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Travel guide to literary festivals

The many literary festivals that are organised across the country have started attracting a select crowd of visitors

Travel guide to literary festivals

The many literary festivals that are organised across the country have started attracting a select crowd of visitors, from India and overseas. From the Jaipur Literature festival to the Kochi International Book festival, there are many cities coming up with literary events. So whether you are a literary critic, a writer, an avid reader or simply one who enjoys a good book, make sure that one or more of these festivals feature on your annual travel calendar.

1. Mumbai International Literary Festival

The fifth Mumbai International Literary festival runs from October 30, 2014 to November 2, 2014 and this year?s event will have a range of high profile speakers from Barkha Dutt and Shashi Tharoor to Chetan Bhagat and Gulzar. Squeeze in some retail therapy at Phoenix shopping mall in Lower Parel, Linking road in Bandra or Inorbit mall in Malad.

2. Kochi International Book Festival

Based in Kerala, The Kochi International Book festival will hold its 18th session from November 29, 2014 to December 8, 2014. The festival will have literary and art competitions, poet meets, cultural evenings, literary workshops, book launches and literary encounters. Take a promenade walk along Marine Drive or a boat ride along the backwater lagoons.

3. Goa Arts and Literary Festival

The Goa Arts and Literary festival from December 4- 7, 2014, is now in its fifth year, and is quickly establishing itself as one of the literary events of the year. In between attending literary events, readings and book launches, you?ll be able to visit the popular beaches of goa for some sun, sand and seafood.

4. Jaipur Literature Festival

The Jaipur Literature Festival in Rajasthan has gained a reputation as the literary calendar event of the year, not least because it?s set in the stunning pink city. Visit the Hawa Mahal and don?t miss the majestic Amber Fort. The festival runs from January 21- 25, 2015 and is set in the historic Diggi Palace. The programme consists of literary and music events and previous guest speakers have included noted people like Oprah Winfrey.

5. Hyderabad Literary Festival

The Hyderabad Literary Festival from Jan 23- 26, 2015 includes events for college students and school children. Entering its fifth year, it contains a rich programme of conversations with authors, reading, panel discussion, workshop and book launches as well as cultural programmes, all for free. Visit the historic Golconda Fort and Charminar landmark in the old city.

6. Lucknow Literary Festival

Running from February 13- 15, 2015, the third Lucknow Literary festival promises to be a flagship literary and cultural event hosted in the metropolitan capital of Uttar Pradesh. Don?t miss seeing the stunning Rumi Darwaza and Bara Imambara shrine, hailed as an engineering and architectural marvel.

Kavitha Gnanamurthy, senior marketing manager, Skyscanner India, said, ?Indians have become more experimental when it comes to travel and have started combining their holidays with various festivals ? most popular being music and food. Increasingly, Literature festivals are picking up momentum in India with over 60 festivals organised across the country every year. Skyscanner lists six of the top editions coming up in the next five months. Skyscanner?s Best Time to Book feature gives travellers access to comprehensive data and reveals average fares and the best time (and worst) to book flights. It?s a fun and useful tool that helps travellers save money whilst searching 22 weeks ahead of the travel.?

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First published on: 29-10-2014 at 16:30 IST
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