family is regularly hosting tourists as part of the Dine with Jaisalmer initiative. The ladies of the family are wonderful hosts besides being skilled in traditional embroidery handwork of Raali, Hurmuch and Kaanchi on textile and clothing.

Guest Slot: 15
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Neeraj Parihar and family

Bada Bagh village Jaisalmer

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Neeraj Parihar and family

Neeraj Parihar and family

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Belonging to the community of Bada Bagh village, Neeraj and his family are working to preserve indigenous farm techniques of Jaisalmer. Popular for hosting guests regularly at the most picturesque community garden, the family loves sharing the history of legacy-old well, architectural heritage, security points of bygone era and 800-year-old water pipes that are still preserved by the community. Enjoy traditional lunch in one of these gardens of Bada Bagh amidst sound of birds and greens.

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Taga Ram Bheel

Moolsagar, Sam Road, Jaisalmer

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Taga Ram Bheel​

Taga Ram Bheel

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Explore the Thar culture, food and rare musical instruments particularly Algoja with Tagaram Bheel and family. Tagaram Bheel is himself an internationally acclaimed Algoja artist who can play the flute-like instrument with his nose and mouth flawlessly.

Guest Slot: 10
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Jaswant Singh Mulana

Kafila Desert Camp, Village Kanoi, Jaisalmer

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Jaswant Singh Mulana​

Jaswant Singh Mulana

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Sarpanch Village Mulana, Jaswant runs a beautiful boutique Desert Camp in Jaisalmer. A young leader, devoted to the development of his village, Jaswant is working to address challenges to water scarcity, girls’ education and women welfare. Enjoy traditional meals at his camp while he shares his journey, experiences and folklores of Thar with guests.

Guest Slot: 10
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Radheshyam Bishnoi

Village Dholiya, Jaisalmer Jodhpur Road

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Radheshyam Bishnoi​

Radheshyam Bishnoi

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Bishnoi community in western Rajasthan is known for their love and devotion towards environment and wildlife protection. At Dholiya village, which is home to members of the community, Radheshyam Bishnoi is a younger community leader with passion for wildlife conservation through photography. Enjoy the lunch with stories of wildlife conservation at Radheshyam’s home in the village Dholiya.

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Anil Pansari

Khuri Haveli, Khuri, Jaisalmer

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Anil Pansari

Anil Pansari

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Pansari family has been in Khuri for more than 150 years. However, in 1968, after 3 years of continuous drought, the family then moved to Chennai. With hard work and dedication, the family rebounded and its younger generation restored Khuri Haveli in 2010. The heritage haveli is currently run as a boutique hotel by Anil Pansari who is devoted to promote sustainable tourism in Khuri. Listen to the endearing tales of village Khuri while savouring traditional meal

Guest Slot: 6
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Sumer Singh Bhati

Bhanwar Singh Ki Dhani, Village Sanwata, Near Degrai Temple Jaisalmer

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Sumer Singh Bhati​

Sumer Singh Bhati

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Jaisalmer is incomplete without the mention of camels and the last traditional camel herders are precious people in the desert. Sumer Singh Bhati, is one such man fighting to save not only his camels but their grazing lands for other camel herders also. Enjoy the tales of bio-diversity, the history of Orans and savour traditional food with stories of camels with Sumer Singh at his home in the village Sanwta.

Guest Slot: 15
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Gajendra Singh Sodha

The Mama’s Resort and Camp, Village Khuri, Jaisalmer

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Gajendra Singh Sodha​

Gajendra Singh Sodha

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A young entrepreneur hailing from the village of Khuri, Gajendra Singh’s love lies in the desert of Khuri and its endless possibilites. He has worked to promote Khuri as one of the most coveted and sustainable desert destination of Thar region. Khuri is one of the best destiantion to witness the beauty of pristine desert dunes, folklores and traditional lifestyle of Thar.

Guest Slot: 6
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Haji Sattar Khan and family

Peethorai Village Jaisalmer

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Haji Sattar Khan and family

Haji Sattar Khan and family

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Haji Sattar Khan is regularly hosting tourists as part of the Dine with Jaisalmer initiative. He lives with his family in Pithodai village which is an 800-year-old village. They are expert in arid agriculture and traditional embroidery handwork of raali and hurmuch on textile and clothing. In agriculture, they grow cummin, mustard and isabgol (psyllium) along with other farmers in their village. The village has ruins of ancient houses of Paliwal community, which found existence in Jaisalmer since late 13th century. As per a local legend, the Paliwal community was believed to have evacuated the village overnight in early 19th century.

Guest Slot: 15
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Dharmendra Deva and family

Village Deva, Nehdai Road, Jaisalmer

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Dharmendra Deva and family

Dharmendra Deva and family

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Dharmendra hails from Dewa village that is famous for the ancient Dewa fort. The Paliwal community also lived in the village before migrating from Jaisalmer in 1825. Delve deeper and discover the story behind village Dewa and its heritage structure while savouring the traditional home-made food with his family.

Guest Slot: 15
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Parth Jagani

Village Dholiya, Jaisalmer Jodhpur Road

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Parth Jagani

Parth Jagani

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Parth Jagani is an organic farmer and environmentalist with deep knowledge about Jaisalmer’s desert ecosystem. You can enjoy the best unique and organic tastes with less known stories of the desert ecology with Parth.

Guest Slot: 6
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The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual cultural event held during the Hindu month of Magh (February). This year, the festival, which is locally known as Maru Mela will be taking place between the 3rd – 05th of February. In the wake of the Citizen-Airline Partnership, the city of Jaisalmer and its residents would be overwhelmed to have tourists and travelers from India, and the world, to come be a part of this cultural extravaganza!

  • Lychen

    We were happy to be part of Dine with Jaisalmer which brings local people and foreigners together. We were able to experience the lovely hospitality of the people of Jaisalmer and relish home-cooked Rajasthani food. Dhanyavaad to team I Love Jaisalmer and District Administration to make this experience possible.

    Lychen
    Switzerland
  • Mahima Rastogi
    "I was attending the Jaisalmer Desert Festival for the first time as a solo traveler. I feel glad to share my experience of how enthralled I was to witness the culture and heritage of this beautiful city during the festival. Your team did a great job in organizing events that involved the tourists as well. Personally, I liked 'Dine with Jaisalmer' which was a brilliant idea to walk into a local's house for delicious lunch. Also, another event that I liked was 'Explore with Us' in which I visited the Chundhi Ganesh Temple where I was able to interact directly with the temple's priest about its history. My journey was quite exciting and thanks for adding more colors to it. " Kudos! team
    Mahima Rastogi
    All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur
  • Parul Sharma

    "This is to express my heartfelt gratitude for the food experience we had because of I Love Jaisalmer and our host Manisha Gajja, Jaisalmer. My friend and I sampled some authentic Rajasthani cuisine like daal baati choorma, ker sangri and bajre ke roti. Having stationed in Jaisalmer for the last 2 years, we have eaten this fare before, but this experience was all about personal touch and that's why it made all the difference. We thank our host Manish Gajja and his family members for opening their hearts and kitchen to us. They fed us with all their love and we went back home with our hearts and stomachs completely full. Thank you I love Jaisalmer for organizing this unique experience. "

    Parul Sharma
    Journalist
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INSTRUCTIONS

(A) For Host Families Within City
Tourist can directly reach the host families residing in the city or can visit the I Love Jaisalmer counter at Poonam Stadium
Reporting Time: 1:30 PM
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(B) For Host Families at Rural Locations
I Love Jaisalmer shall provide transport for rural locations
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Reporting time for Rural Locations: 1:00 PM
Buses Departure Time: 1:30 PM