Unveiling Georgia!

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 29 September, 2024

With a wine glass in one hand to welcome friends and a sword in the other to defend the country, our guide proudly pointed out the iconic Mother of Georgia statue as we ascended by cable car to Sololaki Hill. Overlooking Tbilisi, this monument is one of the city's main symbols. Erected in 1958 to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of Tbilisi, the statue embodies the spirit of the Georgian people—hospitable yet fiercely protective of their homeland.

At Veena World, our mission is to introduce new and exciting destinations to our guests, helping them fulfill their travel dreams. Many of our travelers are on their way to joining the "100 Country Club"—people dedicated to visiting 100 countries in their lifetime. Just as Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, became a popular CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) destination a few years ago, Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, is now capturing the spotlight.

To better understand Georgia and plan perfect holidays for our guests, I embarked on an exploratory trip with Amol and Nitin from my MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) team. Excited to discover a new country, I was not disappointed—Georgia's charm exceeded all expectations!

Tbilisi, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, is a fantastic starting point for any Georgian adventure. The Kura River flows through the heart of the city, dividing the Old Town on the right bank from the modern districts on the left. Connecting these two worlds is the stunning Bridge of Peace, designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. The glass-and-steel structure dazzles at night with thousands of LED lights illuminating its ultra-modern design, making it a mesmerizing centerpiece of the city. Many people gather here to enjoy the view of Tbilisi, while others take boat rides along the river, serenaded by street musicians performing for appreciative crowds.

Venturing into Tbilisi’s Old Town, I was enchanted by its cobblestone streets and old-world charm. We stumbled upon a *caravanserai*, a historic inn where traders on the Silk Road once rested with their animals. Now converted into a modern hotel, this site is a beautiful blend of history and modern luxury. Much of the Old Town is pedestrian-friendly, lined with lively bars, restaurants, and cafes—many of which remain open late into the night, some even 24 hours. It’s the perfect place to sample local Georgian cuisine.

We stopped at a cozy restaurant to try khinkali, the famous Georgian dumplings, which come with a variety of fillings including vegetables, meat, cheese, and mushrooms. The dumplings were delicious, and we paired them with fresh pomegranate juice, a local favorite. Pomegranates are an important fruit in Georgia, often symbolizing fertility and abundance.

Another must-try dish in Georgia is khachapuri, a traditional cheese-filled bread that resembles a pizza. The bread is hollow, and inside is a mixture of melted cheese and, sometimes, an egg. You tear off pieces of the crust and dip them into the cheesy center for a rich and satisfying experience. We paired this with homemade lemonade—a refreshing drink you can find almost everywhere in Georgia.

The next day, we took a guided tour of Tbilisi’s Old Town, exploring key sites and learning about the city’s origins. According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting when his royal falcon caught a pheasant, but both birds fell into a hot spring and died. Realizing the area’s hot springs had healing properties, the king decided to move the capital to Tbilisi from Mtskheta. Today, a statue near the famous Sulphur Baths commemorates this story. However, historians argue that Tbilisi’s strategic location, surrounded by mountains, was likely the key reason for moving the capital.

The Old Town’s architecture is a fascinating blend of styles, with houses featuring intricate wooden balconies and colorful facades. Tbilisi’s past as a crossroads between Europe and Asia is reflected in the city's eclectic architectural landscape.

Later that day, we visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, one of the largest religious buildings in the world. Built on a hilltop with sweeping views of the city, the cathedral belongs to the Georgian Orthodox Church. Visitors are expected to cover their heads as a sign of respect, and scarves are provided at the entrance. In the evening, we took the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. From here, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Tbilisi while sipping coffee at a café. The park also features an amusement area for kids, making it a great place for families. From this vantage point, we could see the Mother of Georgia statue once more, a reminder of the city’s history and resilience.

Just a short trip from Tbilisi is Sighnaghi, also known as the "City of Love." Its romantic reputation stems from its 24-hour wedding hall, where couples can marry at any time of day or night. Before reaching Sighnaghi, we stopped at the Bodbe Monastery, built in honor of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia from Cappadocia.

Sighnaghi is a beautiful walled town offering stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. This region of Georgia is also famous for its wine. Georgia is often called the "cradle of wine," with a winemaking tradition dating back over 8,000 years. At a local winery, we indulged in a wine tasting and learned about the *qvevri* method, where wine is fermented in large clay vessels buried underground. We even sampled Georgia’s unique orange wine, made from white grapes fermented with their skins.

Kazbegi and Gudauri are Georgia’s adventure playground! Gudauri is a popular ski resort in the winter, offering fantastic slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Even in the summer, the region is abuzz with activities like paragliding and hiking. One of the most striking landmarks here is the Gudauri Panorama, where visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. The Gudauri Panorama, also known as the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, is a large semicircular stone monument located near the ski resort of Gudauri. The interior of the monument features a vibrant mosaic mural depicting scenes of Georgian and Russian history, culture, and friendship. At Kazbegi, we visited the famous Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a hill with the imposing Mount Kazbek in the background. The hike up to the church is invigorating, and the view from the top is absolutely worth the effort.

From Tbilisi, I made my way to Batumi, Georgia’s vibrant seaside town on the Black Sea coast. Batumi boasts one of the most beautiful promenades in Europe, stretching along the seafront. This promenade leads to the famous Ali and Nino sculpture, a moving art installation representing the tragic love story between an Azerbaijani Muslim, Ali, and a Georgian Christian, Nino, based on the novel by Kurban Said. The kinetic sculpture portrays the lovers coming together and then drifting apart—a poignant symbol of their star-crossed love.

Batumi’s Old Town is equally charming, with its intricate mosaics, Venetian-style Piazza Square, and lively atmosphere. The city is a hub of art, culture, and entertainment, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. For those seeking adventure, nearby Martvili Canyon is a popular destination for hiking and boat rides, offering stunning views of emerald-green rivers and waterfalls.

Georgia is a captivating fusion of ancient traditions and modern wonders. From the historic streets of Tbilisi, with its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, to the romantic hilltop town of Sighnaghi and the seaside charm of Batumi, this country offers a treasure trove of experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you're drawn to its rich history, thrilling outdoor adventures, or renowned winemaking heritage, Georgia’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality will captivate your heart. Standing tall on Sololaki Hill, the *Mother of Georgia* beckons with a glass of the country’s famous wine, symbolizing both a warm welcome and proud resilience. Are you ready to explore this hidden gem of the Caucasus and uncover the magic of Georgia with Veena World?