Kerala Tourism has announced the launch of ‘Yaanam 2025’, a three-day travel literary festival that will take place from October 17 to 19, 2025 at Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff. This pioneering initiative aims to bring together travel writers, artists, vloggers, photographers, and documentary filmmakers to celebrate the spirit of journeys through stories, discussions, and creative exchanges.

Conceptualized by author and curator Sabin Iqbal and programmed by author Nirmala Govindarajan, Yaanam 2025 is envisioned as more than a festival—it is a cultural platform for passionate travel enthusiasts and creators to share diverse experiences.

The inaugural edition will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and performers, including:

• Shehan Karunatilaka – Booker Prize-winning author
• Prakash Sontakke – Grammy Award-winning musician
• Pallavi Aiyar – Journalist and author
• Andrew Fidel Fernando – Gratiaen Award-winning author from Sri Lanka
• Prof. Nathalie Handal – Internationally acclaimed poet, playwright, and travel writer
• Tenzin Tsundue – Tibetan poet and activist
• Sudeep Chakravarti – Journalist and author
• Asha Thadani – Photographer
• Piya Bahadur – Traveler and writer, sharing her all-woman biking expedition across six countries

Other highlights include travel documentarians Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, food expert Karen Anand, and travel vlogger Kritika Goel.

In addition to panel discussions and literary sessions, the festival will host curated trails in and around Varkala, interactive workshops on travel writing, photography, and wellness, and opportunities to explore the region’s unique cultural and natural heritage.

Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas emphasized that the event also aims to promote Varkala as a global tourism destination. A Rs 25 crore project has been prepared to strengthen tourism infrastructure in the area.

Event Details

• Title: Yaanam 2025 – Kerala Travel Literary Festival
• Dates: 17–19 October 2025
• Venue: Ranga Kala Kendram, Cliff, Varkala, Kerala