The breathtaking cliffside town of Varkala in Kerala is all set to turn into a paradise for travelers, storytellers, artists, and literature lovers this October. Yaanam 2025 — India’s first-ever travel literary festival — is scheduled to take place from October 17 to October 19, 2025, at the scenic Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff.
Organized with the vision of blending travel, art, and storytelling, Yaanam brings together an incredible lineup of writers, poets, photographers, filmmakers, vloggers, adventurers, and culture enthusiasts from across India and abroad. With free entry, it’s a golden opportunity for anyone who loves exploring new ideas and destinations.
What is Yaanam 2025?
Yaanam is not just another festival — it’s a celebration of wanderlust and words. This three-day travel literary event aims to create a shared space for people who see travel as more than just a journey. It’s where conversations flow like rivers, where stories from across the world find their way to a single cliff by the sea, and where creative souls connect to share experiences.
The event has been conceptualized by author Sabin Iqbal and curated by writer Nirmala Govindarajan, who envision Yaanam as a platform that bridges travel and literature in a fresh, meaningful way.
Yaanam 2025 Kerala – Quick Event Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Yaanam – India’s First Travel Literary Festival |
| Dates | October 17 – 19, 2025 |
| Venue | Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff, Kerala |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry (Open to all) |
| Theme | Celebrating Words and Wanderlust |
| Organizers | Sabin Iqbal (Concept), Nirmala Govindarajan (Programming) |
Why You Should Attend Yaanam 2025
There are countless festivals across India, but Yaanam stands out because of its unique theme and picturesque location. Imagine listening to a Booker Prize winner as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, or attending a travel writing workshop while waves crash below the cliff.
Here are a few reasons why this event is truly unmissable:
- A diverse lineup of world-renowned writers, poets, and creators.
- Opportunities to learn travel storytelling, writing, and content creation.
- Scenic location at Varkala Cliff, Kerala’s famous beach town.
- Free entry — open to students, travelers, and literature lovers.
- Culturally rich workshops, live sessions, and local explorations.
Star Lineup of Yaanam 2025
The artist lineup for Yaanam 2025 is as magical as its concept. From award-winning authors to inspiring adventurers, the festival features some of the brightest minds of the travel and literary world.
Featured Guests:
- Shehan Karunatilaka – Booker Prize-winning author.
- Prakash Sontakke – Grammy Award-winning musician.
- Pallavi Aiyar – Author and journalist.
- Andrew Fidel Fernando – Gratiaen Award-winning writer.
- Nathalie Handal – Internationally acclaimed poet.
- 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.
- Sanza Sandile – Chef.
- Karen Anand – Food expert.
- Kritika Goel – Popular travel vlogger.
Young and Upcoming Voices:
- Afeedha Sherin – 22-year-old solo traveler known for swimming alongside 12 whales in Mauritius.
- Sumaa Tekur – Author of The Monks Who Laughed When the Bumblebee Stung Me.
These sessions promise to inspire anyone who loves storytelling and travel.
Festival Activities & Experiences
The beauty of Yaanam lies not just in its talks and panels but in its immersive experiences. Visitors can enjoy:
- Storytelling & Author Sessions: Listen to first-hand accounts of thrilling journeys, powerful poems, and deeply moving travel stories.
- Workshops: Learn travel writing, photography, podcasting, and content creation from professionals.
- Wellness & Mindfulness: Participate in yoga and meditation sessions on the cliffside.
- Cultural Performances: Live music, dance, and theatre celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
- Guided Trails: Discover Varkala’s beaches, local cuisine, ancient temples, and scenic cliff walks.
Location Guide – Varkala Cliff, Kerala
The festival venue, Ranga Kala Kendram, is located on the stunning Varkala Cliff, a top tourist destination in Kerala known for its serene beaches and spiritual charm. The view from the cliff is breathtaking, with golden sands, turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the sea breeze.
This location offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural depth, making it ideal for a travel literary festival.
