If Jaipur is the holy river of words, then the JLF is the Kumbh of literature. The only difference is that the Literature Festival is organized every year in winter. Let’s talk about JLF 2026.
About Jaipur Literature Festival
The first JLF was organized in 2006, and in 2026, this event is being organized from 15th January to 20th January at Hotel Clarks Amer. With every year, the number of people attending the event is increasing. Here is a list of speakers at JLF 2020.
The number of visitors is expected to cross over 2 lakh people. There will be more than 300 speakers in the year 2026 at JLF. Many writers, panelists, speakers, and audience members visit Jaipur for the event, and they have a common question.
What should we do while in Jaipur and have some time in between sessions at JLF 2026?
5 Offbeat Things You Can Experience during the Literature Festival
Well, we have shortlisted 5 offbeat things you can experience:
#1 Elephant Ride in Jaipur
While in Rajasthan, do as the Royals do. Elephants are considered sacred and a symbol of prosperity.
One can have the feeling of a maharaja by riding an Elephant on the way to Amber Fort. The ride starts early in the morning, and usually the rotations are completed by noon.
Distance from Clarks Amer: 19 km
#2 Visit Jawahar Kala Kendra
Jawahar Kala Kendra is a multi-art center in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Local people usually call it JKK. The center was designed by Charles Correa in 1986, and this is a place for Art enthusiasts.
The place has an art gallery, theatre, café, and open-air theatre. And usually events and plays are hosted in them. An open ground adjacent to JKK is reserved for fairs showcasing artisans’ artifacts, where they can sell their products.
Artisans from all over India participate in this fair. Product categories vary from jewelry, clothing, furniture, paintings, to pottery, handicrafts, and more.
Distance from Clarks Amer: 2 km
#3 Indian Coffee House on MI Road
To relive the 60s in Jaipur, you must visit the Indian Coffee House on MI Road. The old-style furniture, waiters wearing stiff white uniforms with unique hats, and a welcoming smile will give you a feel of the Parsi Café of Bollywood.
And of course, food is delicious. For decades now, the café has been popular amongst foreign tourists, photographers, and writers.
A similar Indian Coffee House is also there inside the Jawahar Kala Kendra.
Distance from Clarks Amer: 10.1 km
#4 Jhalana Reserve Forest
Jaipur is guarded by the Aravali hills from three sides. These are covered with tropical dry forests. These forests are home to leopards, hyenas, deer, sambhars, langurs, and many species of birds.
Recently government opened up a safari in Jhalana Reserve Forest for tourists, where they can witness the beauty of the flora and fauna of Jaipur in their natural habitat. Safari is scheduled twice a day.
The distance of Jhalana Leopard Safari Reserve from Clarks Amer is approximately 5.6 kms.
#5 Photowalk in the walled city of Jaipur
No other city has the protection of covered Baramadah from traffic, rain, and harsh sunlight.
Walking in the walled city markets would give tourists and photographers a unique experience of Indian life. And of course, many opportunities for shopping, food, and interacting with local people. We organize Heritage City Walk regularly for tourists. It includes stories from the past, cultural experiences, and street food in the pink city.
If you’re not a camera enthusiast, not even a selfie one, then I’ll recommend doing this same activity under the flag of Foodwalk. 😉
Do share these offbeat things one can experience while attending the JLF 2026 with your friends attending the event.
