Kerala Tourism to Host Three-Day Travel Lit Fest ‘Yaanam’ at Varkala
The event features writers, artists, and filmmakers sharing journeys, with workshops and curated trails.
Kerala Tourism is set to host the inaugural edition of "Yaanam", a three-day literary festival dedicated to the art of travel, from October 17 to 19 at the scenic Ranga Kala Kendram on Varkala Cliff. State Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammed Riyas announced the event at a press conference, describing it as a vibrant platform for writers, artists, photographers, adventure travellers, and documentary filmmakers to share their global journeys through talks, screenings, and interactive sessions. Curated by author Sabin Iqbal and programmed by Nirmala Govindarajan—known for her vivid travel narratives—the festival aims to blend storytelling with experiential tourism.
Varkala, a cliffside beach town in southern Kerala renowned for its dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, has seen a surge in visitors post-COVID, with both domestic and international arrivals rising significantly. Riyas highlighted the festival's role in spotlighting Varkala's untapped potential, including its pristine beaches, Ayurvedic wellness centres, and adventure spots like paragliding and trekking.
To further develop the area, Kerala Tourism has prepared a Rs 25 crore project focusing on infrastructure upgrades, sustainable tourism practices, and promotion of nearby attractions such as Kovalam and Poovar. "Yaanam" will feature curated trails to explore these sites, alongside workshops on travel writing, photography, and wellness, fostering deeper engagement with the region's natural and cultural heritage.
The lineup boasts an eclectic mix of international and Indian luminaries, underscoring the festival's global appeal. Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka will join Grammy Award-winning musician Prakash Sontakke, journalist-author Pallavi Aiyar, Gratiaen Award recipient Andrew Fidel Fernando, and poet Nathalie Handal—dubbed the "Contemporary Orpheus".
Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue, environmental writer Sudeep Chakravarti, and photographer Asha Thadani add depth, while adventurer Piya Bahadur shares tales from her all-women biking odyssey across six countries. Travel documentarians Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, food expert Karen Anand, and vlogger Kritika Goel round out the speakers, promising diverse perspectives on exploration and cuisine.
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This initiative aligns with Kerala Tourism's recent efforts to diversify offerings, following events like the Destination and MICE Tourism Conclave and the Responsible Tourism Conclave. By integrating literature with eco-conscious travel, "Yaanam" positions Varkala as a must-visit hub, potentially injecting economic vitality into local communities through increased footfall and cultural exchanges.
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