EXCLUSIVE: ✠Iâm a heavy travellerâ says Sharib Hashmi

Sharib Hashmi, known for his versatile acting, is also an avid traveller who approaches the world with curiosity and a deep appreciation for different cultures. While he describes himself as a “heavy traveller,” packing more than necessary for each trip, it’s the joy of exploration and learning that truly drives him. Sharib’s travel philosophy is simple yet profound: Explore the world is his mantra.  For Sharib, travelling isn’t just about visiting famous landmarks; it’s about connecting with the essence of a place, whether it’s through its food, traditions or the people who call it home. His travel wishlist includes some of India’s most stunning locales, from the lush greenery of Arunachal to the cultural richness of Rajasthan. He recently went on a vacation to Goa with his family for the first time and describes the fam jam in his own words:

Goa, finally!

Whenever I’ve been to Goa for shoots, sightseeing was never on the agenda. Work always comes first, right? But this time, I had to make it right. I’d been dying to visit Goa for ages and when I told my wife Nasreen about it, she was like, “You never take me anywhere!” So guess what? I made her dream come true. My son, Shayaan, was too busy with his 12th board exams, so it was just the three of us: me, Nasreen and our daughter Inaaya. We’d originally planned a big group trip with friends, but, surprise surprise, everyone bailed. So we ended up with the perfect family getaway. No complaints, though, Goa’s laid-back vibe was exactly what we needed.

Leave it to the Girls

They know about my procrastinating ways and hence the whole trip was coordinated by Nasreen and Inaaya. We flew out on August 15 for five days of sun, sea and shenanigans. We landed early in the morning and immediately hit up Martins’ for breakfast. Because when in Goa, breakfast is a celebration, not just a meal. We stayed in South Goa for two days at Club Mahindra, and then we moved to the Hilton in North Goa for some change of pace. On August 15th, the Club Mahindra staff asked me to hoist the tricolour. It was a touching moment. Getting special treatment is one of the perks of being a celeb and to be honest, I’m enjoying it.

Swimming, Sun and the lazing around

I’m not crazy about the ambience or the room size but I do need a swimming pool at every hotel. We’re not about that “staying indoors” life. So, after breakfast, we’d hit up the sights, grab some local dishes, and then crash by the beach. And yes, that meant plenty of photo ops at Calangute, Baga and Candolim beaches. My daughter had the time of her life clicking photos. We also did some exploring, hitting up places like Cabo de Rama Fort, Aguada Fort and Dudhsagar Falls. But you know what? The best part was just lounging on the beach with the family. Soak up the sun, sip on coconut water…repeat. Even talking about it makes me want to go back.

Glorious Goan Food

Let’s talk about food, because Goa doesn’t mess around when it comes to cuisine. I love sea food and the crab dishes, Goan fish curry and shrimp were something to die for.
I can’t even remember half the names of the dishes but I remember how they made me feel – like I was in food heaven. We hit up famous spots like Britto’s, Cape Goa, and Martins for all that deliciousness. And to my delight, the chef at our hotel surprised us with a South Indian spread.

I love South Indian food, especially appams with chicken gravy. I can have them with sambar too or with vegetable stew but having them with chicken does wonders for my palate.

The Cruise from Hell

We had high hopes for a cruise one day. The driver promised it would be an unforgettable experience. But when we got on board, let’s just say… it was far from royal. People were complaining about it being “mental torture,” and honestly, we couldn’t stop laughing. So, we left early and went back to the beach. Sometimes the best memories are made from the things that go totally wrong.

Mountain vs Beaches

Some people love mountains, some love beaches but I have a yen for both. I recently shot for The Family Man in Kohima, Nagaland, and the beauty of the place had me in awe. Then there’s Mussoorie. I can’t find words to describe the beauty of its hills? From Landour, you can even catch a glimpse of the Himalayan range early in the morning. But I can’t forget Goa either. There’s just something about those beaches that makes me feel at home.

Travel is Life

Who doesn’t love a good trip? For me, it’s the perfect way to recharge and bond with the family. I make sure to take at least one family trip a year. In fact, last year, we did a road trip to Kerala with my MTV gang. We drove through Karnataka, stayed in Mysore, Wayanad and ended up in Calicut. It was one looong drive but worth every mile.

Train Travel = Childhood Vibes

Let’s talk trains for a second. Call me old school, but I love travelling by train. It takes me back to my childhood when we’d travel to Delhi every summer by train to my maternal grandmother’s house. The journey was like a mini adventure, with snacks at every stop. It was a dare to rush off to buy pedas, pakodas or ice cream at different stations. And 24-hour travel was just part of the fun. Sadly, you can’t replicate that feeling these days, but hey, the memories are still gold.

Uttarakhand, USA and the Trip of a Lifetime

From the beaches of Goa to the hills of Uttarakhand, travelling with my family is always a blast. I took my family to Uttarakhand last year, travelling to Nainital and Rishikesh. Rishikesh has a special place in my heart, but I’m obsessed with Nainital. It’s where we went for our honeymoon.

And then, in 2022, we made the ultimate trip to the US. My brother-in-law stays in Dallas and for almost a month we explored Dallas, LA, New York like wide-eyed tourists. Disneyland, Universal Studios, Times Square—every conceivable destination got notched up. We wanted to watch a Broadway show but the ticket prices almost made me cry.

Are you a light traveller or a heavy traveller?

I’m a heavy traveller. I always pack a lot and usually a bit extra. I enjoy the process of packing, and whenever I travel with my family, I always help with the packing. I thoroughly enjoy it.

What travel advice would you like to give? 

Just get out of the house. Explore the world. The things you learn through travel can’t be taught in any book.

What are the tips you like to share?

Although I’m a heavy traveller, I’d advise not to overpack. Travel light. Also, when you travel anywhere, avoid guides and instead take a local person with you. Locals often know hidden gems that guides won’t show you. We often stick to tourist attractions found on Google, but a local will show you other places worth visiting.

Best place to travel?

Arunachal Pradesh, it’s a paradise in the North East.

Of all the places you’ve lived, is there any city that is particularly close to your heart?  

I love Rishikesh and Varanasi. I could spend an entire day near the ghats of Varanasi. The mornings there are truly special — serene, with the sight of boats crossing the calm waters and the vast sky overhead. As they say, Subah Benaras ki aur shaam-e-Avadh, bahut achchhi hoti hai. I’d heard it, but when I witnessed it,
I realised how true it is.

Sharib Hashmi went on a trip to Goa. Continue reading …Read More