Why Georgia (the Country) Should Be on Every Traveler’s Radar

Georgia, one of those destinations that is overlooked by most travellers, is situated between Europe and Asia. The travellers who once visit this place want to come here again and again. This place is a perfect mixture of history, culture, natural beauty, cheerful cities, and the sense of hospitality, which makes Georgia a country that every traveller should come to once. Georgia provides everything for everyone, be you are a person who loves adventure, or someone fond of food, it is a budget-friendly destination.

With the help of this blog, we will tell you why you should choose Georgia as your next and new adventure travel destination. You will also come to know about the different cultures, cuisine, and hidden gems, and you will also get some travel tips.

A Country Rich in History and Culture

Georgia, one of the oldest countries in the world, has a history that takes you back thousands of years. The capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, is seen as a living museum that has a great past and a blockbuster present. The streets of the Old Town have balconies made of colourful woods, beautiful churches, and old bathhouses, which create an environment where you can get the feel of both old historic and modern vibes.

Though Georgia is one of the smallest nations but there are many architectural which as been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many churches showcase the great and deep Christian heritage, such as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery; these architectural sites are located in Mtskheta. Gelati Monastery is a representation of a masterpiece of architecture from medieval times, and it is a UNESCO-listed site.

Georgia is a place where culture is celebrated in the form of music, dance, and art; these celebrations are beyond the religious and historical landmarks. You can enjoy the local and traditional festival settings, the famous traditional polyphonic singing, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a part of the world’s heritage. It is a unique experience that you cannot and should not miss.

Stunning Natural Landscapes

The geography of Georgia is very interesting, diverse, and breathtaking. Georgia gives you every preference which you want, be it the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, or be the vineyards of Kakheti, or the coastline of Black Sea.

• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): This place is located near the Russian border. The most famous architecture here is Gergeti Trinity Church, which overlooks you dramatically against Mount Kazbek. The one who loves to hike and is a natural lover will get a jaw-dropping view from this place.
• Svaneti: This place is known for the most famous medieval stone towers. You will get to know and explore some of the best trekking routes in the Caucasus, which include the routes that pass through alpine meadows and glaciers. It is a multi-day hike, and you are going to enjoy it for sure.
• Kakheti: If you want to and enjoy roaming around the vineyards, then the best place is Georgis, which is a wine paradise. Here you can explore the traditional method of making wine and the beautiful view.
• Black Sea Coast: Batumi, which is Georgia’s seaside city, gives you a very different vibe and environment with the famous palm-lined boulevards, the beautiful beaches, and the standing modern tall buildings.

The Birthplace of Wine

If we go on the archaeological evidence, then the production of wine here dates back 8000 years; this place is also known as the cradle of wine. Georgia continues to make wine in clay vessels, which is a traditional method of wine; this method is known as qveri. This method is recognised by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.

If you are visiting places like Kakheti, you can visit some of the wineries which are run by families, and can even taste the grapes which are not found anywhere else; you can even join the wine-making process. Coming here not only gives you a tour of the wine, but it comes along with some homemade bread, cheese, and warm stories. The Georgian people are filled with warm hospitality.

Georgian Cuisine: A Culinary Delight

The most famous and special thing of Georgia, for which most travellers always wait, is the food of the place. The food has a mixture of both European and Middle Eastern traditions, food is filled with flavour.

Some of the most famous and a must-try dishes include:

• Khachapuri: This is a bread dish that is filled with cheese and has regional variations. The most famous variation of this dish is the Adjarian version, which is basically a boat-shaped bread that is topped with egg and butter.
• Khinkali: It is a Georgian dumpling that is filled with spicy meat, mushrooms, or cheese. The interesting fact here is that you cannot eat these dumplings normally; there is a different way of eating- you need to sip both the broth inside before biting into it.
• Pkhali: It is a dish of mixed vegetables like spinach, beetroot, which is usually blended with walnuts, garlic, and herbs.
• Churchkhela: This is a sweet dish, which is made up of nuts which is dipped in thickened grape juice; it is a traditional sweet dish.

