For booklovers across the region, it is time to rejoice again! With the eight edition of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival scheduled to take place at historic Diggi Palace from 21 to 25 Jan, Jaipur again comes in to the spotlight for many travellers from India and across the globe. Last year, the event saw footfall of almost 2,50,000 and this year the annual event is expected to beat its own record.

Now the world’s largest free literary festival, ZEE JLF is one of India’s most highly anticipated cultural events, but ever wondered what makes the Pink City and Diggi Palace the perfect host for this literary extravagance? Well, the Royal Indian Palace has been hosting JLF since its inception in 2006, and every year greets visitors with its lush green front lawns, steaming morning chai and the breeze of the chilly fresh air. With deep cultural roots and a history so royal and full of grandeur – the Diggi Palace, makes it the perfect destination to host the most recognized literary minds from across the world.

While visiting Jaipur for the ZEE JLF, visitors can explore Diggi Palace and enjoy the royal retreat whilst recreating an experience like never before! A treat for all – the city offers great food, royal legacy of palaces and museums that houses a cache of priceless artefacts, lively pageants and a wealth of handicrafts. Affectionately referred to as the Pink City, because of the pink walls and buildings of the old city, it lures visitors with its stunning remnants of a bygone era. Famed for the cluster of royal forts and palaces available, the activities in Jaipur is all about going for camel rides, boating, playing polo and hot air balloon rides as well as enriching your knowledge at ZEE JLF.

So if you are planning to visit Jaipur this January for the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, wear you touristy hats and explore the city!

1. The Rich Heritage: Jaipur’s rich heritage is renowned all over the world. The numerous forts, palaces and other monuments in the city are surely set to entice you with their magnificence. Three majestic forts in the city, that are a must visit – Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nalagarh Fort. A visit to Chokhi Dhani will serve as a mirror to Rajasthani culture.

2. Shop Royally: Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, where you can look forward to a royal shopping experience! You can shop almost everything that connects you to the bygone era including Lac Work, Meenakari, Gemstones, Carpets, Antique Jewelry and embroidered ‘jootis’ and ‘mojris’. Jaipur is equally famous for its textiles, tie-and-dye and block printed fabrics that are further made into furnishings, table linen, full length skirts, scarves, quilts and cushions. There is just so much for everyone!

3. Savor Irresistible delicacies: Get a taste of the local Rajasthani cuisine at the restaurants and do order Dal Bhatti Churma and Laal Maas – the specialties. There’s plenty of great restaurants in Jaipur that offer you this irresistible delight!

4. Indulge in Various Activities: If you wish to try some unique adventures while visiting Jaipur do try out the hot air balloon ride. It’s thrilling to get a bird’s eye view of the Pink City. You will be mesmarised as you sail over the beauty of the historical monuments, the placid lake and never-ending stretch of golden sand. Almost all the hot air balloon flights in Jaipur take off from the grandiose Amber Fort area.

Registration for the Festival is FREE, open to all. All visitors must pre-register on the Festival’s website at www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org