Your Gateway to Georgia: The Simplified Visa Process
For many Indian passport holders, the journey to Georgia begins with a refreshingly simple step: the e-visa. The country has streamlined its entry requirements, offering a fully online application process that eliminates the need for embassy visits. Applicants
can head to the official e-visa portal, fill in their details, upload the necessary documents, and pay a fee of around $20 plus service charges. The processing time is typically around five to seven working days. Furthermore, Indian citizens who hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or Schengen states can often enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. Do note that since the start of 2026, all foreign visitors must have valid travel and health insurance for their stay.
Stepping Back in Time: The Charms of Tbilisi's Old Town
Once you arrive, the heart of the capital, Old Tbilisi, awaits. This district is a maze of cobblestone streets, colourful wooden balconies, and hidden courtyards. A great way to get your bearings is by taking the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century citadel that offers panoramic views of the city and the Mtkvari River. From there, you can wander down to the historic Abanotubani district, famous for its dome-shaped sulphur bathhouses where the city was reputedly founded. Don't miss the quirky leaning clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, which puts on a small puppet show on the hour. The area is a living museum, where Orthodox churches, a mosque, and a synagogue coexist peacefully on the same streets.
The Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi
After soaking in the urban charm, prepare for a dramatic change of scenery with a trip to the mountains. The journey from Tbilisi to Kazbegi (now officially called Stepantsminda) is an adventure in itself. Most travellers take a shared taxi or a local minibus, known as a marshrutka, from Didube station in Tbilisi. The drive takes you along the famed Georgian Military Highway, a historic road that winds through the Greater Caucasus mountains. The journey, which takes about three to four hours without stops, is packed with breathtaking vistas. Many drivers will pause at key viewpoints, including the stunning Ananuri Fortress complex overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir and the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument with its vibrant mosaics and expansive views.
Majestic Peaks and a Serene Sanctuary
Stepantsminda is a small town set in a valley, completely dominated by the colossal Mount Kazbek, a dormant stratovolcano that stands over 5,000 metres tall. The single most iconic sight here is the Gergeti Trinity Church. Perched on a hilltop at an elevation of 2,170 metres, this 14th-century church against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks is an unforgettable image of Georgia. You can reach the church via a steep hike that takes about 90 minutes one way, or hire a 4x4 vehicle from the town centre for a quicker, albeit bumpier, ride. During the Soviet era, religious services were forbidden, but the church served as a popular tourist landmark and hideout. Today, it is an active place of worship, offering a profound sense of peace and spectacular panoramas.
Planning Your Georgian Adventure
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather for hiking in the mountains and exploring the city. Spring and autumn are also beautiful, with fewer crowds and colourful landscapes. Winter is ideal for those looking to experience the snow-covered Caucasus, though the road to Kazbegi can sometimes face closures due to weather. When it comes to food, be sure to indulge in local delicacies. Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and Khinkali, spiced meat dumplings, are national dishes you cannot miss. For travel between cities, marshrutkas are the most budget-friendly option, while private or shared taxis offer more comfort and flexibility for sightseeing stops.
