Jaipur Literature Festival used to be the world’s largest free literary festival until they started charging two years ago. Even though there are many literary festivals taking place in India, Jaipur Literature Festival has carved a niche for itself. JLF is considered the leading literary event in India. JLF now has Australian, US, and UK editions too. This Jaipur Literature Festival blog guide will help you with tips and tricks for the popular once-a-year event. With an increasing number of visitors every year, it is not merely a literary event, but rather more of a lifestyle event. Many people now term it the Jaipur Lifestyle Festival instead of the Jaipur Literature Festival. Here is your survival guide for the Jaipur Literature Festival held every year in Jaipur at Hotel Clarks Amer.
Jaipur Literature Festival Guide
The aim of this Jaipur Literature Festival blog guide blog is to answer most of your queries on stay, commute, sessions to attend, and food to name a few. Here is everything you need to know about the world’s leading literary festivals.
What is the Jaipur Literature Festival?
Jaipur Literature Festival is a five-day literary event taking place in Jaipur in January/February every year and is India’s largest literary festival and one of the world’s leading too. The event attracts over a hundred thousand people. Emulating JLF, many literature festivals are being organized in other cities like Kolkatta, Bangalore, Chennai, and Dehradoon to name a few.
Who organizes the Jaipur Literature Festival?
The Jaipur Literature Festival is organized by Teamwork. It was first launched in 2006, not as a literary event, but was called the Jaipur Festival.
What Happens at the Jaipur Literature Festival?
There are multiple interactive talk sessions taking place in the Jaipur Literature Festival which consist of book readings, panel discussions, interviews, and questions and answers with authors, writers, thinkers, politicians, actors, and eminent persons. The participants include both Indian and international participants. Book signings and book launches are also part of JLF. Politicians, actors, sports & media personalities, and social activists also feature among the participants apart from writers.
The event starts with music and folk dance every day. In 2020 meditation and yoga were also included. The day ends with live music shows at a different venue. More on that later in this blog on JLF.
Have you read the related write-up: Attending the Jaipur Literature Festival? Your quick guide to Jaipur as you attend JLF
Where is the Jaipur Literature Festival Held?
Until now, JLF’s venue was Hotel Diggi Palace, a centrally located place in Jaipur. 2020 was the last time the Jaipur Literature Festival was held at the Hotel Diggi Palace. Local authorities are finding it tough to manage such a large congregation here. From 2022, JLF’s venue is the Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur near Jaipur Patrika Gate
Where to Stay in Jaipur During JLF?
Hotel rooms fill up fast around the literature festival so book in advance. It makes sense to stay near the JLF venue, Hotel Clarks Amer as you save considerable time commuting. Accommodations & hotels in and around C-scheme, MI Road, and Raja Park are more popular owing to the facilities in the vicinity; these localities are not too far from the venue, and the choice in terms of hotels as well as BNB is reasonably good. Even hostels in central locations fill up fast during JLF. If want to explore more options on where to stay in Jaipur, Check out an in-depth guide on Where to stay in Jaipur?
Some of the popular hostels in Jaipur are Moustache, Blue Beds, and Zostel to name a few.
Check out: Your essential guide to picking the best area for hotels in Jaipur
What to Wear to the Jaipur Literature Festival?
Weather in Jaipur is expected to be in the range of 15-25 C. Expect a bit of chill with lots of sunshine during the day. Layer up to stay warm. If attending JLF musical night, gear up for cold weather. Do note that JLF has gained a reputation for being a glamorous event so the key is to dress smart and comfortably. Some prefer to create their own signature look.
Jaipur Literature Festival Timing
JLF starts at 9.15 AM with a morning music program. However, sessions are timed between 10.00 AM to 6.15 PM
Have you read the related write-up: Attending the Jaipur Literature Festival? Your quick guide to Jaipur as you attend JLF
Jaipur Literature Festival Registration & Entry Charges
Jaipur Literature Festival used to be a free event. Entry to the festival is charged at Rs 200/person/day if you book online. If you end up without a prior booking at the Jaipur Literature Festival, expect to pay higher entry charges.
- Offline General Pass is Rs 200 per day and for five days, it is Rs 800 per person.
