Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia (Caucasus region). It is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, a crossroads between the different ancient civilizations. I would say that Georgia is a country where the past meets the future. With its rich and very unique cultural heritage and its strategic location, Georgia is strongly committed to developing its infrastructure and, with comprehensive reforms, modernizing the country.
By His Excellency Mr. Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India
“GEORGIAN QVEVRI WINE-MAKING IS ON UNESCO’S LIST OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY”
I am not hesitating to state that Georgia is a country of exceptional beauty, diverse in nature. Due to Georgia’s specific geographic location, on a relatively small territory (69,700 square km.), there are extremely diverse ecosystems from Alpine meadows to semi-deserts, wetlands, coastal landscape, numerous lakes and rivers, caves, magnificent mountain chains and peaks covered with eternal snow. Our unique hospitality is the very first thing that Georgia offers to its first-time visitors, thus leaving unforgettable memories. One of the most attractive countries in the world, Georgia offers a very wide range of opportunities, a unique climate zone, picturesque nature, genuine local food and amazing wine. So there is a lot to explore in Georgia and tourists are more than welcome to visit our country at any time of the year.
SUMMER IN GEORGIA
Summer in Georgia traditionally remains the most exciting period, when the country sees a maximum number of tourists and international visitors. In summer, Georgia holds a wide variety of festivals. For wine lovers, special attention should be given to the annual wine festival across the country between October 9–15, when visitors can taste varieties of Georgian wine.
The festival of Wine Days in Georgia allows the public to experience the 8000-year-old continuous tradition of winemaking in Georgia. Harvest in Georgia is usually held in mid-autumn across different regions. Winemaking is essential to the culture of the country, and wine is the national pride of the country. Every Georgian has had a taste of their grandfather’s wine, and almost everyone grows their own vines, with many producing their own wines at home.
Despite many historical challenges, the country continues to hold the distinction of having the world’s longest unbroken tradition of winemaking. Georgia is considered the cradle of wine, with hundreds of indigenous grape varieties found in the region.
The ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri winemaking method has been on the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2015.
A UNIQUE GASTRONOMIC DESTINATION
As the birthplace of wine and home of endless cheese and bread comfort food combinations, it’s a unique gastronomic destination. Georgia is a small country but incredibly diverse in food and wine, which makes for an unforgettable experience for the gourmets. Since Georgia sits on the ancient Spice Route between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Georgian cuisine is a symphony of tastes and textures. It draws inspiration from the various cultures that interacted with Georgia during the centuries. Khachapuri is the signature dish of Georgian cuisine, leavened flatbread, flaky on the outside and stuffed with tangy, gooey melted cheese. Khinkali – another most recognizable Georgian dish, meat dumplings is a must too. There are many cold appetizers and salads with dips and breads, followed by the main course of meat and vegetables. For dessert, Churchkhela is a must-try, wherein walnuts and other nuts are dipped into different fruit syrups, like grape and pomegranate which are hung and left to dry.
ABODE OF MESMERISING MUSIC
We are also very proud of the unique Georgian polyphonic music tradition which can be heard in churches and monasteries across the country. Our ballet, along with traditional Georgian dances, where men leap high into the air with swords and daggers, and women in beautiful costumes perform elegant dances, is also famous. Apart from these, there are various Georgian festivals, including musical and religious ones, which are a feast for the eyes and senses.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
We have many ancient and beautiful towns around the country and it is difficult to differentiate between them, as all of them have their own attractive history and charm. In this article, I would highlight only two of them: Tbilisi and Batumi. Most trips to Georgia start in its capital, Tbilisi. The city was founded in the 5th century in a strategic position on the Mtkvari River. Tbilisi is distinguished by cobblestone paths and charming historical structures that make you feel as if you have gone back in time by several centuries. With its bustling bars and speakeasies, contemporary restaurants, and collection of original hotels, it often draws aspirational comparisons to other world hubs. With a flourishing techno and nightclub scene, and guest DJs from all over the world, Tbilisi after dark has become a hub for artists, fashion designers, writers and bohemians – locals, expats and tourists alike. Visiting Tbilisi’s mineral sulphur baths is one of the most pleasant and memorable experiences you can have in Georgia’s capital city. It is said that the name “Tbilisi” comes from the word for “warm place,” and is derived from widely taught myth that the city’s founding involved these natural hot springs.
