A Cricketing Legend’s Journey Through Travel and Taste
Sachin Tendulkar’s playbook for life spans travel, adventure, and the joy of food.
By Deepali Nandwani
For cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, travel is more than an escape—it is how he reconnects with himself, his family, and the world. “Travel has always allowed me to switch off from the intensity of the game and truly immerse myself in nature, culture, and food,” he said. From snow-fed Alps to Mumbai’s street corners, his journeys reflect an explorer’s curiosity balanced with a love for simplicity and comfort.
“As a travel enthusiast and a self-confessed foodie, I’ve always believed that exploring new places and savouring their cuisines is like stepping into the soul of a destination. For someone like me, who’s spent years on the cricket pitch, travel is my way of unwinding, reconnecting with family, and soaking in the world’s beauty,” he has said. “Travel is also about diversity—chasing adventure, embracing tranquillity, and diving into cultures.”
Kilchurn Castle is a medieval ruin in Scotland with dramatic Highland scenery.
Favourite travel destinations
Scotland: Solitude in the Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are a sanctuary of peace. Tendulkar cherishes the region for its scenic solitude, expansive landscapes, and historic castles, such as those in Edinburgh and Stirling. The sprawling landscapes, dotted with historic castles, feel like a step back in time. “I love staying in converted castle hotels.” The Isle of Skye is a gem—its sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, and cascading waterfalls are pure magic. “No filters needed when nature paints such a breathtaking canvas,” he said.
Italy: A romance with art and cuisine
Italy holds a special place in the hearts of Tendulkar and his wife, Anjali. From Rome’s ancient wonders to Venice’s dreamy canals and Lake Como’s serene shores, every moment feels like a postcard. “We’ve stayed at the elegant Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. Italy’s charm lies in its ability to make you fall in love with every bite and every view. Italy was unforgettable—every corner had art, history, and food that took our breath away,” he shared.
The Great Rann of Kutch: India’s white desert wonder
The surreal white salt desert of the Great Rann of Kutch is unlike anything he had seen. Visiting during a super-moon event was mesmerising—the landscape glowed under the lunar light. Staying in Mandvi, he immersed himself in cultural festivities, which brought the region’s heritage to life. The Rann of Kutch feels almost unreal. Under the moonlight, the salt plains look like another world,” he recalled, still captivated by its unique terrain and vibrant festivals.
The Isle of Skype in Scotland is a landscape of rugged mountains and mythical folktales.
Maldives: Marine life and luxury
For a luxurious escape, the Maldives is unmatched. He stayed at a private island resort, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and marvelling at the marine life. “Swimming among the fish in the Maldives was a mesmerising experience—one I recommend everyone try at least once,” he said, recalling the tranquility of those turquoise waters and the joy of unwinding with family.
Ranthambore National Park, India: A wildlife lover’s dream
Ranthambore is a wildlife lover’s dream. The thrill of spotting tigers, leopards, and migratory birds on royal safaris is unforgettable. Staying in palace-converted hotels and exploring the historic Ranthambore Fort added a layer of charm. “It’s where nature’s raw beauty meets India’s rich history,” he shared. “The thrill of seeing a tiger in the wild is unmatched.”
France’s Charm: Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion
Bordeaux was a revelation—cycling through its scenic locales, from sunflower fields to lemon trees, felt like living in a postcard. “Every pedal took me closer to a new postcard view,” he shared. In Saint-Émilion, the golden vineyards and mysterious caves were enchanting. “This place felt like a secret waiting to be discovered!” he said.
Internationally, London’s vibrant energy, Melbourne’s peaceful ambiance, Cape Town’s scenic views, Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains, and Dubai’s modern allure never fail to captivate. “Each city has a story, and I love discovering it through its streets and flavours,” he reflected.
Japan is breathtaking, thanks to the cherry blossoms (sakura) tat blankets parks, streets, riversides in soft pink and white petals.
Exploring India’s hidden gems
Recently, Tendulkar visited Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, known as Asia’s cleanest village. He walked through its lush, green streets and met the warm locals. “No filters needed when a village looks as beautiful as Mawlynnong. When there’s pristine cleanliness outside, one feels a sense of calm and serenity inside,” he said. In Jammu and Kashmir, the snowed-out landscapes and warm hospitality were unforgettable. “Jammu and Kashmir will remain a beautiful experience etched in my memory,” he said, urging others to explore this jewel of India. Closer to home, Goa’s beaches and Mussoorie’s tranquil hills are his go-to escapes.