- Delegate Pass provides access to lunches, access to the Delegate Lounge, priority seating at special sessions, and a cocktail evening. You can grab this for Rs 13500. Is it worth the price? I think it is certainly worth the price because it allows you to interact with the authors, writers, and speakers at JLF.
Musical evenings or cultural programs are not free, buy tickets well in advance as they are very popular and get sold out fast.
Travel to JLF venue
Roads are often closed to traffic near the Jaipur Literature Festival venue. It is best to hire a cab & get off 100-200 meters before the venue and walk instead of getting stuck in traffic jams. Please note that there will be a pronounced traffic snarl on the road leading to the venue because of diversions.
Parking at Jaipur Literature Festival Venue
For those planning to drive down in their own car, JLF creates temporary parking spaces. A word of caution: despite dedicated personnel to supervise parking some areas are not adequately monitored and you may likely get stuck in a traffic jam. It is best to leave your car at the hotel/home and hire a taxi.
Things to carry to Jaipur Literature Festival
On hot sunny days carrying water will be a good idea. There is no restriction on carrying bags into the venue. All bags are scanned before one is allowed entry to the venue. Ensure your comfort by sticking with the bare minimum. A diary, pen, power bank, and camera are a few popular things that visitors usually carry to the venue. Grab your copy of the JLF program schedule from the visitor information desk.
How to plan for Attending the Jaipur Literature Festival sessions
All about Jaipur Literature Festival sessions
The JLF sessions consist of interactive panel discussions, book readings, and answering questions from the audience. The panel consists of authors, actors, poets, writers, politicians, and a moderator. Usually, visitors can get the writer’s book signed at a designated spot.
Rather than attending sessions that don’t interest you, plan ahead and attend only the ones that interest you. Sessions with celebrity speakers and popular writers tend to attract a huge crowd. If you wish to find a seat for yourself, ensure you grab one during the previous session. Yes, you will need to sit through the prior session, otherwise finding a seat is impossible. Some popular speakers like Shashi Tharoor, Ashwin Sanghi, Amish Tripathi, and Prasoon Joshi draw a large gathering. Do note that JLF sessions start and end on time.
The crowd scene at JLF
Expect a huge crowd on weekends at Jaipur Literature Festival when the number of visitors surges especially the ones from Delhi and locals. Everyone wants to register their presence at JLF. I generally avoid visiting on weekends because of the mad rush.
Food Options at the JLF venue
There are many pop-up food vendors at the Jaipur Literature Festival; they are mostly from Jaipur and Delhi. You will find a good assortment of international and continental food choices; a large number of visitors complain about the inflated prices of these pop-up food vendors. There is no alternative option so you will have to depend on these pop-ups. Diggipuri Chai served in Kulhhad used to be immensely popular among visitors at Diggi Palace but now it is not available at Hotel Clarks Amer.
Payment System for Food
Food vendors will accept payment through prepaid cards only, which can be procured inside the venue. You can get the cards loaded with the required amount, and any unused amount will be refunded. A security deposit of Rs 100 against the card will also be refunded upon surrendering it. Many visitors prefer to carry pre-packed food from their homes or hotels because visiting the food kiosk results in not finding a vacant seat. If you intend to attend sessions in continuation then you too can plan on a similar strategy. UPI is widely accepted and so are credit/debit cards.
Alternatives to Jaipur Literature Festival Food Vendors
If you are considering food outlets near the Jaipur Literature Festival venue, there are many in the vicinity. Among the most popular ones are Tapri Ashram, Rustic By OTH, and Town Coffee, to name a few. Also worth considering is Zolocrust in the Clarks Amer itself. Read about the same in the Best Cafe and restaurants in Jaipur. If you want to check out a detailed post on Rustic By OTH – Is Rustic By OTH one of the best cafes in Jaipur Malviya Nagar?
If you are a coffee lover, check out 5 best coffee places in Jaipur
Shopping at the Jaipur Literature Festival Bazaar
Since JLF is not purely a literary event, you will find plenty of stalls selling their wares at the venue. Clothes, art pieces, and handicraft items are the most popular things to buy at this festival. Before I forget, there is a large bookshop too.
