The largest literature festival in the Asia Pacific region, the Jaipur Literature Festival, is back to spellbind literary enthusiasts across the globe. With a myriad of literary sessions slated to be held at the spectacular Diggi Palace hotel, this year’s festival will span over four days, from 24th – 28th January. If you are planning to attend this reader’s paradise in Jaipur, you won’t want to miss out on the magnificent palaces, colourful bazaars, and many other one-of-a-kind experiences that the city has to offer. The following are some places and activities curated by Cleartrip that can enchant you during your stay at India’s pink city.

Breathe in the culture at Chokhi Dhani

To truly immerse yourself into the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan, kick-start your visit with a trip to Chokhi Dhani. This village resort transports your senses to a rustic rural realm peppered with magic shows, folk dance performances, elephant and camel rides, boating, and acrobatics. Entrenched in the cultural legacy of Jaipur, here you will also be able to take your taste buds on a riveting Rajasthani ride. Savour the ever popular dal-bati-choorma, mawakachori, and ghewar among many other lip-smacking delicacies.

Exquisite finds at the Jaipur bazaars

After that much-needed disconnect from city life, the perfect way to re-enter the bustle is by stepping into the vibrant bazaars in Jaipur. These humble little stores house thousands of years of the grand Rajasthani tradition. Within these bazaars, you can get your hands on everything, from beautifully carved wooden souvenirs to colourful handicrafts and mesmerizingly designed marble sculptures. You can also find exquisite Rajasthani gold jewellery, Mojarijootis and chappals, and blue pottery that are unique to these wondrous locales.

The glorious forts and palaces

The rich history of Jaipur is reflected in the abundance of mighty forts and palaces in the city. When in Jaipur, you must not miss out on some of its most celebrated spectacles of architecture, including the Jal Mahal, the Amer Fort and the Nahargarh Fort. The splendid Jal Mahal is nestled in the Man Sagar Lake amidst the Nahargarh hills with its architecture a magnificent amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal styles. The Nahargarh fort, a palace that offered homage to the British during India’s charged freedom struggle, offers an unparalleled view of the entire city. The Amer fort is another opulent palace built in red sandstone and marble, which is also one of the venues of the Jaipur Literature Festival this year. Several heritage walks will be organized for attendees of the festival so you can have first-hand experiences guided by seasoned local tour guides.

An adventure of a lifetime

Wrap up your trip to the otherwise quaint city of Jaipur with some adrenaline-pumping adventures that it has to offer. Zip through the wildlife with the famous jungle safaris or witness the mighty leopards, tigers, and hyenas at the Ranthambore National Park. Experience the wilderness upfront through a unique camel safari, paraglide across the sparkling lakes or drift over the city in a hot air balloon.

Evidently, there is no dearth of unique experiences that you can have in Jaipur. The Literature Festival itself is an annual occurrence that you won’t experience elsewhere across the lengths and breadths of the country. From its tales of past valour to its vivacious present, there’s a lot that will make Jaipur the city you’ll never forget.