The popular Jaipur Lit Fest has become a celeb hotspot of late. But there are many other regional literary festivals that are worth travelling for. If you love books, and meeting your favourite writers, here are 6 Lit Fests In India To Travel and plan your next trip around.

Dehradun Community Lit Fest

Every summer, Dehradun comes alive with writers and books when literary luminaries gather for the Dehradun Community Literature Festival. Devdutt Pattanaik, Nayantara Sahgal, Karan Johar, Kavita Kane, Jatin Das, Sudha Menon, Arundhathi Subramaniam, A. N. D. Haksar, Dr Rakhshanda Jalil, Nandita Haksar, and Santhini Govindan are among the authors who have participated in the festival. The Dehradun Literature Festival also hosts an annual writing competition, inviting manuscripts in two categories: ‘Budding Writers’ and “Promising Writers.” Popular writer Ruskin Bond himself bestows the ‘Ruskin Bond Literary Award’ on the winner.

Website: http://www.dehradunliteraturefestival.com/

Bangalore Lit Fest

The Bangalore Literature Festival is a yearly event in India’s tech capital that is supported by the local community. BLF stands out from other festivals in the nation by focusing on both domestic and foreign literature while also emphasising Kannada literature. In addition, Litmart is the only festival where prospective writers can submit their works to be seen and read by Indian publishers. The 12th Edition will be held in December  2023 at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru.

Website: https://bangaloreliteraturefestival.org/

Apeejay Lit Fest

While most literary types are on their way to Jaipur for the JLF, Kolkata is busy hosting various lit fests, including the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival. It takes place in the heart of winter and is the first such event organised by a bookstore – the Oxford Bookstore. The four-day festival attracts literary writers, scholars, and translators, among others, and occasionally includes a mini-edition for children’s literature.

Website: https://aklf.in/

Tata Literature Live!

Tata Literature Live! takes place in Mumbai at culturally rich locations such as the NCPA and the Prithvi Theatre which come alive with panel discussions, speeches, launches, and workshops centred on some of the most pressing issues. It draws authors, journalists, playwrights, and others from all over the world. Every year, this literary festival offers a contest in which the authors with the best entries have the opportunity to read their work aloud during the festival.

Website: https://tatalitlive.in/

Almora Lit Fest

The Almora Literature Festival aims to promote Almora’s rich literary and cultural past, as well as give a place for both emerging and established writers to showcase their work. The three-day event, which takes place in June-July, aims to bring together some of India’s top artists, philosophers, and authors. Panel talks, workshops, masterclasses with renowned artists and writers, cultural activities, and a book market are among the experiences available at the festival. Read more about it here.

Website: https://www.almoraliteraturefestival.org/

Kerala Lit Fest

Kozhikode, where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498, was known as the spice capital of the world since ancient times. Its cultural richness is evident, as much as the diversity of food that this coastal town boasts of. In winter, the best of literary minds from around the world head to the city for a four-day literary bonanza. This year, it was held on the beaches of Kozhikode from January 12 to January 15. KLF is considered to be one of Asia’s largest literary festivals. It is one of the most popular literary events in the subcontinent, bringing together writers, artists, actors, celebrities, intellectuals, and activists from various areas and interests. Evening fireside discussions, music concerts, classical, theatrical, and performing artists all add to the entertainment value of the event.

Website: https://keralaliteraturefestival.com/