Getting back to the hotel from the Jaipur Literature Festival venue
You might have trouble with fetching taxis once the sessions are over as there is a huge demand for taxis, especially over the weekend. Uber and Ola often don’t turn up due to the huge demand when the festival ends; the fares are inflated due to the surge charges. Surge pricing is a common situation one encounters with both Uber and Ola apps. You may find yourself in a “No Taxi” situation too. It is safer to leave a little early or pre-book your taxi. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to arrange your pick-up. Other options include finding an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to take you back to the hotel.
Jaipur Literature Festival Music Program & After Parties
JLF music programs & parties are held at different locations – Rambagh Palace and Hotel Diggi Palace. JLF music program tickets can be bought online and are not very expensive.
The JLF after-parties are by invitation only and are meant for speakers, writers, and celebrities. There is an upgrade program in which you can buy a JLF delegate pass and avail access to private areas, lounges, music programs, and lunch & dinner which is accessible only to speakers, media persons, and celebrities.
Read the related write-up: Attending The Jaipur Literature Festival? Your Quick Guide To Explore Jaipur As You Attend JLF
Hope this quick travel guide will help you have a good experience at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
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JaipurThruMyLens 
I’m a book lover and enjoy travelling, so I appreciated learning more about this literature festival. It looks amazing!
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you are? lovely! Have you ever been to any other lit fest?
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Unfortunately, no big ones yet. It’s definitely on my to do list though. ☺
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Great! In which part of the world do you reside?
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Currently, I live near London, UK. I’m sure there are ones around here, although I have mobility issues so that can make it tricky for me to get out sometimes.
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Happy to hear that you are living near one of the most popular cities in the world!
There’s a JLF London edition too. I don’t have details, may be you can find that on JLF website. 🙂
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This looks amazing! I have never been to a literature festival before. At least not the ones like this. Two reasons to head over to Jaipur now. I love the place as is. So much history and the historic forts and palaces leaves me weak in my knees. Will catch this maybe next time
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This looks absolutely amazing, the photos you’ve taken have made it look so enchanting! This is such a great post, could be used as a sort of tick list for some one going to make sure they’ve thought of everything x
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Thank you for appreciating. I’m happy you liked these pictures. Have you ever been to any lit fest?
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I have not, i think i’d really like to go but I don’t know anyone who would go with me so always felt bit intimidated to go alone
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I can understand. In which city do you reside?
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I’m in Wales in UK
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Great! It’s not everyday that I come across people from Wales! Somehow, England and Scotland takes away the limelight! 🙂
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Hehe thats true, everyone always forgets about us welshies!
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🙂
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These pictures make me wish that I could attend it even if its only once in my lifetime. It all looks enticing and colourful, and what I appreciate is that you mentioned JLF sessions start and end on time! Fabulous! My Chacha and Chachi were able to attend it this year. Let’s hope next year I can do it too. Thanks for the info, as always a very elaborate and well-planned post.
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You uncle and aunt could attend JLF? That’s great! I’m sure you would have heard about their experience. Well, now you can also watch these sessions live from your city.
I’m happy that you found this post useful, Pradita 🙂
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You’re welcome. They shared pictures with us. They liked enticing enough to make me wanna go myself
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I’m hoping to see you at JLF 2019. 😃
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Insha Allah! 👍
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A complete guide it is. Quite a number of bloggers have visited JLF this year. I cherished their pictures on FB. I do really want to visit it someday!
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JLF is a pioneer of the lit fest culture in India and is immensely popular. Now you can watch JLF sessions in Kolkata through live streaming. I’m not sure if you are aware of this facility?
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Nope. I had no idea! Thanks for letting me know.
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You are welcome, Maniparna 😊
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ThE BEST BLOG THAT I FOUND TILL DATE. kudos. I’m a jaipurite and happy to have found this blog by coincidence. Loved it absolutely. Happy blogging ❤️❤️
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Thank for conferring the title. 🙂
I’m not sure why you feel that this is the best blog on Jaipur? Is there something different on this blog? narrative style?…Would love to hear on this.
