Your Gateway to Georgia: Visas and Planning
One of the biggest draws for Indian travellers is Georgia's straightforward entry process. While a visa is required, most Indians can apply for an e-Visa online through the official government portal. The process is digital, with no embassy visit needed
for a standard 30-day tourist visa. The fee is approximately $20 USD, plus processing fees. Even better, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or any Schengen state, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. Do remember that travel and health insurance have been mandatory for all visitors since early 2026.
Setting a Realistic Daily Budget
Georgia's affordability is a key attraction. For a backpacker, a daily budget of ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 (approximately 80-120 Georgian Lari or GEL) is a comfortable target. This can cover a dorm bed in a quality hostel, local meals, and public transport. A hostel bed in cities like Tbilisi can range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 per night. Food is delicious and cheap, with a hearty meal at a local eatery costing between ₹300 and ₹600. This budget allows for exploring historic sites and enjoying the local culture without constantly worrying about expenses. For a comfortable mid-range trip, you might spend around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per day.
Getting Around: The Marshrutka Experience
To truly travel like a local and save money, embrace the marshrutka. These shared minibuses are the backbone of intercity travel in Georgia and are incredibly cost-effective. They don’t run on a strict schedule but typically depart when full. A trip from the capital, Tbilisi, to the ancient city of Mtskheta might only cost a few Lari. Longer routes, like from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, are also very affordable, usually under 10-15 GEL. Within Tbilisi, the metro system is efficient and costs just 1 GEL per ride, making it easy to navigate the city's central areas. For taxis, it is best to use ride-hailing apps like Bolt to get a fair, fixed price.
Exploring Georgia’s Historic Gems
Your journey will likely start in Tbilisi, the vibrant capital. Spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, take a free walking tour, and ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views. A day trip to Mtskheta, the former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must. It's easily reachable by a short marshrutka ride from Tbilisi's Didube station. Further afield, the walled town of Sighnaghi in the Kakheti wine region is known as the 'City of Love'. You can walk along its ancient defensive walls and enjoy views of the Alazani Valley, all without spending a Lari.
Eating Well on a Backpacker's Budget
Georgian cuisine is a highlight, and you don't need a big budget to enjoy it. Must-try dishes include Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and Khinkali, spiced meat or vegetable dumplings. You can find these staples at bakeries and small local restaurants for very low prices. For vegetarians, Georgia is surprisingly friendly. The Orthodox Christian fasting tradition means there is a wide variety of delicious plant-based dishes. Look for 'Pkhali' (walnut and vegetable pâté), 'Lobiani' (bean-stuffed bread), and 'Badrijani Nigvzit' (eggplant rolls with walnut paste).
