Tourism News
Tourism Minister Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas addresses the media on the travel literary festival ‘Yaanam’.
Kerala Tourism to Host ‘Yaanam’ Travel Literary Festival at Varkala
Kerala Tourism unveiled plans to host Yaanam, the country’s first travel literary festival, at Varkala from October 17 to 19. The event, designed as a cultural celebration of journeys, will bring together travellers, writers, artists, photographers, vloggers, and documentary filmmakers to share their experiences through stories, performances, and vibrant interactions.
Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, noted that Yaanam, the upcoming travel literary festival, was envisioned as more than a conventional literary gathering. He stressed that the event is designed to be a vibrant cultural platform celebrating the very essence of travel through literature, art, and shared experiences. The Minister also highlighted that Yaanam will place Varkala’s rich tourism potential before a global audience. To complement this vision, a Rs.25 crore project for developing tourism infrastructure in the region has been prepared. The announcement of the festival was also attended by Mr. V. Joy, MLA, and Ms. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism.
The inaugural edition of Yaanam will be held at Ranga Kala Kendram on the scenic Varkala Cliff. It has been conceptualised by author and curator Sabin Iqbal and programmed by writer Nirmala Govindarajan, known for her works inspired by travel experiences. The festival has been carefully designed as a meeting ground for adventure enthusiasts, creative professionals, and storytellers from across the world.
The programme features an impressive lineup of speakers and performers. Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka, Grammy Award-winning musician Prakash Sontakke, journalist and author Pallavi Aiyar, Gratiaen Award-winning Sri Lankan writer Andrew Fidel Fernando, and internationally acclaimed poet and literary travel writer Prof. Nathalie Handal, often referred to as the “Contemporary Orpheus”, will headline the sessions.
Joining them will be Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue, journalist and author Sudeep Chakravarti, photographer Asha Thadani, and adventurer Piya Bahadur, who will share stories from her all-woman biking expedition across six countries. The line-up also includes well-known travel documentarians Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, food expert Karen Anand, and trend-setting travel vlogger Kritika Goel, ensuring a diverse blend of voices and perspectives.
Beyond panel discussions and talks, Yaanam will offer curated trails designed to highlight the attractions of Varkala, along with interactive workshops on writing, photography, and wellness. These parallel activities will allow participants to experience the destination first-hand while engaging with creative practices.
The festival is being held close on the heels of Kerala Tourism’s other major initiatives such as the Destination and MICE Tourism Conclave and the Responsible Tourism Conclave. Together, these efforts underline the state’s commitment to pioneering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to cultural tourism.