How to Reach Yaanam 2025 (Varkala Cliff)
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, around 40 km away. From here, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to Varkala. |
| By Train | Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is well-connected to Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, and other major cities. It’s just a short auto ride from the venue. |
| By Road | Varkala is accessible via NH-66 from Trivandrum or Kollam. Buses, cabs, and self-drive options are easily available. |
Pro Tip: Arrive a day early to enjoy the cliff’s charm and avoid last-minute travel delays.
Where to Stay in Varkala
Whether you’re a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Varkala offers plenty of accommodation options. Some popular choices include:
- Beach huts and cliffside hostels
- Boutique hotels and Ayurvedic resorts
- Homestays offering authentic Kerala hospitality
Make sure to book your stay early, as Yaanam is expected to attract large crowds.
Local Food & Culture
No travel festival is complete without food — and Kerala’s coastal flavors are truly unforgettable. While attending Yaanam, don’t miss:
- Appam with stew
- Kerala-style fish curry
- Banana chips and filter coffee
- Coconut-based delicacies
- Fresh seafood along the cliff cafés
Exploring Varkala’s local markets and art stores is also a great way to connect with the region’s cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit Varkala
October is one of the best months to visit Kerala, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor events. Warm sunshine, cool sea breeze, and clear skies make it perfect for enjoying the festival and sightseeing.
Pro Tips:
- Wear light cotton clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Carry a hat, sunscreen, and water.
- Keep your camera ready for mesmerizing sunsets.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive Early: Get good seating for speaker sessions.
- Bring Your Gear: Perfect opportunity for travel photographers and vloggers.
- Engage in Sessions: Join workshops to make the most of the learning experience.
- Network: Meet like-minded travelers, creators, and writers.
- Plan Ahead: Book your accommodation and transport early.
Why Yaanam 2025 Matters
Yaanam 2025 Kerala isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement that celebrates stories — stories that inspire, heal, connect, and create change. In a world where travel often becomes a checklist, Yaanam reminds us of the power of meaningful journeys.
It’s a space where a solo traveler meets a poet, a photographer meets a filmmaker, and everyone goes home with something precious — inspiration.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world, writing your own story, or simply listening to inspiring voices from around the globe, Yaanam 2025 is the perfect event for you.
So pack your bags, mark the dates — October 17 to 19, 2025 — and head to Varkala Cliff, Kerala. Let the waves, the words, and the wanderlust guide you.
Quick Recap
- Dates: 17–19 October 2025
- Venue: Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff, Kerala
- Entry: Free
- Star lineup of authors, poets & creators
- Easy connectivity by air, train & road
- Ideal for travelers, writers, vloggers & creators
Also Read:
FAQs About Yaanam 2025 Kerala
1. What is Yaanam 2025?
Yaanam 2025 is India’s first travel literary festival bringing together travelers, writers, photographers, and artists at Varkala Cliff, Kerala.
2. What are the dates of the festival?
The festival will be held from October 17 to 19, 2025.
3. Is there any entry fee for Yaanam 2025?
No. The festival offers free entry to all travel and literature enthusiasts.
4. Where will Yaanam 2025 take place?
It will be held at Ranga Kala Kendram, Varkala Cliff, one of Kerala’s most scenic locations.
5. How can I reach the venue?
You can reach by flight via Trivandrum Airport (40 km), by train to Varkala Sivagiri Station, or by road through NH-66.
6. Who are some featured speakers at Yaanam 2025?
The lineup includes Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, Grammy Award winner Prakash Sontakke, and several renowned authors and creators.
7. Are workshops available at the festival?
Yes. There will be workshops on travel writing, photography, wellness, and more.
8. Is accommodation available nearby?
Yes. Varkala has plenty of beach huts, hotels, and homestays for all budgets.
9. What else can I explore around Varkala?
Visitors can enjoy cliff walks, beaches, temples, local food, and markets.
10. Why should I attend Yaanam 2025?
Because it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate travel storytelling in a beautiful setting.
