Whether it’s a laid-back beach vacation, a cultural deep dive, or exploring India’s rich heritage, Srividya Maharshi believes that travelling is much more than ticking destinations off a list — it’s about creating memories and connecting with people. From a fun-filled girls’ trip to Thailand to soulful journeys across Uttar Pradesh, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her as a traveller, offering a glimpse into her most cherished moments and aspirations for future adventures.
Tejal Sinha
Travelling is not just a physical journey for Srividya Maharshi; it’s an emotional and spiritual experience that allows her to disconnect from life’s hustle and reconnect with herself. The actor, who has traversed paths for work, family obligations, pilgrimages and vacations, believes in the transformative power of travel. “For me, vacations are a way to unplug. I prefer peaceful experiences over rushing to cover as many places as possible. The purpose is to rest and reset, not chase deadlines, even on a holiday,” she shares.
Srividya ensures her travels reflect this philosophy by choosing accommodations that exude serenity. Whether it’s a cozy Airbnb or a well-situated hotel, the place must align with her need for peace. This approach was evident in her most recent trip, a girls’ getaway to Thailand with her closest friends.
Organising a trip with working professionals can be a logistical challenge, but for Srividya and her friends, the effort was worth it. “Making it happen was the best decision we made. Good company makes even the slight hiccups in travelling easier to navigate,” she remarks, fondly recalling how her friends’ meticulous planning balanced her laid-back vacation vibe. “They even made Excel sheets for budgets and schedules, and I’m lucky they don’t complain about my lack of contribution,” she quips.
Among the most cherished memories from the trip were moments spent in quiet reflection on the beach during sunsets, as well as some amusing cultural surprises. However, what truly stood out was a simple act of carrying an electric cooker and rice to cook meals with “podi” (a South Indian spice mix) when they struggled to find food to their liking. “It felt like a slice of home. We sat together and ate like real Telugu girls in their Ammamma’s house,” she says with a laugh.
While in Thailand, she and her friends made a conscious effort to explore the culture beyond the tourist hotspots. A cycling food tour through Bangkok turned out to be a highlight. The day-long journey included stops at age-old households to sample traditional recipes, visits to the floating market, and a trip to the vibrant fruit markets. “It was a wholesome experience that connected us with the locals and gave us a real feel of the place,” she recalls.
For her, any place with a beach offers the ultimate rejuvenation. “The vast ocean reminds me of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. The sound of waves drowns out the noise in my head, helping me calm down,” she reflects.
Her travels within India have been equally enriching. A recent journey across Uttar Pradesh, covering Agra, Mathura and Ayodhya, offered not only a glimpse into the country’s heritage and spiritual significance but also insightful interactions with locals. “Every city and town in India has its own story, culture and history. Even within the same State, the diversity is striking, making every experience unique,” she notes.
Not all travel experiences are smooth, and she recalls a particularly nerve-wracking moment during her return from London. A technical glitch with her boarding pass nearly caused her to miss the flight, which would have left her stranded with an expiring visa. “I panicked, imagining being labelled an illegal immigrant and deported,” she admits, now able to laugh about it in hindsight.
Looking back on her travels, she feels a deep sense of accomplishment. “Younger me would be so glad,” she says. As a child, she often worried whether she would ever get the chance to explore the world. “Seeing those visa stamps on my passport reminds me that I’m doing something my childhood self thought was unachievable.”
Next on her travel bucket list are Vietnam and Sri Lanka, destinations she hopes to visit with her husband. While she hasn’t ventured into solo travelling for leisure, she enjoys group trips for the shared responsibilities and camaraderie. “Travelling with others means less stress and more fun,” she shares.
For her, the essence of travel lies in the little details — the stories shared by shopkeepers, drivers and long-time residents. “Tourist attractions often offer a filtered view. The real feel of a place comes from interacting with its people,” she concludes.
With her mindful approach to travel and a heart open to experiences, Srividya Maharshi continues to explore the world, one story and memory at a time.
