Travel destination of the week: Georgia

With the breathtaking vista of the Caucasian Mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop to this former Soviet nation, Georgia emerges as a land of feasts, festivities and the foremost cradle of a long-forgotten culture that still resides deep in the hearts of its people.

From the glistening sands of the Black Sea coastline to the towering majesty of the Borjoumi National Reserve, Georgia serves up a plethora for the senses and the ideal playground for the adventurous and the weary, looking to escape from Dubai’s burgeoning schedule.

The capital city of Tbilisi carries a young and vibrant vibe, reminiscent of the cultural influences of Russia in the north, along with Armenia and Azerbaijan in the east and Turkey to its west.

While Georgia boasts several airports, it is Tbilisi that most international airlines fly into, with the city divided between its old-world alleys and a newer, more vibrant city centre.

Batumi and the Black Sea Coast

Agreeably, many of you probably prefer the comfort of sandier beaches that most coastal hideaways market to city dwellers looking for a ray of sunshine, but Batumi’s rocky counterpart still manages to hold its own in face of stiff competition, inviting guests from across the Caucus countries and neighbouring Turkey to spend the summer months lazing away by the warm waters of the Black Sea.

These days, Batumi’s developing seafront does remarkably resemble Dubai’s glistening skyline, but the old part of the city still holds its own charm with several architectural highlights, including the lighthouse of Alexandria and an upside down White House.

Plus, those of you looking to party or have a good time, the 7-km long corniche serve up quite a bit of the razzle dazzle and hookah joints to satisfy many a customer from the Mideast.

Old-world charm

Georgia’s rich heritage dates back to the early millennia, with the changing landscape and historical references and monuments painting a rich culture that is waiting to be explored.

Quaint little churches and hidden monasteries speak of a bygone era, often built atop a remote peak that served as viewing point to alert against invaders.

One such seemingly impossibility is the Gergeti Trinity Church located next to the imposing Mount Kazbegi at 2170 meters above sea level. The church serves as a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep three-hour climb up the mountain or around 30-minute jeep ride up a dirt track.

If you want to swap the great outdoors for the refined trek of a museum, then why not visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, the former leader of the Soviet Union and one of the only few places in the world you will find a statue erected as tribute to the leader.

Culinary delight

There is a nary a visitor who has travelled to Georgia and not revelled in the supra or the feasts that the country has managed to turn into a national pastime.

Georgian cuisine is a healthy and unique blend of European and Middle Eastern delicacies, with a dash of the orient if one samples one of the country’s most beloved dishes, the Khinkali, which is reminiscent of Chinese dumplings.

The steaming hot dish comes in a variety of tastes, filled with spiced meat, herbed mushrooms or mashed potatoes.

Other dishes that command a second look and possibly a third helping is the Khachapuri – a spindly bread filled with cheese and egg – the lobiani that is bread stuffed with kidney beans, and the eggplant stew, Ajapsandali.

How do I get there?

Low cost carrier flydubai is the only airline from the UAE that flies direct to Tbilisi, which costs approximately Dh1,500 for a return fare.

Those looking for stopovers can fly via Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Azerbaijan’s Azal Airways.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

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