If travel and literature equally fascinate you, visiting culturally rich cities that host literary festivals is the perfect choice. One of the top literary events in India, the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is a crowd favourite with its timeless charm. If you are attending the festival in Jaipur, here’s our comprehensive guide to the must-visit places, things to do and culinary delights in the Pink City during this colourful event.
Jaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in India, offers a regal experience. With its majestic forts, palaces, and opulent heritage hotels, the city immerses visitors in royal splendour. The Jaipur Literature Festival further enhances the cultural journey through its lanes.
Tracing the literary connect: Origins of the Jaipur Literature Festival
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Brainchild of Sanjoy K Roy, festival producer and MD of Teamwork Arts, with Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple as festival directors, the Jaipur Literature Festival has successfully run for the past 16 years. Often hailed as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the festival has hosted over 2,000 eminent speakers, including Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, attracting over a million bibliophiles from across the globe.
In its 17th year in 2024, the festival has evolved into a ‘global literary phenomenon’ as described on its official website: “Every year, the festival brings together a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, sports people and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.”
Past editions have featured distinguished figures like spiritual leader The Dalai Lama, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, alongside famous personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Gulzar, Oprah Winfrey and Orhan Pamuk.
Find out more about the festival here.
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Jaipur Literature Festival 2024: Save the dates and note the details
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Hosted by Hotel Clarks Amer, the JLF 2024 started on February 1 and will continue until the fifth of the month. Each day, the festival begins at 9:00 am, offering a diverse range of enriching sessions throughout the day. For more details on the 2024 programme, click here.
Among the distinguished participants in 2024 are Pulitzer Prize winners such as Kai Bird, co-author of American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J Robert Oppenheimer, along with prominent Indian authors including Raghuram Rajan, Sudha Murthy, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Gurcharan Das, Sharmistha Mukherjee, Amish Tripathi, Anant Goenka, Devdutt Pattanaik and Suhasini Haidar.
In addition to the literary sessions, the festival also hosts the Jaipur Music Stage, showcasing enthralling performances by top artists and musical talents spanning various genres, including folk, jazz and classical. This year’s lineup includes names like Prabh Deep and When Chai Met Toast.
General admission tickets are priced at INR 200, with a discounted rate of INR 100 for students. Various packages are available, and attendees can also become ‘Friends of the Festival’ to enjoy multiple benefits. Learn more about the registration process here. Tickets for the Music Stage must be purchased separately.
Beyond JLF 2024: Things to do and places to visit
While the literary festival offers endless activities, visiting the city’s top tourist attractions and strolling through vibrant markets like Bapu Bazar is highly recommended.
Architecture enthusiasts will fall in love with the city’s timeless charm, with attractions like Hawa Mahal and the exquisite Amber Fort in Amer. For offbeat travellers, a visit to the stunning Nahargarh Fort to experience its rustic ambience is a must. Jal Mahal offers the perfect frame for your gallery. Explore Jantar Mantar and Panna Meena Ka Kund afterwards, dive into Jaipur’s royal history at the City Palace and enhance your historical knowledge at the Albert Hall Museum.
Spiritual travellers can find moments of peace and solitude at beautiful temples like Birla Mandir and Galtaji Temple. Don’t miss watching a movie at one of the country’s oldest movie theatres, Raj Mandir Cinema, and spend a day at Chokhi Dhani to immerse yourself in authentic Rajasthani culture and traditions. Include a puppet show in your itinerary for an extra touch of local flair.
Savouring Rajasthani cuisine: Delicacies to try during JLF
A haven for food connoisseurs and foodies, Jaipur tantalises the taste buds with its myriad flavours and tempting aromas. Begin with a wholesome Rajasthani thali comprising dal, bati, churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabji and bajre ka rotla topped with ghee. Spice up your evening with pyaz kachori and mirchi pakodas, followed by desserts including ghewar, mawa kachori and choorma laddoo to end your day on a sweet note. If you are a non-vegetarian, sample the spicy and smooth lal maas with hot rice.
Stay like a royal: Your temporary abode during the Jaipur Literature Festival
Jaipur is home to numerous luxurious heritage hotels, including those owned by aristocratic families, boasting phenomenal architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. Most of them offer spectacular rooms exuding an old-world charm overlooking manicured gardens and huge pools, along with lavish buffet spreads and delectable delicacies, of course.
Some of the best hotels and resorts to stay in the royal city during the festival include The Oberoi Rajvilas, Tree Of Life Resort & Spa Jaipur, Rambagh Palace, SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace, ITC Rajputana and Samode Palace.
Book your stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur on Booking.com
Book your stay at ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jaipur on Booking.com
Book your stay at Rambagh Palace on Booking.com
(Feature image credit: Sahil_Sharma/ Shutterstock)
Related: Why Jaipur Has Become A Hot Destination For Global Luxury Hotels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Jaipur Literature Festival family-friendly?
Yes, the Jaipur Literature Festival is family-friendly, provided everyone in the family has an inclination towards literary discussions and talks.
Can I buy books at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024?
Yes, absolutely. You can buy books at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Does the Jaipur Literature Festival take place every year?
Yes. Most literary fests, including the Jaipur Literature Festival, take place every year.
How do I volunteer at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024?
You can find out more about volunteering at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) on their official website before that year’s edition. The volunteering process for the 2024 edition is now closed.
Are there any markets near the Jaipur Literature Festival venue?
The venue for the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) keeps changing. This year, it is Hotel Clarks Amer, and the nearest shopping destination is the World Trade Park, approximately 1 km away. Another popular market in Jaipur, Bapu Bazar, is approximately 8 km away.
Which is the largest literature festival in India?
India hosts many literature festivals, of which Jaipur Literature Festival, Kerala Literature Festival and Bangalore Literature Festival are a few of the largest.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
