Kerala Tourism is planning a travel literary festival, which celebrates the excitement of journeys, by bringing together travellers, writers, artists and documentary filmmakers for sharing their experiences, at Varkala from October 17 to 19, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said.Titled ‘Yaanam,’ the first edition of the festival will be held at Ranga Kala Kendram at the Cliff, Varkala.Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, the Minister said ‘Yaanam’ was conceived not just as a travel literary festival but as a platform for travel lovers, including writers, artists, photographers, adventure travellers and travel documentary makers.‘Yaanam 2025’ has been envisioned and conceptualised by author and curator Sabin Iqbal and is programmed by author Nirmala Govindarajan whose works have been noted for their intense travel experiences.‘Yaanam 2025’ will feature a lineup of speakers, including Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, Grammy Award-winning musician Prakash Sontakke, journalist and author Pallavi Aiyar, Gratiaen Award-winning Sri Lankan author Andrew Fidel Fernando, and poet, playwright, nonfiction and literary travel writer Nathalie Handal, who is called ‘Contemporary Orpheus.’Other prominent figures include Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue, journalist and author Sudeep Chakravarti, and photographer Asha Thadani. Piya Bahadur will join the event to recount stories about her biking expedition across six countries. Travel documentary maker and writer duo Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, food writer Karen Anand, and travel vlogger Kritika Goel will be part of the event.Apart from discussions and interactions, the festival will host curated trails that highlight the attractions of Varkala and workshops on writing, photography and wellness. Published - September 24, 2025 07:33 pm IST