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Rishika Singh recommends,
TBILISI, GEORGIA R
esting within the cool embrace of the Eurasia’s Caucasus Mountain region, Georgia is a hidden gem in plain sight. Georgian culture is as exotic as it is ancient; stretching back millennia it adopts elements of Anatolian (Greek), European, Russian, Persian, Arabian, Ottoman, and far eastern cultures that have influenced the country’s identity and its hospitality. Georgia is at once home to the captivating rapture of the Caucasus Mountains, and idyllic villages alongside its Black Sea beaches. Tbilisi, its stunningly vibrant capital houses a bustling liveliness that expands outwards beyond its borders to offer travelers a wide array of touristic activities all around the country - so even the pickiest of backpackers can find something to do - or not do. Indulge in some retail therapy at one of Tbilisi’s expansive shopping centres, go skiing in the Caucasus at either Gudauri (the international resort for all), Mestia, (a far-away paradise), Goderdzi, or Bakuriani (kid-friendly and more local), or even venture for a swim in the Black Sea - the possibilities are endless. If you’ve arrived in Georgia seeking a sporty, active adventure, head to Kazbegi where you can go paragliding in the Caucasus or visit the unique tombs in the cave monastery site of Vardzia. If it’s a more luxurious experience you’re after, then a visit to the country’s vineyard regions in the mountainous province of Kakheti and enjoy a crisp bite of their fresh fruit - ripe for the picking in the brisk mountain air. While you’re on the road, it’s worth a detour to the country’s famous mineral water springs in Borjomi to drink from their mountain source. (Borjomi also happens to the name of Georgia’s most popular bottled water brand.) Also, foodies be flagged - you absolutely can’t leave Georgia without trying an array of sumptuous local delicacies such as: Khachapuri (cheese-stuffed Georgian bread), Khinkali (Georgian dumplings), Shkmeruli (chicken in garlic sauce), Ostri (spicy beef stew), Nigvziani Badrijani (fried eggplant, spiced walnut, and garlic), Lobiani (Georgian-style beans), and Churchkhela (candy made of walnut halves dipped in grape juice). If it’s a more spiritual experience you’re after, Georgia has numerous spectacular and historic cathedrals, churches, temples, and monasteries that sure are worth a visit. You can find several of these breathtaking structures in Kazbegi - a mountainous region also known for its luscious green scenery and paragliding. Other locales worth adding to your itinerary are Kutaisi, known for its stunning gardens, Kakheti, popular for its vineyards, monasteries, and castles, and the capital of Tbilisi proper - renowned for its gorgeous museums, street art, and buskers.
THE PR IM O R D IA CAVE MONAS L FAÇADE O F T E Y IN V A R D ZT H E IA
I T GERGET A IN V IE W A T N OU M E I H G T BE EAR KAZ CHURCH N
My favourite place
While paragliding over the Caucasus Mountains in Kazbegi can be quite terrifying when you first take off, as soon as you’re airborne the feeling you experience is unlike any other as you glide over the magnificent peaks like a bird. Being up in the air and feeling completely weightless is a beautiful experience that allows you to bask in the glory of nature with a bird’s-eye view – the mountains covered in luscious grass and blossoming flowers beneath you, and the clouds above…so close, yet so far away.
Highlights Georgia as a country is extremely safe – a huge plus for solo travelers, women, and children. Theft and other crime targeting tourists is remarkably low, but still exercise your usual caution as you would when travelling in a foreign country.
Lowlights Georgian traffic can be very dangerous with several areas in the capital of Tbilisi lacking traffic lights – so make sure to cross the street only at the designated zebra crossings. Souvenirs Enamel jewelry, traditional blue tablecloths, Georgian drinking horns, and local khmeli-suneli blend of spices. Getting there Fly Air Arabia from Muscat to Sharjah in the UAE and onwards to Tbilisi. Or fly Emirates from Muscat to Dubai to Tbilisi, and Qatar Airways from Muscat to Doha to Tbilisi.
Where to stay Courtyard by Marriott in Freedom Square (aka Liberty Square), Tbilisi is an ideal central home base, though you’ll find many other options for accommodation on Booking.com, Trivago, or Kayak.
K H IN K A L I (G E O AND O R G IA THER T R A D N D U M P L IN G IT IO S) C U IS IN N A L G E O R G IA E N
NOV 07 - 13 / ISSUE 592
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