Kerala Tourism is all set to host Yaanam, India’s first travel literary festival, at Varkala Cliff from October 17, 2025. The three-day event will celebrate travel, storytelling, and art, bringing together travellers, writers, photographers, vloggers, and filmmakers from across the country.
The event has been conceptualised by author Sabin Iqbal and programmed by writer Nirmala Govindarajan. It promises to be an exciting meeting point for people who love stories, adventures, and new experiences.
Yaanam 2025 Highlights
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Event Name |
Yaanam – India’s First Travel Literary Festival |
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Date |
October 17 – 19, 2025 |
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Venue |
Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff, Kerala |
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Entry |
Free Entry (Open to all travel & literature enthusiasts) |
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Theme |
Celebrating Words and Wanderlust |
Featured Artists & Speakers at Yaanam 2025
- Shehan Karunatilaka – Booker Prize-winning author
- Prakash Sontakke – Grammy Award-winning musician
- Pallavi Aiyar – Journalist and author
- Andrew Fidel Fernando – Gratiaen Award-winning writer
- Prof. Nathalie Handal – Internationally acclaimed poet and travel writer
- Tenzin Tsundue – Tibetan poet and activist
- Sudeep Chakravarti – Author and journalist
- Asha Thadani – Travel photographer
- Piya Bahadur – Adventurer and biker
- Priya Ganapathy & Anurag Mallick – Travel documentarians
- Chef Sanza Sandile
- Karen Anand – Food expert
- Kritika Goel – Popular travel vlogger
The event will also host young voices like:
- Afeedha Sherin – Kerala’s 22-year-old solo traveller who swam alongside 12 whales in Mauritius
- Sumaa Tekur – Author of The Monks Who Laughed When the Bumblebee Stung Me, chronicling solo journeys across 18 countries
Adding literary depth and cultural variety, authors Ullekh N P, Binoo K John, Faizal Khan will join interactive sessions, workshops, and curated trails exploring Varkala’s vibrant local experiences.
Things to Explore at Yaanam
- Inspiring talks and storytelling sessions
- Workshops on writing, photography, and wellness
- Guided trails to explore Varkala’s scenic spots
- Live performances and creative showcases celebrating travel
How to Reach Varkala
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Mode |
Details |
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By Air |
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (about 40 km away). You can take a taxi or bus to Varkala. |
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By Train |
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station connects to major cities like Kochi, Chennai, and Bangalore. |
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By Road |
Varkala is easily reachable via NH-66 from Trivandrum or Kollam. Regular KSRTC buses and cabs are available. |
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