Swasika is now a well-known face to television and film viewers. Though she made her debut on the big screen, it is television that turned her into a celebrity.
During an interval between her movies, she shined as a heroine in serials as well as presenter of shows.
Along with acting, Swasika has another love- travelling.
She reveals her most enjoyable trips and interesting episodes from her travel diary to Onmanorama.
New places, cultures
Swasika feels travelling offers a change from the usual sights and cultures we experience every day.
“Visiting a new place has helped me learn more about the arts and traditions practised there. I thoroughly enjoy the art performances whenever I get the opportunity,” she says.
She is also curious about the cuisine and culture of the new place. “I enjoy trips that offer something different,” she reveals.
Though not a foodie, the actress ensures that she tastes the highlight dish as well as street food of the place she visits.
Swasika's next love after food is shopping. She does not splurge, but certainly buys a few items as a souvenir of the trip.
Many more places to visit
Among Swasika's favourite destinations so far, she counts the US on top. “We spent about a month there. The sights and experiences of New York City and Los Angeles were truly amazing,” she says.
The actress has visited the US on two occasions. But she is yet to tour all the major locations in that country. “There is so much more to see in America. I really love that place. I believe that I will never feel tired of visiting the US,” she says.
She wishes to visit all spots in that country, enjoy the natural beauty and taste the cuisine at each spot.
Trips with family and friends
Most of Swasika's travels are as part of her work. She has visited numerous countries for shooting and shows. But this has affected trips with her near ones. “Travels with family and friends are few and far between,” she rues.
Visiting places with friends is a different experience. “When I travel from place to place for shooting, I never get to enjoy the local attractions,” she explains.
Swasika has a long-felt wish to set out on journeys with relatives and pals whenever she gets free time between work related to films and serials.
Such trips would be a leisurely and relaxed affair, she adds.
Enjoying foreign trips
The actress says she has been lucky to travel to several foreign countries as part of shows. “I’ve visited America, Singapore, Malaysia and other places. Among them, I will always remember the Australian trip. It gave some sadness and much happiness,” Swasika recalls.
It was as part of a show that she travelled to Australia. “The biggest gain of the trip was that I could perform with Mohanlal on stage. I felt so lucky to have received such an opportunity,” she says.
But there was disappointment too. “I could not visit even a single tourist spot in the country. There is nothing I can cherish about the sights or other attractions. We did not even get a chance to see a kangaroo,” says the actress.
She now wants to visit Australia again to enjoy all the attractions there.
Swasika has toured most of the Gulf countries and feels that Dubai is an interesting place. “However, after visiting the place two-three times, I did not experience the initial excitement,” she reveals.
But Dubai has many spots which thrill people, she adds. The sights, sounds, and experiences of Dubai are entirely different from our place, according to Swasika.
The beauty of Wayanad
Though she has visited Wayanad only once, that too recently, the cool climate and the scenery moved Swasika deeply. “It is such a peaceful place. One would wonder how scenic nature there is. The beauty of the mist-covered hills, valley, and the greenery are indescribable,” says Swasika.
“It is my favourite destination in Kerala and I am so eager to make another trip Wayanad again,” she adds.
Trying various cuisines
She enjoys homemade items and has no special liking for hotel food. But, when travelling to other states or abroad, Swasika tries to taste the local cuisine. “I also love north Indian dishes. I make it a point to enjoy the local delicacies whenever I travel to Delhi or Gujarat,” she discloses.
During such outings, she keeps thoughts about diets away. “Sweets, masala dishes… I gorge on them,” says Swasika.
In Bengaluru and Hyderabad, her favourite spots are the roadside eateries. “I go there avoiding all the big hotels in those cities,” she adds.
When sight-seeing, it is good to have something to chew on, even if one is not hungry, according to the actress.
“But I have no favourite dish,” she reveals.
Her dream
The actress has a wish that she has kept alive for many years. It is to visit Thanjavur and present a dance performance. “Thanjavur is noted for the encouragement it gives to arts and culture. My dream is to stay there for a week and visit the villages around and learn more about the local culture and traditions,” she says.
Among temples, Swasika has felt visiting Mookambika temple gave her utmost spiritual satisfaction. “Each trip to Mookambika is refreshing and uplifting. Every time I return after praying there, some good news will be waiting for me,” she says.
No other trip has given me as much peace, winds up Swasika.
