Travel Lit Fest Yaanam to Become Kerala Tourism’s Annual Event

Inaugurating India’s first travel literary festival, Yaanam 2025, in the scenic coastal resort, Kerala’s Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas announced that the event would be made an annual feature of Kerala Tourism. The aim is to bring together writers, artists and travel enthusiasts from around the world to share experiences through engaging conversations.

Delivering the inaugural address at the three‑day festival at Ranga Kala Kendram by the Cliff, Riyas said the event would run from October 17–19 and would also showcase the diverse offerings of Kerala to a global audience.

Organised by Kerala Tourism, the festival unites leading travel writers, vloggers and social media influencers from across the globe, providing a platform for them to share insights on sustainable and inclusive tourism to meet the demands of today’s travellers.

The theme of the festival is “Celebrating Words and Wanderlust”. Riyas noted that the event is taking place at a time when travel literature and visual travelogues worldwide are undergoing significant and impactful changes.

Describing it as a ground‑breaking initiative by Kerala Tourism, Riyas said Yaanam is a confluence of globally renowned travel enthusiasts who have explored fresh trails in travel writing and their visual journeys.

“This country’s first festival will propel the tourism prospects of Varkala specifically, by showcasing the town’s tourism potential to the world. It will also boost the arrival of visitors to this scenic destination,” Shri Riyas opined.

“It is an endeavour to illuminate the state’s tourism facets in front of passionate travellers, as well as to depict Kerala through their writings and captivating visuals,” he added.

Riyas added that Yaanam will offer comprehensive and interactive workshops on topics such as writing and photography during all three days.

On a personal note, Riyas said he has been a keen follower of travel writing since his student days and a great admirer of Malayalam author and Jnanpith laureate S K Pottekkatt, who brought the world to Malayalis through his gripping travelogues.

V Joy MLA, who presided over the function, said Varkala is an ideal choice for Kerala Tourism to host India’s maiden Travel Literary Festival, given its status as a popular destination.

Travel vlogger and actor Anumol, the chief guest, described the event as a wonderful initiative by Kerala Tourism to create a unique platform for interacting with like‑minded people, sharing ideas and supporting one another to build a community.

“Reading books has helped me shape myself and gained me many life perspectives. It has helped me understand people and emotions. Travel has since made me more compassionate and empathetic, as well as patient and a better person,” she added.

In his welcome address, Kerala Tourism Secretary Biju K said Kerala Tourism is setting the standard by turning destination management into cultural stewardship, demonstrating that Kerala leads the country in imaginative, innovative and responsible tourism.

Varkala Municipal Chairperson KM Laji; Ward Councillor Ajaya Kumar, and Kerala Tourism Additional Director (General) Smt Sreedhanya Suresh were also present.

The festival is conceived as an interactive platform for a diverse range of voices, including writers, artists, documentary filmmakers, vloggers, travel enthusiasts and master chefs, from India and abroad. Sessions are designed to facilitate engaging discussions, enabling eminent figures from various fields to share their creative journeys, experiences and insights on literature and travel.

The event also offers a window into the myriad experiences that Kerala affords to travellers, writers and artists as a destination that transcends the conventional notion of a tourist haven.

Yaanam features an impressive line‑up of around 50 renowned speakers from India and abroad, who will share their perspectives and experiences.

In addition to insightful discussions, Yaanam will host educational workshops on writing, photography and wellness, catering to both amateurs and professionals keen to enhance their skills.