Jaipur Literary Salon

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 the beautiful Diggi Palace 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.
 Speakers promised for 2019 include Donna Tartt, Edmund de Waal, Elizabeth Gilbert, Ian McEwan, Julian Barnes, Mary Beard, Naom Chomsky, Rohinton Mistry, Tilda Swinton, Yann Martel. Yotam Ottolenghi.

REQUEST BROCHURE
CUSTOM TOUR ENQUIRY

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mughal monuments and a private art foundation in Delhi
  • Full day sightseeing Jaipur
  • Dazzling array of speakers and ideas
  • Creative, stylish Jaipur where design is flourishing
  • World music program offered each evening

AT A GLANCE

LENGTH: 9 Days
ACTIVITY LEVEL:   Mind Stretching
TYPE: Small Group Tour | AoL Escorted | Bespoke | Book Reading Groups
STYLE: Literature | Politics | Music | Culture | Art
START | FINISH: Delhi | Jaipur

INCLUSIONS

Some meals and special parties, guided sightseeing Jaipur, local daily transport Jaipur

HOTEL STANDARD:  Deluxe in Delhi | Luxury +4 modern in Jaipur city centre
TRANSPORT:

Luxury SUV

TRAVEL DATES

20-28 January 2020

PRICING

from USD 3500 twin/share

Based on minimum 6 guests.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

  • DAY 1

    DELHI

    Meet in Delhi and stay at an oasis near the airport, a soothing and aesthetically pleasing luxury hotel, with abundant gliding service, excellent amenities and wonderful food.

  • DAY 2

    DELHI

    This morning 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.

    Enjoy lunch and 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.

  • DAY 3

    JAIPUR

    This morning fly to the fabled pink city of Jaipur and check into your modern hotel, your home the next six nights. Take a guided tour of some of Jaipur’s grandest monuments including the Amber Fort, Anohki Textile Museum and the marvellous Jantar Mantar 18thC Observatory.
    Later register at the Jaipur Literary Festival at Diggi Palace.

  • DAY 4

    JAIPUR

    Days start with a meditative performance of classical music. Generally five to seven sessions run concurrently at different venues within the palace grounds. 
This evening depart from JLF for a special Jaipur Welcome dinner party with elephants and musicians.

  • DAY 5

    JAIPUR

    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.
    Over cocktails and dinner this evening guests will meet notable Indian authors and thinkers and fellow attendees at a swank party in the private home of one of JLF’s founders.

  • DAY 6

    JAIPUR

    Attend JLF, or take some time out. Consider the special music performances at Clarks Hotel that include dinner for guests with a Delegates Pass.

  • DAY 7

    JAIPUR

    Attend JLF. This afternoon meet with one of Marieke’s local friends, one of the city’s leading jewellers at her home, close to Diggi Palace, to see how she creates gorgeous adornments working with traditional artisans

  • DAY 8

    JAIPUR

    The last enthralling day @ JLF where there are many kiosks selling books, art, crafts and exquisite textiles.

  • DAY 9

    JAIPUR | DELHI | ONWARD TRAVELS in INDIA

    After a leisurely breakfast/brunch, guests returning to Delhi can be driven to Delhi to arrive in time at the airport before evening departures home.
    Alternatively, guests wishing to have a little extra time in Jaipur may elect to fly back to Delhi late afternoon, at a small additional expense.

    SUGGESTED TOUR EXTENSIONS:
    • Gujarat Tribals + Textiles Tour
    • Taj Mahal
    • Ranthambhore National Park to spot tigers
Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park for bird twitchers
    • Varanasi and the temples of Khujaraho
    • Amritsar and the Golden Temple
    • A spa in the Himalayas

TESTIMONIALS

Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer said of his visit: “I’ve been to so many literary festivals, from Shanghai to Bogota, and this one is definitely the least dry, the most carnival-like. Where else would you go from Shakespeare to contemporary politics to V.S. Naipaul and then Sufi music—each in such a full-bodied way? The music definitely had a cleansing, clarifying quality after that clash of ideas, like a sorbet in the middle of a rich meal”.

Sophie Sydney 2017

Dear Marieke,

We leave Udaipur this morning starting the long trek home.
It’s been a wonderful trip and I can’t thank you enough for all your thoughtful suggestions and excellent organising; we’ve felt in good hands all the way.
JLF was one of the most marvellous events I’ve ever attended; the mix of intellectual and cultural stimuli was a heady brew and not something I will ever forget; it’s what memories are made of.
Our reading group was extremely happy and satisfied – and believe me that’s a huge compliment as it’s not all that easy pleasing 8 strong willed women. But I think you knew that already.
I hope we can get together again some time in Sydney or Melbourne.

Warmest Regards,
Sophie Sydney 2017

Sophie Sydney 2017

Dear Marieke,

We leave Udaipur this morning starting the long trek home.
It’s been a wonderful trip and I can’t thank you enough for all your thoughtful suggestions and excellent organising; we’ve felt in good hands all the way.
JLF was one of the most marvellous events I’ve ever attended; the mix of intellectual and cultural stimuli was a heady brew and not something I will ever forget; it’s what memories are made of.
Our reading group was extremely happy and satisfied – and believe me that’s a huge compliment as it’s not all that easy pleasing 8 strong willed women. But I think you knew that already.
I hope we can get together again some time in Sydney or Melbourne.

Warmest Regards,
Sophie Sydney 2017

YOUR GUIDES

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.

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES

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