Happy to hear that you too are a Jaipurite. I tried looking up on your blog but couldn’t find about me page, So would love to know your name. Do you reside in Jaipur? Thanks for the visit 🙂
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Yes. I reside in jaipur. My name is Akriti. Would add a about me page soon on my blog. I was abit lazy to do that till date. And i don’t know why but I just felt it’s pretty good. The way you click the pictures and try to describe the places. We feel like physically being present at that place. Just kudos. Keep uploading more stuff. 😊
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That’s exhaustive! Good one.
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Thanks, Anjana 😃
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🙂 🙂
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i’ll be keeping your tips handy with me
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Happy to hear that you found this useful. 😃
Have you ever been to JLF before?
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Did not have any idea about this festival, it was amazing to go through this post with these beautiful captures.
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JLF is the granddaddy of all lit fest in India. It also takes place in London and Australia.
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This post and this site is one of the most authoritative sites on Jaipur. Every tourist must read this website. Pictures and beautiful. Descriptions are lucid and helpful. Great!
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Thank you for vouching for Jaipurthrumylens with your kind words. 🙂
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I have heard a lot about the Jaipur Literary Festival but I had no idea it is such a gala affair. Thanks for this wonderful guide. Someday I will definitely attend this festival.
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I have never been to JLF, but this guide will come handy when I plan to attend JLF.
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Happy to hear this, Rohan 🙂
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I last visited Jaipur more than 13 years ago but have never forgotten the city’s vibrancy, colours and most of all, the tasty pani puris! I have been hearing a lot about the literary festival in recent years, maybe I’ll make a visit one of these days!
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13 years is a long time! I’m sure you will find a lot of changes which have taken place during this period. Where are you based Lavanya?
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HK
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wow! You live in a vibrant city, Lavanya! There’s so much to do and discover in HK!
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True!
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🙂
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This is one of the most beautiful posts I’ve read in a while. You almost took me to the fest! Great pics too 🙂
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Thanks for the kind words. Happy to hear that you loved reading this post on Jaipur Literature Festival. Have you ever visited Jaipur?
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Yes, you have written it so well. Never visited but its in my plan for a long time!
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Happy to hear this, Rashi 🙂
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Thank you so much for this informative post. I have attended the Hindu LitFest at Chennai for over five years, and the fact remains that most fests follow the same format. However, your write-up is so engaging and gives out exactly what one may expect at JLF. I enjoyed going through it and would love to be there one day.
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Happy to know that you have been attending HLF. JLF is the granddaddy of all these fests and it still attracts a large following. It now takes place even in London and Australia. Hope you attend it someday. Have you written a post on Hindu LF? would love to read the same, Deepti. Are you from Chennai?
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I lived in Chennai for ten years and loved the art and literary scene there. However, now I live in Thrissur, Kerala. I would love to attend JLF someday.
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I know Chennai is quite vibrant when it comes to art and literary scene. I’m sure you will enjoy JLF.
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Totally enjoyed reading this. Would love to visit this festival sometime
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I’m sure you will love it, Sinjana
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I love literature and books and fancy staying in touch with the literary circle, then the Jaipur Literature Festival is the Mecca! A grand festival solely dedicated to Literature had been long due and JLF made it possible for all of us.
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Have you visited JLF or you are looking forward to visiting it, Roma?
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A virtual tour of the JLF through your lens. You seem to be a well sorted person, who plans ahead of time. This trait proves to be helpful in lit fests and in life 🙂
My JlF tour is still in my wish list though. Maybe next year!
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Planning always helps, Priyanka especially in an event like this which attracts a huge crowd. Which city are you from? Do you love reading books?
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These look great, Thank you for giving such close look and tour.
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Happy to hear that you liked this post on JLF
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Before I begin let me express my gratitude. I was booking up for the JLF 2019 and your article gave me all that I was looking for. I have all my queries answered. Secondly, every click of yours has captured the essence of the festival. I cannot wait to attend the upcoming fest. They’re brilliant. Great blog! One I’ll keep visiting again and again. Cheers!
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Thanks, Dipali for your kind comments. Do you love books? There is another related write-up which details how you can explore Jaipur during JLF.
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That’s awesome,. A one stop point for all info on jlf. Thanks much.great blog.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Sindhu
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