Food is not just about eating; it is also about sharing. There are traditional feasts conducted here, which are known as supras. This involves the different variety of courses, endless toasts, and the warm hospitality of the people.

Warm Hospitality

The reason people will come here is because of the people. The people of Georgia treat guests as family; they are known for the warmth and generosity they show to their guests. You will see that you are randomly getting invitations from the locals for meals and wine; it is very common here. Georgia has a culture of hospitality, which makes the trip more amazing and more worth remembering.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Georgia is a place of outdoor adventures; this place is the best for people who love thrill-seeking.

• Hiking and Trekking: This place is known for the world-famous trekking opportunities in the Caucasus Mountains. You can explore the different routes for trekking, like a single-day hike, or you can go for the more challenging multi-day routes.
• Skiing and Snowboarding: There are some resorts where you can explore some of the winter sports, like Gudauri and Bakuriani. These adventure activities are quite modern and are very affordable compared to the destinations in Europe.
• Paragliding and Rafting: Those who are adrenaline junkies and want to explore adventure can come here in summer and enjoy the activities. You can enjoy paragliding in Gudauri, or explore white-water rafting in Aragvi or Rioni.

Affordable Travel Destination

People think that Georgia is quite expensive, but in reality, it is very affordable in comparison to other European countries. You will get everything that too at a very affordable price and with great quality, like the homestay, food, transportation, and different attractions. Georgia is a place for all travellers, be it backpackers, solo travellers, or families. You can even visit the capital city, and there you will also find everything at affordable prices, you can enjoy different meals and a comfortable homestay, and that too without spending a lot of money.

Unique Experiences You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Many different cultural and travel experiences make Georgia different from other travel destinations, which you will not find anywhere else:

• Tbilisi’s Sulfur Baths: These baths are very relaxing. This place is located in Abanotubani district, the bath houses were used in old times and are still in use.
• Ushguli: This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is famous for the stone towers and the rarest beauty. It is the biggest settlement in Europe.
• Cave Cities: There are places like Uplistsikhe and Vardzia, which represent the ancient and old caves and the carved cliffs of the monasteries.
• Festivals: There are many events and festivals that take place here, like Tbilisoba, which celebrates the city’s history, and Rtveli, which is the wine festival. This gives the travellers a chance they showcase the Georgian tradition.

Best Time to Visit Georgia

There are different times you can visit different places, so the best time to visit here depends on what you want to experience:

• Spring (April-August): You can explore this place during the spring season, as you can explore different cities and roam around the landscape, as the temperature of the city is a little moderate.
• Summer (July- August): During this season, you can enjoy different kinds of activities like Trekking in the mountains, enjoy the local festivals, and wander around the buzzy cities.
• Autumn (September- October): Autumn is one of the best times for wine lovers, as this is the time for harvesting grapes. The weather is very pleasant, and the landscape turns golden and brown.
• Winter (December-February): This is the best time for those who want to enjoy skiing, and you can even enjoy the view of the mountain, which is covered with snow.

Practical Travel Tips

• Currency: You should carry some local cash of the place, the local currency is Georgian Lari. You should also carry your credit cards, as they are accepted in the cities, but you have to carry cash in some rural areas, as they don’t accept cards.
• Language: You should know some phrases of the local language, Georgian is the official language of the place, but you can see that some people often speak Russian and English often spoken in the tourist areas.
• Transport: Minibuses are the most common mode of transportation for traveling from one city to another. You can also use rental cars for travel, as they offer more flexibility.

Georgia is the best destination and is a perfect blend of history, nature, adventure, and that too at an affordable price. This mix of authenticity and accessibility is the best and the perfect place to explore, as many places have not yet been discovered before anyone else gets to that place.

So, if you want to plan a trip and want to visit a destination that gives you a blend of adventure, culture, and hospitality, and that too within your budget, then the best place to come visit is Georgia, so it should be at the top of your list.