Kerala Launches India’s First Travel Literature Festival in Varkala, Celebrating the Intersection of Travel, Storytelling, and Sustainable Tourism

In a groundbreaking move, Kerala, the southern coastal gem of India, unveils the nation’s first-ever Travel Literature Festival, Yaanam 2025. Hosted in the picturesque town of Varkala, this three-day event brings together a unique blend of literary creativity, travel exploration, and cultural exchange. The festival, organized by Kerala Tourism, aims to position the state as a global thought leader in sustainable tourism, while also celebrating the written word’s power to capture travel’s essence.

Varkala, with its dramatic cliffs and serene beaches, offers a captivating backdrop for the festival, making it the ideal location to kickstart this unprecedented event. From October 17 to 19, renowned authors, travel writers, vloggers, and photographers will converge to share stories, ideas, and insights about travel and its intersection with literature. The inaugural session, graced by distinguished personalities, sets the tone for deep conversations and engaging workshops on writing, photography, and responsible tourism.

This milestone event brings Kerala’s ethos of cultural stewardship to the forefront, combining literary expertise with a commitment to inclusive, responsible travel. With a stellar lineup of global speakers and interactive sessions, Yaanam aspires to shape the future of travel writing and storytelling. The festival reflects Kerala’s evolving tourism narrative that is not only about destinations but also about the meaningful stories they hold.

Key Highlights of Yaanam 2025:

• Location: Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff, Kerala
• Dates: October 17-19, 2025
• Organized by: Kerala Tourism
• Notable Guests:
  • Booker Prize Winner Shehan Karunatilaka
  • Acclaimed author K. R. Meera
  • Travel journalists and influencers from around the world
  • Cultural performances by Ghazal singer Shahabaz Aman

Festival Features:

• Over 50 global speakers, including travel writers, vloggers, and photographers.
• In-depth discussions on responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
• Interactive workshops on travel writing, photography, and more.
• Free public access to cultural performances, including live concerts.

A New Chapter in Travel Literature

Varkala, a hidden gem in Kerala, is now set to become a hub for intellectuals, travel aficionados, and creatives alike. Yaanam is not just an event—it’s a celebration of how literature can breathe life into the landscapes, people, and cultures that travel writers and explorers encounter. The festival brings fresh perspectives to travel writing, with a focus on inclusive tourism that encourages cultural dialogue and promotes sustainable practices.

The festival’s programming, rich in literary discussions, panel talks, and hands-on workshops, provides ample opportunity for participants to learn, grow, and engage with like-minded individuals. For writers and photographers, it’s a chance to refine their craft, gain exposure, and connect with some of the best minds in the industry. Travel enthusiasts will enjoy immersive discussions on new travel trends, responsible tourism, and how to navigate the challenges of modern-day exploration.

Kerala’s initiative is a step towards fostering a dialogue on tourism that goes beyond business. It aims to engage writers, influencers, and thought leaders in shaping tourism that preserves cultural and natural heritages, enhances local livelihoods, and creates a more responsible travel ecosystem.

The Future of Travel and Storytelling

The inaugural edition of Yaanam holds great promise for the future of travel literature in India. As more and more travelers seek authentic experiences, the role of writers and storytellers becomes even more vital in curating narratives that engage with local cultures and ecosystems. By hosting such an event, Kerala sets a precedent for how literary arts can significantly contribute to the tourism sector.

Key Sessions and Workshops:

• Travel Writing 101: An interactive session for budding writers eager to make their mark in travel literature.
• Photography as Storytelling: Learn how to capture the essence of places through visual storytelling.
• Sustainable Tourism: A critical discussion on how travel can coexist with the preservation of nature and culture.
• In Search of Characters and Stories: A panel with authors like Shehan Karunatilaka and K.R. Meera, focusing on finding the right stories in the travel landscape.

Kerala’s Vision for Tourism and Sustainability

Kerala’s commitment to sustainable tourism is reflected not only in its vibrant festivals but also in its efforts to showcase responsible travel. By hosting Yaanam, Kerala Tourism emphasizes that destinations can be managed as cultural sanctuaries, where tourism supports the local economy while fostering a deep appreciation for the region’s history, arts, and environment.

With its dynamic mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich heritage, Kerala continues to lead as a model for sustainable and inclusive tourism in India. Through festivals like Yaanam, the state invites the world to not just visit, but understand the stories that make it a beloved destination. The festival is an example of how Kerala is weaving together literary traditions with modern-day travel experiences, ensuring that tourism in the state is both enjoyable and conscientious.

Conclusion: Varkala, Kerala as the Cultural and Literary Tourism Hub

As India’s first Travel Literature Festival unfolds in Varkala, it marks a defining moment for both the tourism and literary communities. The success of Yaanam 2025 will not only highlight Kerala’s scenic and cultural treasures but also underscore the power of stories in shaping the travel experience. By engaging diverse voices from across the globe, the festival seeks to redefine the way people think about travel and storytelling, highlighting that behind every journey, there is a deeper narrative waiting to be told.

Varkala’s unique setting, coupled with Kerala’s visionary tourism initiatives, makes Yaanam 2025 an event to watch in the years ahead, promising a continued evolution of travel literature in India.