What a better way to celebrate Republic Day for a Delhiite than having chole bhature and feeling patriotic while watching the parade. Well, give your feast a break next year and visit Jaipur for this world's largest free literature festival.
Jaipur Literature Festival
JLF was like the Goa plan for me, always got cancelled. The long weekend always made me visit the Himalayas instead of this. As Republic Day was on a Sunday this year, I didn't have a chance t0 travel much and thanks to that I finally attended JLF.
The Palace of Illusions - City Palace
Arguably the most touristy place of Jaipur and the cover of 'The Palace of Illusions' , how could we miss it. Nostalgia hit as soon as I entered the palace, all the childhood memories stricken and the film camera pictures my father clicked of me. City Palace has always been the same, still beautiful and magnificent.
Hawa Mahal - Jaipur's Symbol
The icon of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal represents the pink city. Being amidst the busiest lanes, this place captures the din of Jaipur. An over-crowded palace with innumerable windows which justifies the name 'Hawa Mahal' - A palace of wind.
The city witnesses a huge footfall of tourists from around the world travelling to the pink city to attend JLF. It was prominent the hour we entered the city, hotel prices reaching sky high and the good properties sold out on Airbnb, but a friend in Jaipur can always come in handy *wink*.
After a long wait in the entry queue, we finally got to enter, which was worth the wait. A huge shout-out to Teamwork Arts and their event agency to make the ambience Insta worthy yet keeping it with the theme.
Every year they have a magnificent lineup of well-informed and intellectual humans and this year was no different. Without the fear of judgements from literature majors, I would like to share that political and history discussions are at par if not better at this event.
Food Stalls @ JLF
How can they go wrong with this? A huge spread of mesmerising food stalls at this event makes it drool-worthy for the foodies too. The food is slightly over-priced yet, makes you wait because of the high demand.
The Palace for the Gram (Insta)
If you live for the gram, City Palace has umpteen portrait friendly spots that could make it to your Insta feed. Make sure you are wearing bright colours that could make you stand out and add vibrance to the photos.
Right across the road is a cafe with a panoramic view of Hawa Mahal and Jaipur's skyline - Wind View Cafe. They serve average food but the views are to die for and doesn't burn a hole in the pocket.
Bonus Tips to keep in mind while visiting Jaipur
1. If you're travelling alone, opt for Uber bike instead of a cab
2. City Palace offers a 50% student discount, carry your college ID along
3. Have Pyaaz ki Kachori at Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar
4. Visit Amer Fort at night, they open again at 7:30pm with the lights turned on
5. Jaipur has a lot of hostels, ditch hotels and Airbnb and stay with travellers around the globe
6. Go for an evening stroll at the lane near Jal Mahal
7. Hire a segway at Nahargarh fort
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