Located between Europe and Asia, the beautiful country of Georgia is increasingly becoming a popular holiday destination among Indians. Blessed with amazing scenic beauty, the charming old towns exude so much warmth. Added to that is Georgia's vibrant culture and friendly people and the country becomes even more attractive as a place to travel to.
Planning a Trip to Georgia from India
Are you planning a holiday in Georgia from India? This blog guides you on the visa process and where you can stay on a Georgia tour package from India while also sharing other important information.
Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
When travelling to Georgia, Indian passport holders enjoy relaxed entry conditions. Those who hold valid visas or residence permits from the following countries won't need a separate Georgian visa.
United States
United Kingdom
Schengen countries
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
United Arab Emirates
Japan and a few others
Visa and residence permit holders from these countries can enter Georgia and stay there for 90 days within a period of 180 days. Those who don't have a visa or residence permit from any of these countries will need a Georgian e-visa. The documents needed include:
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Passport-size photo
Proof of return flight tickets
Travel insurance
Bank statements
It usually takes 5-10 working days to process a visa. It's therefore wide to apply in advance.
Hotels and Where to Stay
There are many types of accommodations in Georgia catering to travellers of different budgets. The most popular places to stay in Tbilisi include:
Rustaveli Avenue – In central Tbilisi with shops and restaurants
Old Tbilisi – Great for sightseeing and walking
Vera – While being close to attractions, it’s very quiet and residentia
You can choose from budget hotels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels offering a comfortable stay and luxury hotels. Those looking for a longer stay or those visiting with families can choose to stay in Airbnb accommodations.
During the peak travel months (June to September and around Christmas), make sure that you book early.
Hiring a Tour Guide
Hiring a tour guide adds depth to your travel experience even though exploring Georgia on your own is smooth and hassle-free. You can choose from:
Private drivers who double as informal guides
Day tours from Tbilisi to places like Kazbegi, Mtskheta, or Kakheti
Group tours that include hotel stays, meals, and transportation
Before you book a guide or a tour service, make sure to check the ratings and customer feedback.
Flights from India to Georgia
There are no direct flights connecting India to Georgia. Taking a connecting flight that makes a stopover at Dubai, Doha or Istanbul is the only option. The popular airlines operating on this route are:
Emirates
Air Arabia
Flydubai
Turkish Airlines
Qatar Airways
Depending on the layover, the flight time varies from 10 to 14 hours. Depending on the season, the prices may change. You would therefore do well to compare the fares on different platforms.
Transport in Georgia
It’s easy travelling within Georgia and it’s very affordable as well. There are various options available. The convenience of travelling in Georgia makes the country a popular choice among international tour packages from India. Here are the details:
Metro and Buses: The metro system in Tbilisi is clean and reliable. You can use “metromoney,” a prepaid card for both buses and the metro.
Taxis and Apps: You can avoid price confusion by using ride hailing apps like Bolt or Yandex Go.
Car Rentals: Renting a car can be convenient if you're exploring remote areas or the countryside. You’ll need an international driving permit.
Marshrutkas: Commonly used by locals, these shared minibuses connect different towns and villages.
Food and Language
For both meat lovers and vegetarians, Georgian food offers mouthwatering delicacies. Let’s have a look.
Lobio – A flavorful bean stew
Khachapuri – A cheesy bread with different styles across regions
Badrijani – Eggplant rolls with walnut paste
Khinkali – Juicy meat dumplings
You can also choose from international food options at the major cities. English is spoken widely in tourist areas. Youngsters and those in the hospitality industry are especially proficient. You can enjoy your trip more if you take the trouble of learning some Georgian words like "Gamarjoba" (Hello) and "Madloba" (Thank you).
Currency and Budget Tips
The Georgian Lari (GEL) is the official Georgian currency. When travelling from India, you can carry US dollars or Euros and exchange them at local centres after landing in Georgia. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are spread all across cities in Georgia.
Travelling in Georgia is quite affordable and on an average, the costs are:
₹3,000–₹5,000 per day for budget travellers
₹6,000–₹8,000 per day for mid-range travellers
Luxury travellers may well spend upward of ₹10,000 per day
These costs are inclusive of food, accommodation and local travel.
Safety and Travel Tips
Georgia is counted as one of the safest countries to travel to. While the crime rates are low, the people are friendly and helpful. Here are some general tips for travelling that you would nevertheless, be wise to follow:
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Always check the weather before planning a day trip to the mountains.
Carry a copy of your passport and travel documents.
Use offline maps like Maps.me when exploring outside cities.
Buy a local SIM card (Magti or Geocell) for internet and navigation.
Best Time to Visit Georgia
There are four seasons in Georgia and travelling during any one of them offers a unique experience.
The weather is pleasant and the landscapes are blooming during spring (April-June)
The summers (July-August) are ideal for mountain hiking and outdoor activities
In the autumn, you can admire the beautiful colours of fall and enjoy the wine season
Celebrate winter with skiing and playing with snow at Gudauri or Bakuriani
Final Thoughts
Travelling from India to Georgia is a very rewarding experience. You’ll love the beautiful scenery and trying the local food and mingling with the friendly local people enrich your holidays greatly. The easy visa process and the affordability makes Georgia an even more attractive destination for Indian travellers. You’ve only got to approach a reliable travel agency in Dubai for an exciting Georgian holiday. History, amazing scenery and lip smacking cuisine combine for the holiday of a lifetime.
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