Georgia: Tbilisi, Kakheti & Kazbegi

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 12 January, 2025

Today, I am writing this article after an incredible trip with Heta to Georgia. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia to me was a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions seemed to blend seamlessly with modern life, where the mighty Caucasus Mountains stand tall over bustling cities, and where wine is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural treasure.

During my journey through Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kakheti, the country felt like a place where hospitality comes naturally, where locals treat you like family, and every encounter—whether over a shared meal or a sip of wine—becomes a memory to cherish. So today, let’s deep dive into Georgia!

Tbilisi: Where the Old Meets the New

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, was my first stop. The city is clean, green, and vibrant, cradled by the Caucasus Mountains and divided by the Kura River. Tbilisi offers a perfect blend of old and new, with medieval fortresses standing beside sleek glass bridges and modern cafés.

One of the best places to begin exploring is the Bridge of Peace, an architectural marvel that connects the city’s historic old town with its newer districts. At night, the bridge sparkles with lights, casting shimmering reflections on the water below.

Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, I felt as if I’d stepped into a European fairytale. Red-tiled roofs, lively cafés, and souvenir shops lined the streets, where folk musicians performed, filling the air with soft, soulful melodies. Yet, just a short distance away, futuristic buildings and buzzing markets reminded me that Tbilisi is very much a city of the present.

A must-visit attraction is the Mother of Georgia statue, perched on a hill overlooking the city. The statue holds a bowl of wine in one hand and a sword in the other. The wine signifying that if you come to our country as a friend, we will welcome you with a wine, but if you come as an enemy, the sword indicates that we will do everything in our power to guard ourselves and our motherland. To me, this statue was a powerful symbol of Georgian hospitality and resilience.

Georgian Food

We started the trip with a worry: will Heta and I get enough vegetarian food in Georgia? Now that we have experienced the food first hand, let me tell you that here, food is much more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of life, culture, and community. Every meal begins with a selection of salads already waiting on the table. These are no ordinary salads—they feature fresh vegetables mixed with walnut paste, a staple ingredient in Georgian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the beetroot, spinach, and carrot salads with walnuts, which were served in neat little rounds. There was also eggplant stuffed with cheese and hummus, as well as a classic Georgian salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans.

Alongside these salads came puri, a traditional Georgian bread. It reminded me of **naan** but with a slightly denser texture. Warm, fragrant, and perfect for dipping into sauces, puri is the start of every Georgian feast. But no meal in Georgia is complete without khachapuri, the iconic Georgian dish.

Khachapuri is a type of bread filled with cheese, and there are several regional variations to try. The Imeruli khachapuri, stuffed with melted cheese, was one of my favourites. However, the Adjarian khachapuri—named after the Adjara region near Batumi—was the star. Shaped like a boat and filled with cheese, it comes topped with a raw egg yolk. The way to eat it? Mix the egg into the cheese, then tear off pieces of bread to dip into the gooey mixture. It’s delicious, filling, and worth every bite!

Kakheti: Wine as Old as Time

Georgia is often called the cradle of wine, and a visit to Kakheti, the country’s premier wine region, is essential for any wine lover. Georgia’s wine tradition goes back 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Unlike modern wineries, many Georgian wines are made in qvevris—large clay vessels buried underground.

At a local winery, I watched as the winemakers fermented grapes, leaves, and stems together, creating unfiltered wines that taste earthy and rich. I also learned that amber wine, made from white grapes but with an orange hue, is a specialty of Georgia. The locals take their wine seriously, and almost every household has its own small vineyard.

Kazbegi: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

If you crave mountains and adventure, Kazbegi will not disappoint. Located along the scenic Georgian Military Highway, Kazbegi offers breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek and the surrounding peaks. The drive itself was an experience, with stops at the Ananuri Fortress and the Zhinvali Reservoir, a turquoise lake that seemed to mirror the sky.

The Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a hill, is the crown jewel of Kazbegi. Getting there involves a steep climb, but the panoramic views at the top make it worth the effort. If you are not up for hiking, you can take a rugged off-road vehicle to the summit.

Kazbegi is also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to paraglide over the mountains, ski in Gudauri, or go white-water rafting, the region offers a variety of activities. If you visit in winter, Gudauri’s slopes are known for their powdery snow and affordable skiing, making it a popular destination for adventurers.

A Journey Through Time and Culture  

Georgia’s charm lies not only in its landscapes but also in its rich history and culture. The Georgian alphabet, with its 33 unique letters, is one of the oldest in the world. Visiting Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, gave me a deeper understanding of the country’s heritage. From the Jvari Monastery, I watched two rivers converge, symbolizing the fusion of past and present in Georgian life.

All in all, our time in Georgia was filled with memories—whether it was standing on the Bridge of Peace, sipping wine in a vineyard, or soaking in the serenity of the mountains. Georgia is a destination that offers something for everyone—adventure, history, food, and above all, hospitality.

So, when will Georgia make it to your bucket list? Because trust me—once you go, you will definitely celebrate life!