Says ‘Ragini MMS: Returns’ web series actress Karishma Sharma, as she shares with Manasi Y Mastakar notes from her travel diary
No favouritism
I don’t have a favourite place or places that I like to go to. I like to travel to places that I have not been before…visiting new places, meeting new people, excites me. As for the research, I surf the internet to explore the place I want to visit. I want to learn, travel and experience news things in life because as an actor, I feel, it is important as every experience you have in your life helps you sharpen your skills.
Of good and bad
I visited Dharamsala and I knew nothing about the place. I took a flight to Delhi and from there went to Dharamsala and later to Amritsar, which was a beautiful experience. It’s good to explore different cultures. When I was in Dharamsala, there were so many monks around and then when I visited Amritsar there were these fun loving Punajbis — two contrasting cultures and fun experiences.
It’s me time
I like travelling with my friends, but I also love to travel alone as I get my me time. Since, I’m working most of the time, when I get an off, I love using that time to travel. I am both a mountain and sea person, but it depends on my mood. I think both of them are beautiful in their own way.
Digital detox
It depends on the place I am visiting. Sea destinations are more like partying kind of places, and mountains, like my Dharamsala visit, was more like a digital detox for me. I was more inclined towards exploring nature and indulging in its beauty. I also visited some beautiful churches there. Everything I did there was timed, like waking up on time, sleeping and eating on time and it felt good to have a steady schedule as it helps your body.
I was enjoying being disconnected from the world, and at a point I didn’t really want my phone at all. There was a certain kind of calm and content that I was experiencing. The people over there are also happy people, and when I looked around I didn’t see anyone looking into his/her phone—unlike us city people, who are always glued to our phones. They are very peace-loving people all around looking at the mountains, smiling, someone knitting, someone singing. And anyway we have a chaotic life so this is something that can get us peace.
Of good and bad
I think the best place was Ko Chang in Thailand…it was really calm. I only had a bad experience in Dharamsala. When I was there, a couple of men started following me and my other two girlfriends. When we went to the cops they ignored the whole thing. We had to wait at a shop for 10-15 mins for those men to go away. But I take these experiences in my stride. Every place teaches you something and every experience broadens your dimension. And like they say, temporary people give you permanent lessons.
Dos and don’ts
We should go with our gut instinct and go for what we want…be spontaneous! Although I love to travel alone, but with my girls the travelling always turn out to be the most spontaneous and the most memorable.
Tips and tricks
Overcoming jet lag? Just have a few beers, go out and party! That’s the best way to beat it (laughs).
Bucket list
I want to do a backpack trip in Europe…stay in hostels, go to Amsterdam, chill and just h
