Festivals for literature-lovers: Sri Lanka’s Galle Literary Festival and India’s Jaipur Literary Festival

Two events occurring in early 2012 which Ampersand Travel are very excited about are the Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka and the Jaipur Literary Festival in India. Both of these festivals can be included in one of our tailor-made tours and can incorporate other parts of the country if you have the time and desire to explore further.

The Galle Literary Festival takes places from 18^th – 22^nd January 2012. It has been running for several years and has already gained an international reputation, attracting a broad range of highly renowned writers. Over five days, a series of literary discussions, poetry readings and workshops with the authors will take place throughout Galle Fort. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16^th century before being taken over by the Dutch and then the British; it provides a magnificent backdrop to the event. We can arrange for guided architectural walks within the Fort as well as private party invitations to dine with the authors and the movers and shakers of Galle, which is known for its sophisticated yet splendidly hedonistic scene!

Our Three Little Tastes of Heaven itinerary is a very relaxed tour aimed at romantics and those seeking complete relaxation. We believe adding a day or two at the Galle Literary Festival would be a very interesting addition. After a week relaxing in secluded boutique hotels, enthusiasts can enjoy the challenge of a workshop or talk by one of their favourite authors. The tour lasts 11 days and includes time on a tea plantation and the peaceful south coast. Prices start from £2890 per person.

The Jaipur Literature Festival from 20^th – 24^th January 2012 is the other leading literary event in Asia and also caters for a well-heeled and well-read international audience. Appearances will be made by big name authors and there will be an impressive music line up at the beautiful Hotel Diggi Palace. It is programmed by historian and travel writer William Dalrymple (a big music fan) and publisher and novelist Namita Ghokale. It will play host to over 130 authors in 2012 including Simon Sebag Montefiore, Hari Kunzru, Deepak Chopra, David Hare and Zoe Heller. There will be theatre workshops, film screenings, readings, discussions and interviews during the day and great music in the evenings. And Jaipur is only three or four hours' drive from Delhi.

Our Gems of North India Tour would be a great itinerary to take in the festival. This leisurely journey takes in Rajasthan’s classic sights: Imperial Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, the Golden Triangle, the Pink City of Jaipur and the Lake City of Udaipur. Stay in contemporary and historic hotels and enjoy fabulous shopping – from bargain markets to opulent jewel stores. This tour lasts 10 days and costs from £3,980 per person, but do remember that we tailor every itinerary to suit your needs.

For more details, contact James Jayasundera on 0207 289 6100 or james@ampersandtravel.com.