Kerala, often called ‘God’s Own Country,’ is set to unveil India’s first-ever literary tourism circuit, a unique venture that will allow literature enthusiasts to explore the lives and works of the state’s most celebrated writers.
The Malabar Literary Tourism Circuit, a visionary initiative by Kerala Tourism, will highlight key cultural landmarks tied to the legacies of iconic Malayalam authors. The project, now nearing completion, will connect significant cultural sites across Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad—regions historically known as the heartland of Malayalam literature. These areas have produced some of India’s most influential literary voices, and the circuit is designed to honor and preserve their remarkable contributions to literature.
A key feature of the circuit is the Thunchathu Ezhuthachan Museum in Tirur, dedicated to the father of Malayalam literature. In Kozhikode, visitors will be able to pay tribute to notable figures such as SK Pottekkatt, the renowned travelogue writer, and Akitham Achuthan Namboodiri, a revered poet whose works have significantly shaped the literary landscape of Kerala. The circuit will also include a tribute to MT Vasudevan Nair, the legendary novelist and filmmaker who passed away in December 2024, adding contemporary relevance to the project.
One of the most touching stops will be the Vaikom Muhammad Basheer Memorial in Beypore, Kozhikode. Known as the ‘Beypore Sultan,’ Basheer’s former home, surrounded by trees he planted himself, offers visitors a glimpse into his personal life and creative world. In Palakkad’s Thasarak village, the OV Vijayan Memorial will honor the author of Khasakkinte Itihasam (The Legends of Khasak), a modern Malayalam literary masterpiece.
With the circuit set to launch mid-year, Kerala’s literary tourism project is expected to attract book lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural travelers from across the globe. The initiative follows Kozhikode’s recent recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature, solidifying its status as a global literary hub. Given the growing prominence of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), which garners international attention each year, the literary tourism circuit is poised to become a major attraction for both local and global visitors.
Read also: