Georgia, a small transcontinental country sharing its borders with Europe and Asia has become a hit among tourists because of its beautiful mountain vistas, ancient churches, charming towns and amazing culinary scenes. This nation has both the European and Asian touch to it. If you have not yet set foot in Europe, this is your chance. Why not start your European tour with this beautiful country called ‘Georgia.’ The incredible serenity and activities will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Here’s our handy guide that will help you pick all the top places to focus on during your visit.
Table of Contents
Overview Of Georgia
Location: Eastern Europe and Western Asia
Border Sharing: Black Sea to the west, Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Armenia & Turkey to the south and Azerbaijan to the southeast.
Capital: Tbilisi (largest city in Georgia)
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (India is 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead of Georgia).
Language: Georgian is the official language, Russian and Armenian are also spoken in some places.
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Things To Know Before Traveling To Georgia
- Credit cards are widely accepted, however it is advisable to carry cash as some of the local markets, taxis, and rural areas do not accept cards.
- Public transport and taxis are inexpensive, but we highly recommend renting a car or hiring a driver to explore mountainous regions and off beaten paths.
- Pack clothes for all climates as Georgia has varied climatic conditions. Summers are hot in the lowlands but mountains can get snowy and cold even in summer.
- There are no specific dress codes but since Georgia is a religious country, it is best that men and women cover their shoulders and knees while entering churches.
- There are plenty of stray dogs in Georgia, especially in the mountains. Most of them are used to human interaction, however some can be fierce and dangerous.
- Though Georgian is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Locals will be highly impressed if you can speak basic Georgian phrases like hello and thank you.
- To enrich your experience and to understand more about the history and culture, it is highly recommended taking a local tour guide along.
Visa And Entry Requirements
Georgia’s visa policy allows citizens from over 90 countries to enter without a visa. This move is to mainly promote tourism. It includes most of the European Union countries and other countries like Japan, Singapore, Thailand and a few of the gulf countries. Sadly Indians do not fall under this category. The document required for Indians to apply for a Georgia visa are as below:
- Original Passport which is valid for at least six months.
- Roundtrip tickets and complete itinerary.
- Travel Insurance.
- Accommodation details.
- Sufficient bank balance proof to support your stay in Georgia.
Visa process and documentation can change over time, so it is best to check the official website for the latest updates.
How To Get To Georgia
Air: This is the most convenient way to reach Georgia. There are direct flights from Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Popular airports in Georgia are Batumi, Tbilisi Intl and Kutaisi.
Rail: There are train services running from the neighboring countries of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Road: Border crossings are relatively straightforward. There are many buses that travel to Georgia from all directions.
Boat: You can enter Georgian ports (Poti and Batumi) by boat from Odessa in Ukraine and Istanbul in Turkey.
Best Time To Visit Georgia
Though Georgia is a tiny country, it experiences diverse geography and climate. There is no best time to visit because every season has something different to offer. It mainly depends on what type of an experience you are looking for. The spring season from April to June is great for city exploration and mountain adventures. The winter season is also a great time to visit for skiing enthusiasts. For people who want to see the wine harvesting, then September-October is a great time. Overall the weather in Georgia is great during the months of April, May, June, September and October.
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Places To Visit In Georgia
When Europe and Asia come together in one country, its geographic positioning gets very unique. Something extra special is waiting for you here. Listed below are some of the most remarkable places to see in Georgia that proves it is a perfect all-rounder destination.
Tbilisi
Start your Georgian vacation in Tbilisi, the capital city that offers an enticing blend of East and West. The winding cobbled streets, tumbledown courtyards and elegant balconies of old town tells stories of the past. This gorgeous capital city is full of culture, culinary, and spirituality. When in Georgia it is very important to spend at least a few days to get to know Tbilisi’s contemporary side.
Batumi
Batumi, Georgia’s second city is located on the southeastern shores of the Black Sea. Some of the best beaches in Georgia can be found in Batumi. Glitzy skyscrapers, modern architecture, vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife are the highlights of this place. The moving statue of Ali and Nino stacked with metal approaching each other, merging, and separating is truly mesmerizing. It’s a great place for both entertainment and relaxation.
Kutaisi
Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city with an array of landmarks and buildings is a treasure trove for tourists visiting. The city is home to important historical landmarks and UNESCO-listed sites. The good news is, Kutaisi is more affordable than Tbilisi and is also a great center point for day trips around the area. With over 3000 years of history, this city has something interesting for everyone and definitely worth a visit.
Kakheti
Kakheti is known as the wine capital of Georgia because 70% of the country’s vineyards are located here. You will be surprised to know that 500 varieties of grapes are grown here. A visit to this picturesque region will introduce you to the unique wine-making methods. Plan your trip in such a way that you get to taste the different types of wines. It is not just the vineyards, the mountain top churches and iconic medieval monasteries are equally famous.
Kazbegi
Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda is a picturesque town nestled in the Caucasus Mountains with breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek. It is not just the destination but the drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi through the Jvari Pass is truly spectacular. The place is perfect for hiking, photography, and to experience the mountain village life. For nature lovers this is one of the best places to be.
Vardzia
Vardzia is a 12th century cave village destroyed by an earthquake within a century after it was finished. The village, nestled on a cliffs above the Mtkvari River still has much of the stone architecture intact. A church, wall paintings, hidden rooms, winding corridors and buried wine bottles are still there for visitors to see and explore. This fascinating historical site with jaw-dropping settings makes Vardzia a must visit place in Georgia.
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Final Thoughts
Sit down and list out a detailed Georgian itinerary keeping in mind the above mentioned points. We bet your journey will be full of wonders and new discoveries. Do take out some time to share your experiences with us in the comment section below. This will help us come out with more in-depth and informative travel guides.
FAQs
January and February are the coldest months in Georgia with temperatures dropping to below freezing temperature. These winter months are your best chances of seeing snow in Georgia.
Though it is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is generally regarded as part of Europe.
Khachapuri (Cheese Bread), Khinkali (Dumplings), Lobio (Bean Stew), Badrijani Nigvzit (Eggplant with Walnut Paste), Churchkhela (Walnut and Grape Snack), Pkhali (Vegetable and Walnut Pate) and Shkmeruli (Garlic Chicken) are some of the traditional food of Georgia.
Ideally 7 to 10 days is a good time to see the country’s top places and attractions. Keep a few days to explore the country’s interior and a few days in the mountains.
