Mumbai: Azerbaijan has emerged as a favourite travel destination for Indians, ranking first on Google India’s list of the top 10 most-searched travel destinations in 2024. If you’re also curious about this enchanting destination, here’s a comprehensive guide.
First things first. Want to know where is Azerbaijan? Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country, positioned at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The landlocked country of 11 million people located in the South Caucasus is bordered by Russia (north), Georgia (northwest), Armenia (west), Iran (south) and the Caspian Sea (east).
Azerbaijan is also known as the “Land of Fire”, primarily for two reasons. One, Azerbaijan has ample natural gas reserves and two, it has ancient fire temples.
The country code for Azerbaijan is +994, and the local time is 1 hour and 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST).
Azerbaijan Visa for Indians: Process and Requirements
Indian nationals, who are planning to visit Azerbaijan, can apply for an e-Visa through the official ASAN Visa portal. The process is very simple. It just takes three steps to apply for a visa to Azerbaijan and 3-5 business days to receive it. Log on to: https://evisa.gov.az/en/ and follow the three-step process.
The required documents include:
A scanned copy of the passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival)
A recent passport-sized photograph
Payment of the visa fee online
With e-Visa, you can stay up to 30 days in Azerbaijan for tourism purposes.
Currency Exchange: Azerbaijan Manat to INR
The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is the local currency, and at the time of writing, 1 AZN equals INR 49.90. Hence, 1,000 Azerbaijani Manat equals INR 49,909.71. You can exchange currency at airports, banks, or authorised exchange centres. Although credit cards can be used, it is always a good idea to carry some cash.
Flights from Delhi to Azerbaijan
There are many airlines that operate flights from Delhi to Azerbaijan’s Baku (Heydar Aliyev International Airport). IndiGo offers direct connectivity between Delhi and Baku. The journey between Delhi to Baku via a nonstop flight is 5 hours and 20 minutes. The rest of the airlines, such as Azerbaijan Airline, Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways, and Gulf Air, offer connecting flights. The average travel time, including layovers, ranges from 11 to 15 hours.
Azerbaijan Weather and Best Time to Visit
If you want to explore cities like Baku and Sheki, the Spring season (April to June) is ideal. If the objective is to enjoy the Caspian Sea beaches, visit the country in the Summer season (July to September). In a bid to enjoy mild weather and colourful landscapes, visit Azerbaijan in Autumn (October to November). Winter (December to February) is the best time to enjoy skiing and winter sports in Shahdag and Tufandag. So, the best time to visit Azerbaijan actually depends on your interests.
Baku: The Capital of Azerbaijan
Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating city. While in Baku, don’t miss visiting the following:
Walled City of Baku with Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace.
Flame Towers: Three iconic skyscrapers symbolising Azerbaijan’s nickname, “Land of Fire.”
Baku Boulevard: A picturesque promenade along the Caspian Sea.
Heydar Aliyev Center: Renowned for its futuristic design by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.
Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku | Pic courtesy: Unsplash
A panoramic view of a part of the Baku Boulevard | Pic courtesy: Unsplash
Baku’s thriving nightlife, diverse cuisine, and rich cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions: Shahdag Mountain and Beyond
Shahdag Mountain Resort: Azerbaijan’s premier ski destination which offers activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape: Famous for ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes.
Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace: Sheki, a historic city, is located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and divided in two by the Gurjana River.
Nabran: A small town located on the Caspian Sea coast. It offers scenic beaches and water activities.
These are some of the attractions that showcase Azerbaijan’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Azerbaijan Culture, Religion, and Tourism Highlights
Azerbaijan’s culture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, shaped by its history along the Silk Road. The predominant religion is Islam (93.4 per cent, majority Shi’ites). Traditional music, dance, and crafts like carpet weaving are integral to Azerbaijani identity.
Tourism highlights include:
Traditional Cuisine: Don’t miss dishes like plov (rice pilaf), dolma, and kebabs.
Local Markets: Explore vibrant bazaars for souvenirs like carpets, silk scarves, and traditional pottery.
Azerbaijan offers a unique travel experience, blending history, nature, and modernity, making it a compelling destination for visitors from around the world.
Discover everything about Azerbaijan: visa for Indians, weather, currency to INR, time, flights from Delhi, and tourism highlights like Shahdag Mountain and Baku. Travel Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
