As the largest FREE literary festival on earth, the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, directed by William Dalrymple brings together some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across South Asia and the world.
From Nobel laureates to local language writers, Man Booker prize winners to debut novelists, every January the most remarkable, witty, sensitive and brilliant collection of authors come together for five days of readings, debates and discussions at their new digs, the Clarks Amer Hotel in the Rajasthani capital. JLF, which began in 2006, is now regarded as a cultural catalyst within India and around the world, exposing audiences to a constant flow of ideas. Featuring live music sessions and interactive workshops, the Festival provides a space to dare, dream and imagine.
Past speakers have included Stephen Fry, Tom Stoppard, Donna Tartt, Edmund de Waal, Elizabeth Gilbert, Ian McEwan, Julian Barnes, Mary Beard, Naom Chomsky, Rohinton Mistry, Tilda Swinton, Yann Martel, Yotam Ottolenghi.....The 2026 program will take shape around October.
From USD 4800
SOME MEALS, SPECIAL PARTIES, GUIDED SIGHTSEEING, LOCAL TRANSPORT
After brekfast start the day with an exciting pedicab tour of Old Delhi. Later visit the astounding 12thC Qutab Minar, the World Heritage listed site dating back to the late 12th century. The monuments within the complex are fine displays of Indo-Islamic architecture, many incorporating Afghan elements and is symbolic of the biggest power shift in Delhi’s history. Alternatively, the majestic Humayun’s Tomb and brilliant new Museum
This tomb, built in 1560’s, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
After lunch visit the rich collection at the National Crafts Museum or a private viewing at one of Delhi’s most outstanding private art foundations that boasts three exemplary museums devoted to terracotta, textiles and everyday objects.
Dinner at the hotel.
This morning drive to the fabled pink city of Jaipur and check into your elegant boutique hotel, your home the next six nights. Take a guided tour of some of Jaipur’s grandest monuments including the Amber Fort, and the marvellous Jantar Mantar 18thC Observatory.
Welcome dinner at the hotel with a private salon convened by our erudite friend Sumeet Shetty, founder of Literati, India's largest book reading membership.
Several shuttles run between the hotel and the JLF. We also provides additional transport and personalised guidance for guests wishing to experience the shopping treasures of Jaipur.
Choose from the myriad sessions on offer: These might be author interviews, panels discussing geo-politics, the region, climate, gender diversity, philosophy, poetry, new writing, presented by an impressive line-up of thinkers, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, Pulitzer awardees and other notable authors, and leaders – creating a vibrant stage where intellect, culture, and controversy collide.
Attend JLF, or take some time out for independent exploration in a city that offers exciting shopping and a plethora of significant monuments and museums.
Group Dinner tonight at one of Jaipur's newest restaurants. In a city where once there was little dining-out culture except in hotels, the city is becoming increasingly more cosmopolitan.
Return to Delhi in time for evening departures or extend an additional day in Jaipur, curated for guests who love art, arts, crafts, jewellry, textiles and ceramics.
A day behind the scenes to meet artists and artisans whose work encapsulates the finest workmanship that might also include some private museum collections.
SUGGESTED TOUR EXTENSIONS:- at the conclusion of JLF
- Taj Mahal & Fatephur Sikri
- Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers
- Varanasi and the temples of Khajuraho
- Amritsar and the Golden Temple
- A spa in the Himalayas
Return to Delhi in time for evening departures or continue to the Shekhawati region that is renowned for its mansions, once homes to wealthy merchants engaged in the Spice Route - richly decorated in frescoes. Your stay will be at Mandawa Desert Resort that captures the essence of the desert through its mud-wall architecture and local craftsmanship.
Explore the neighbouring town of Nawalgarh that has one of the biggest groups of havelis. Most of the artists came from Jaipur who used their techniques and skills to paint remarkable and luxurious frescos that represented their wealth and power. The early frescos were influenced by the Mughal art form whereas the later ones were inspired from the Rajput royal courts.
Return to Delhi via Jaipur in time for international departures or spoil yourself with an extra day or two at sublime Deeppura Garh that after years of disuse is now owned and has been lovingly restored to its former glory by Italian jeweller and dynamo, Maria Grazia Baldan.
Return to Delhi via Jaipur in time for international departures or relish the beauty and R+R at Deeppura Garh's
stunning pool, flower and fountain filled courtyards, organic vegetable garden, various sitting rooms with plush couches, a library, gorgeously decorated contemplative sanctuaries, and delicious med cuisine
231
Days18
Hours46
MinutesDeeppura Rajaji Road, Sewad Chhoti, Rajasthan, India
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Delhi, India
Your Tour Leader, Marieke Brugman
An avid reader, Marieke has loved the JLF since its inception in 2006, then an audience of about 200 people and this year an eager audience of 200,000. She has escorted several small groups to JLF as well as organised a number of Book Reading groups who have travelled together under arrangements made by Art of Living. She is deeply familiar with Jaipur and able to steer you towards the best sightseeing and shopping in this vibrant city. She brings humour, meticulous planning and passion to all her tours. An avid reader, Marieke is delighted to share her extensive network of friends and artisans in the pulsating and enthralling city of Jaipur .