The sweltering heat of Delhi in May compelled me to take a trip to the cool Central Asia – specifically Azerbaijan – one of the easiest destinations to travel
to in the present times. Part of the Caucasus region, the country offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty and is the perfect destination if you are looking for a short, fun trip. While I did research about Azerbaijan before booking the tickets – whether it was safe to travel, as it was a girls-only trip (and my teenage son tagged along), the food, and what to wear- I was more surprised when we landed in Baku. It was like stepping into a place where old stories and modern ambition exist side by side. The world is traditional – yet modern. Baku is like any other former USSR city, with glimpses of the Soviet-era architecture and planned residential districts – but its jaw-dropping modern buildings, clean and wide roads, and most importantly, friendly locals are what win your heart.
Landing in Baku
I took an Air India flight from Delhi to Baku, which took seven hours. Ideally, it takes five and a half hours, but since Pakistan's airspace is closed, we had to take a detour. While we landed at around 10 pm (local time), the energy in the city was high. Baku surprised me instantly. Sleek glass buildings reflected the Caspian Sea, while just a short walk away, the cobbled lanes whispered centuries-old secrets.The drive to the hotel was not too long, and after checking in, we thought of checking out the nightlife. Our hotel was bang on Nizami street – the most famous, touristy area in Baku, which is like a major shopping and food hub. Did some quick checking of the area and called in the night.
Falling in love with Baku
Day one of the Azerbaijan journey began in Baku, and honestly, the city caught me off guard in the best way. My morning started in Icherisheher, the historic heart of Baku. Walking through its narrow stone streets felt like stepping into a living museum. I, along with my gang, explored the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and stood quietly near the Maiden Tower, imagining the centuries of history layered into those walls.
By lunchtime, we found ourselves in a small local café, eating plov and sipping hot Azerbaijani tea with some generous helpings of mouth-watering Baklava and Kunafa.
While the food was comforting and rich, the hospitality was genuine. Locals love Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, and you could see that in every local shop where they have Indian movie stars plastered on their walls. Later in the afternoon, we took a long walk along Baku Boulevard by the Caspian Sea, watching families, cyclists, and street performers bring the promenade to life.
As night fell, we headed toward the Flame Towers. Watching them glow against the dark sky was surreal; it perfectly symbolized how Baku blends tradition with modern ambition. Our dinners always ended on the hotel balcony, the place to catch all the excitement happening on Nizami Street.
Day 02: Mud volcanoes, Fire temple
Day two was all about exploring outside Baku. We left early for Gobustan National Park - one of the most unusual landscapes that you would have ever seen. The ancient petroglyphs told stories thousands of years old, while the bubbling mud volcanoes felt otherworldly, as if the earth itself was alive beneath my feet.From there, we continued across the Absheron Peninsula to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, which provided insight into Azerbaijan’s Zoroastrian past and its profound connection to fire. The highlight, however, was Yanar Dag - where natural flames rise endlessly from the hillside. Standing there as the fire flickered in the open air was unforgettable.
Day 03: Breathtaking Candy Cane Mountains and the Jew village
The third day was also set for an adventure trip to the breathtaking and absolutely beautiful Candy Cane Mountains near Khizi. The red, white, and pink striped hills looked unreal - almost painted. Standing there, surrounded by silence and colour, felt like being on another planet.
And then we drove north toward Qırmızı Qəsəbə - also known as the world’s only all-Jewish town outside Israel and the US. The village felt peaceful and deeply rooted in tradition. Walking through quiet streets, visiting synagogues, and hearing stories of coexistence gave me a powerful reminder of Azerbaijan’s cultural diversity.
As we returned to the city later that evening, I realized Azerbaijan had offered far more than I expected: history, landscapes, cultures, and moments of quiet wonder. Three days felt short, but the memories felt lasting.
What we ate in Azerbaijan
Since it is a tourist destination, Baku offers cultural diversity even when it comes to food. Food in Baku was incredibly comforting, hearty, and deeply rooted in tradition, and almost every meal felt generous and never rushed. One of the first things we ate was their famous plov - Azerbaijan’s signature rice dish. Each version was different, but the rice was always fluffy and aromatic, often served with tender meat, dried fruits, and lots of saffron. It was super flavourful - the kind of dish you remember long after.
We also gorged on a lot of kebabs - lamb, chicken, and minced meat grilled over charcoal. They came with flatbread, raw onions, herbs, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon – my personal favourite were the doner kababs sold in street joints - simple, smoky, and incredibly yummy.
Another favorite was dolma, grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. They were smaller than I expected, neatly rolled, and surprisingly light. Paired with yogurt, they made for a perfect lunch. We also tried qutab - thin breads stuffed with greens, meat, or their local cheese, lightly pan-fried and topped with yogurt or sumac powder.
For dessert, central Asia is known for its lip-smacking baklavas – also known as pakhlava, available in various flavours, colours and combinations. Sweet, nutty, and dense, they paired perfectly with hot local tea – served without milk. Also, mostly people have tea in Azerbaijan with jams instead of sugar, which was new to me and oddly addictive.
Visa and tickets
Here’s a breakdown of visa requirements and flight ticket info if you plan a trip to Azerbaijan as an Indian traveller:
- You need to obtain a visa before travelling to Azerbaijan; there’s no visa-on-arrival option for tourists from India.
- The easiest option is an electronic visa (e-Visa) applied for through the official ASAN Visa portal, which is valid for 30 days of stay and issued within a few working days.
- Your Indian passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates, and you’ll need confirmed flight tickets and accommodation proof to apply.
- Typical e-visa fees are around USD 20 for standard processing (about ₹1,700).
