A {P}inkling of Literature | Jaipur LitFest 2012

By Upasana Gupta

Coming up this Friday- The Jaipur Literature Festival 2012 {20th-25th January}

AFP very aptly described last year’s Lit fest- ‘A literary melting pot in India’s ‘pink city’.’

The 5-day event has a guest list that includes the top literati from all over. We recommend all our bookish readers to check out the schedule and try to attend this unique melange of different genres, being brought together in one of India’s most intriguing cities.

The attendees range from authors, philosophers, and poets to journalists; they even have Oprah coming in this time! The JLF isn’t restricted to just the speaker schedule; there’s a musical performance every evening with a very diverse selection of artists.You do need to register before or on the spot, and the literary events are free to attend; check their website for the complete schedule, speakers and full event details.

http://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

Jaipur- What to do, when you’re not at the festival

EXPLORE |

‘As the light of day dawned upon the land before me, I watched in awe, the sun highlight the splendour of a rich past.’ Rising above the entire city, the Nahargarh Fort, in partially attractive ruins, is one of my favourite spots to visit, for a panoramic view of the city below. Walking around the Hawa Mahal, its common to see old fellows playing different instruments, singing, and their hair so white with age that it offsets the clouds above. Visit the Amer Fort and do the elephant ride inside it (this is the Jodha-Akbar fort).

SHOP | Damage the wallet a little bit!

Located in the middle of the old city, Johari Bazar is a vibrant, colourful market where you can buy pretty much everything- food, clothes, trinkets, gifts. If you really want to splurge, have a look at the stunning polki creations of Kuber Tholia in Tholia House.

VISIT | AKFD design studio, Prithviraj Road, for furniture, home-accessories and other pretty things!

EAT | Chokidhani, Tonk Road: get served in a traditional rajasthani thali, in the middle of a mock village, with camels around you. An option for those in the mood for Rajasthan’s take on continental cuisine, drop by the Anokhi Cafe.

TAKE BACK | kachoris from Rawat & ghewar from Lakshmi Mishthan Bhandar

STAY | I loved my stay at Royal Heritage Haveli, Khatipura. For those on a budget, you can consider Comfort Inn, Hawa Mahal.

For day trip options around Jaipur, click here.

A getaway to Jaipur, for me, is like stepping into a painting. Filled with India’s beautiful colours, this City takes me to an era long gone. Hope you have fun at the festival!

That’s all for now. 

Buenos viajes!