Goa only place where I can roam around: Akshay Kumar

Actor-producer Akshay Kumar's profession takes him to exotic places in and out of the country, but when it comes to holidaying, the action star prefers to relax and unwind in Goa, a holiday destination that welcomed a record 3.12 million tourists in 2013.

The next 12 months are going to be busy for the action star as movies like "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty", "It's Entertainment", "Gabbar" and "Baby", are all lined up for release. But he says he ensures that he gets his break.

"I take a break after every three months for seven days," Akshay told IANS.

When asked where he likes to go on a holiday, he said: "I like to go to Goa. I love it. It's very chilled out. Everyone knows me there and they just say hi, but nobody bothers me as such. It's the only place in the country where I can roam around and enjoy myself."

A favourite among Indians as well as foreign tourists, Goa Tourism crossed the three million tourist arrival mark for the first time last year, said a report.

The father-of-two, who is married to former actress Twinkle Khanna, often hits the state, which is mostly popular for beaches, with his family.

"I bought a house there. It's a Portuguese house. I enjoy there with my family. I get to eat different kinds of cuisines. There are different types of chefs from all over the world and you can invite them home," he said.

If getting home-cooked food by chefs from various parts of the globe is one way he gets to relish the lip-smacking dishes, the restaurants are equally enticing to him.

"There are small restaurants too. The owners are from Germany, Russia, Toronto and other countries," said the 46-year-old.

He enjoys eating there so much that he even suggested actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has worked with him in movies like "Holiday...", "Rowdy Rathore" and "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!", to try out one of the eating joints during her stay there.

"I even sent her once. I suggested to her to go to a Greek restaurant. I told her that if you like the food, break the plate. It's a tradition. She was shocked to hear that first, but she did it. It's so much fun," said Akshay, who is also into production and his next project is "Fugly".

The actor, known for being punctual on sets, likes the fact that when he is on and off relaxing in Goa, there is no time constraint and he is not bothered by the outside world at all.

"Everything is so easy and you can get up late in the morning. My house is located in such a place that there is a network problem, so phones don't work," he said.

"The beaches are also clean. I can go and take a dip in the sea and see the sunset," he added.

With almost half of the year gone, he is once again looking forward to holiday in Goa.

"I will go to Goa this year too," he said, who can go on and on about the state and not get tired talking about it.