Kerala Tourism is set to launch an inspiring travel literary festival, designed to celebrate the spirit of exploration and storytelling. This unique event will unite travelers, esteemed writers, talented artists, and innovative documentary filmmakers, offering them a dynamic platform to share their diverse experiences. The festival, named ‘Yaanam,’ will take place in the picturesque coastal town of Varkala from October 17th to 19th, as announced by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas.
The inaugural ‘Yaanam’ festival will be hosted at the Ranga Kala Kendram, nestled beautifully atop Varkala’s iconic cliff, providing a stunning backdrop for this celebration of journeys.
During a press conference, the Minister emphasized that ‘Yaanam’ transcends the typical literary festival. It’s envisioned as a comprehensive hub for all travel enthusiasts, welcoming not only authors but also visual artists, skilled photographers, thrill-seeking adventure travelers, and compelling travel documentary creators.
‘Yaanam 2025’ comes to life through the vision and conceptualization of acclaimed author and curator Sabin Iqbal, with the program meticulously crafted by author Nirmala Govindarajan, renowned for her immersive and heartfelt travel narratives.
The speaker lineup for ‘Yaanam 2025’ is impressive, showcasing a diverse array of global talents. Attendees can look forward to hearing from Booker Prize laureate Shehan Karunatilaka, Grammy-winning musician Prakash Sontakke, insightful journalist and author Pallavi Aiyar, and Gratiaen Award-winning Sri Lankan writer Andrew Fidel Fernando. Also joining is Nathalie Handal, the celebrated poet, playwright, and literary travel writer often hailed as the ‘Contemporary Orpheus.’
Further enriching the festival’s roster are prominent figures such as Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue, journalist and author Sudeep Chakravarti, and captivating photographer Asha Thadani. Adventurer Piya Bahadur will share tales from her epic biking journey spanning six countries. The event will also host the dynamic travel documentary and writing duo Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, esteemed food writer Karen Anand, and popular travel vlogger Kritika Goel.
Beyond engaging discussions and interactive sessions, ‘Yaanam’ will offer specially curated trails exploring Varkala’s most enchanting attractions. Participants can also immerse themselves in practical workshops focusing on travel writing, photography, and holistic wellness, making for a truly enriching experience.