About a four-hour train ride from Tbilisi, the Black Sea city of Batumi is easily one of Georgia’s favorite tourist destinations. During the summer months, this sleepy Art Nouveau port transforms into a vibrant party town. Batumi Boulevard, a 7km-long, tree-lined pedestrian stretch right behind the beach, has landscaped gardens, sculptures, fountains and cafes, and is ideal for a leisurely stroll.
A RANGE OF EXCITING ACTIVITIES
Where else in the world can one ski on the mountain slopes and lie by the sea on the same day? I would say not many countries around the globe can offer such a unique experience. Georgia offers a plethora of activities ranging from the thrills at the sea to the icy mountains, thus ensuring that everyone gets a memory of a lifetime. The dramatic landscape and unique seasonal combination of winter resorts and Black Sea beaches call for freerides, hiking, and ski touring, all of which the country presents.
Besides summer months, the winter season destinations in Georgia are very popular among lovers of skiing, who can choose among four beautiful ski resorts – Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia, and Goderdzi. The highest mountain peak in Georgia is Shkhara, which is located approximately 5,200 metres above sea level. The country is a paradise for hiking and camping lovers. You can also explore breathtaking lakes, canyons, and waterfalls.
It is almost impossible to visit Georgia and escape the deep reverence for its ancient monasteries and cathedrals. Although the churches may seem similar, each is uniquely beautiful and historically significant in its own right. The palaces, cathedrals, and gardens in Tsinandali (Eastern Georgia), Mtskheta (ancient capital of Georgia and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Gelati (Western Georgia, UNESCO World Heritage Site), Stepantsminda, and many more like Upper Svaneti (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Tusheti regions in the north of Georgia are worth visiting for their stunning architecture and landscapes.
Tusheti Road is considered one of the world’s most dangerous roads, featuring in BBC’s World’s Most Dangerous Roads series. It offers breathtaking, picturesque views of hills and mountains for thrill-seeking tourists.
NATURE’S BOUNTY IN ABUNDANCE
Georgia is a proper country for adventure lovers, filled with ancient castles, defense towers, scenic waterfalls, 14 Strict Nature Reserves, 13 National Parks and many more. Georgia is characterized by almost all climate zones that exist on the surface of the Earth, ranging from humid subtropical to eternal snow and glaciers. Moreover, Georgia is home to more than 25,000 rivers and lakes. In Georgia, there are several spectacular birdwatching locations with very different characteristics. Each of them is interesting in terms of species composition. On a relatively small territory, there is a multitude of diverse ecosystems. This is very favorable for bird watching, because in a short period of time and in areas very close to each other, it is possible to see birds from totally different habitats.
RICH HISTORY
Georgia also boasts one of the oldest written languages in the world. Until recently, among the world’s 14 writing systems, Georgia was ranked as the fifth oldest script. However, an archaeological discovery of ancient writings at Garkliani Hill has revealed that there was an ancient writing system that dates back about 3,000 years, making it the third oldest writing system in the world. The country’s artefacts are well preserved in museums, which have a wealth of church treasures, particularly pre-Christian gold, art and archaeology.
ADVANCED INFRASTRUCTURE
Georgia, being a modern country, offers a wide range of transport means and opportunities for moving around. Well-developed road infrastructure and highways allow tourists to travel between different cities and regions of the country easily, safely, and comfortably. Railway and air connection is another suitable option. Visitors can also explore driving around on bicycles and motorbikes, as well as riding horses, especially in the mountainous areas of Georgia. It all depends on the priorities and aspirations of the visitors.
Georgia is the 7th easiest country to do business according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report, and the 3rd least tax burden country according to the World Bank Group. Georgia openly welcomes and supports local businesses and foreign investments alike, be it Free Industrial Zones or financial and tax incentives.
In order to briefly summarize, we are absolutely proud to note that there is definitely an increase in travel to Georgia. The country is emerging as a popular destination for tourists who are keen to explore its natural beauty, rich history, wonderful people, and experiences that are on offer.
Despite geo-political and economic challenges, international tourism is gradually recovering as many countries are already easing or lifting COVID-19-related travel restrictions. We, at the Embassy of Georgia in New Delhi, are doing our utmost to properly promote Georgia in India and in the wider region of South Asia. We are doing our utmost for implementation of connectivity projects between our regions. In this regard, air connectivity is absolutely key. Starting regular direct flights between Georgia and India would be a very important step for fostering tourism, cultural relations, business links, and people-to-people contacts between our nations. For this aim, Indian air carriers are showing their interest in starting direct flights between our capitals, and I hope soon first Indian tourists, students, and business people will be able to travel to Georgia on board a direct flight.
So, welcome to Georgia anytime of the year!
