Wed Sep 24 14:03:20 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Kerala Tourism is launching “Yaanam,” a travel literary festival in Varkala from October 17-19, 2025. The festival aims to gather travelers, writers, artists, and filmmakers to share their experiences. The event, envisioned by Sabin Iqbal and programmed by Nirmala Govindarajan, will feature prominent figures like Shehan Karunatilaka, Prakash Sontakke, and Nathalie Handal, alongside other writers, artists, and documentarians. The festival will include discussions, interactions, trails highlighting Varkala’s attractions, and workshops on writing, photography, and wellness.
**News Article:**
**Kerala to Host Inaugural “Yaanam” Travel Literary Festival in Varkala**
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 24, 2025** – Kerala Tourism is set to launch a new literary festival celebrating the spirit of travel, titled “Yaanam,” from October 17th to 19th in Varkala. The festival, envisioned as a platform for travel enthusiasts, will bring together writers, artists, photographers, adventure travelers, and documentary filmmakers to share their unique experiences.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced the event, stating that “Yaanam” aims to be more than just a literary festival, but a vibrant hub for travel lovers. The inaugural edition will be held at the Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff.
“Yaanam 2025” boasts a star-studded lineup of speakers, including Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, Grammy Award-winning musician Prakash Sontakke, journalist and author Pallavi Aiyar, and Sri Lankan author Andrew Fidel Fernando. Other notable participants include Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue, journalist Sudeep Chakravarti, and photographer Asha Thadani.
Beyond discussions and interactions, the festival will offer curated trails showcasing the beauty of Varkala, as well as workshops focused on writing, photography, and wellness. The event is envisioned and conceptualized by author and curator Sabin Iqbal and programmed by author Nirmala Govindarajan.
First Piper 