The next stop
“I’ve always been drawn to adventure and serenity, which is why destinations such as Japan, the Poles, Russia, and the Himalayas are on my list,” said Tendulkar.
Bordeaux in south western France is a renowned wine region known for its historic architecture, gastronomy and over 7,000 wine chateaux.
A culinary scorecard: My favourite eateries
Food is more than sustenance—it’s a memory, a story, a celebration. From Mumbai’s street stalls to global fine-dining spots, Tendulkar’s taste buds have travelled as much as he has.
Mumbai: Growing up in Mumbai, seafood was his comfort food. At Fresh Catch in Bandra, he recommends Bombil Fry, Surmai Tawa Fry, and Pomfret Hara Bhara, paired with Neer Dosa. Gajalee is another gem, where Sol Kadi, Crab Soup, and Fish in Green Sauce never disappoint. For chaat, Sharma Bhelpuri House in Vile Parle East is his haunt. “A plate of bhelpuri with just the right chutney balance is like hitting a perfect cover drive,” he said. But nothing beats vada pav at Shivaji Park Gymkhana from the days he played there as a budding cricketer. He specifies: “Red chutney, very little green chutney, and some imli chutney.”
Goa: Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim serves stuffed crab and fried calamari spiced with Goan masalas that hit all the right spots. At Café Tato in Panjim, a 109-year-old gem, he starts his day with Alsande (black eye peas), Puri, Banana Bun, Batata Bhaji (potatoes), and chai. “This eatery I found in Goa is a treasure,” he said.
Landour: Landour, a quaint hill station near Mussoorie at about 7,000 feet above sea level, is known for its colonial charm, tranquil vibes, and Anil’s Café, “famous for bun-omelette, parathas, and ginger-lemon honey tea”, besides all the buzz. It is Landour’s hangout zone.
Delhi: In Delhi, Bukhara at ITC Maurya is a must-visit for its robust kebabs and signature Dal Bukhara. “In Kolkata, Caught and Bowled is good for Bhetki Paturi and Golden Fried Prawns that I’ve enjoyed with Team India.” For homestyle meals, he orders from Sukla Paul, a home chef whose mutton biryani, lobster curry, and chingri malai curry are divine. “Food like this feels like a warm hug from home,” he said.
London: In London, Nobu is a favourite for its Black Cod with Miso and Rock Shrimp Tempura. “Japanese cuisine at Nobu is like a perfectly timed shot—elegant and unforgettable”
Rome is often called the eternal city, and for good reason — its ruins and heritage from a rich historical landscape; Grand Hotel Villa Serbellioni in Bellagio boasts neoclassical architecture and Art Nouveau grandeur.
Memorable foodie moments from the cricket trail
Food has always been a part of Tendulkar’s cricket journey, creating memories that linger on, as much as the matches.
Keema Paratha in Pakistan (1989): “On my first tour of Pakistan at 16, I discovered the joy of Pakistani cuisine. A heavy breakfast of Keema Paratha and Lassi was my daily ritual. Heavy, but delicious. When I got back to Mumbai and got on the weighing scale, I couldn’t believe it!”
Barbecue in Zimbabwe (2000): In Zimbabwe, the team set up a barbecue in a game reserve, grilling chicken and sausages. “It was almost magical—good food, great company, and the pristine jungle air,” he said.
Ice-cream lunch in South Africa (2003): “During the 2003 World Cup match against Pakistan, I skipped lunch for a huge bowl of ice cream.” Facing Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar on that ‘lunch’ was a challenge, but scoring 98 runs off 75 balls felt sweeter than the dessert. “That ice-cream powered me through!”
For Tendulkar, travel and food are intertwined. He often plans trips around culinary experiences, whether it’s seafood in Goa, kebabs in Delhi, or local chaat in Mumbai. As he said, “Exploring local cuisines is how I experience the soul of a place.” His travels reflect both an adventurous palate and a grounding in simple, home-style comforts.
Nobu in London is famous for its innovative fusion of Japanese cuisine with Peruvian flavours.