Kerala tourism to host three-day travel literary festival 'Yaanam' in Varkala - All you need to know

Travel, stories, and adventure converge at Varkala’s first-ever travel literary festival, Yaanam 2025, from October 17-19. (Image: Canva)

Kerala Tourism is set to host a three-day travel literary festival in Varkala next month, celebrating the art of journeys and exploration. The event, titled ‘Yaanam 2025,’ will run from October 17 to 19 at Ranga Kala Kendram at the Cliff, Varkala, bringing together travellers, writers, artists, and documentary filmmakers to share stories through talks, screenings, and interactive sessions.

State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas told reporters on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, that ‘Yaanam 2025’ is conceived not just as a travel literary festival but as a platform for passionate travel lovers that include writers, artists, photographers, adventure travelers and travel documentary filmmakers.

The festival is curated by author and curator Sabin Iqbal and programmed by writer Nirmala Govindarajan, known for her immersive travel narratives.

“The event is also aimed at showcasing the immense tourism possibilities of Varkala before the world. It is also being planned to promote Varkala and nearby places as potential tourism destinations by roping in noted personalities from various domains,” Riyas added.

The three-day event will feature an illustrious lineup including Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, Grammy Award-winning musician Prakash Sontakke, journalist and author Pallavi Aiyar, Gratiaen Award-winning Sri Lankan author Andrew Fidel Fernando, and poet and travel writer Prof. Nathalie Handal, often called “Contemporary Orpheus.” Other participants include Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue, journalist-author Sudeep Chakravarti, and photographer Asha Thadani.

Adventure enthusiasts will also be inspired by Piya Bahadur, who will recount her all-woman biking expedition across six countries. Travel documentarians Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, food expert Karen Anand, and travel vlogger Kritika Goel are among the other confirmed participants.

Beyond discussions and presentations, the festival will host curated trails highlighting Varkala’s scenic and cultural attractions, as well as workshops focused on writing, photography, and wellness.

The event comes on the heels of Kerala Tourism’s recent initiatives such as the Destination and MICE Tourism Conclave and the Responsible Tourism (RT) Conclave, reflecting the state’s focus on promoting sustainable and experiential travel.

MLA V Joy and Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran were also present at the announcement.

(With inputs from PTI)