Enchanting Kerala

Impressions

Alexey Sukhopar

“Each part of Kerala is very special,” gleefully remarked Sukhopar who comes from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. He had visited Kerala many times before. He had been to Thekkady, Munnar, Alappuzha and Kovalam. Sukhopar was amazed at the varied topography of Kerala that are situated at a very short distance from each other. Again on a visit to Kerala, this time, he looks forward to have a memorable vacation.

Sukhopar is an ardent lover of Kerala's backwaters, beaches and hill stations. Among the experiences that he likes most in God's Own Country is the kind of calm and cozy holidays that he can enjoy, whenever he visits. He also has a special liking for Ayurveda.

Sukhopar remembers awe inspiring moments of the arattu ritual of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple held at Shanghumugham beach in Thiruvananthapuram. The uniqueness of the arattu is that the head of the royal family of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom escorts the idols during the procession, donning his traditional attire. 

A keen fan of Kalaripayattu (the martial art form of Kerala) Sukhopar has been to many performances of Kalaripayattu during his stint in Kerala. He is also eager to watch Theyyam, a ritual dance popular in north Kerala.

According to Sukhopar, God’s Own Country is a gourmet’s paradise. “The sheer variety of dishes leaves one wonderstruck. I love the spicy seafood and the nutritious vegetarian food alike. But my favourite is Kerala ghee.” He has been to many parts of India and is of the opinion that Kerala ghee is the best.

Kerala has become a second home to Sukhopar and he has had many blissful and serene moments to cherish.