E-Visa and Flights for Indians
Getting to Azerbaijan is simple for Indian passport holders. The country offers an ASAN e-Visa, which you can apply for online. The standard visa costs around USD 29 (approx. ₹2,450) and is typically processed within three working days. There's also an urgent
option that delivers the visa in about three hours for a higher fee. Remember, this is a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay. Direct and connecting flights to Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) are available from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with return fares generally ranging from ₹28,000 to ₹35,000 if booked in advance.
Budget, Currency, and Getting Around
Azerbaijan is quite budget-friendly. For a 6-day trip, expect to spend around ₹45,000 to ₹65,000 per person, excluding flights. The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). On a tight budget, daily expenses can be as low as $40-$60 (approx. ₹3,300-₹5,000), covering a hostel or budget guesthouse, local food, and public transport. Baku’s city centre is very walkable, and its public transport is excellent. The metro and bus network, accessible with a BakiKart, is cheap and efficient, with rides costing less than ₹30.
Day 1: Arrival and Old City Exploration
After arriving in Baku and checking into your accommodation, dedicate your first day to exploring Icherisheher, the city's ancient, walled Old City. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of narrow alleys, historic mosques, and caravanserais. Don't miss the two main attractions here: the mysterious Maiden Tower, which offers panoramic views from the top, and the magnificent Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th-century royal complex. End your day with a stroll and dinner in this atmospheric part of the city.
Day 2: Modern Architecture and Seaside Views
Today, contrast the old with the new. Start by visiting the iconic Flame Towers, three skyscrapers that illuminate with mesmerising light displays at night. From there, head to Upland Park for one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Caspian Sea. In the afternoon, marvel at the futuristic, fluid design of the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece by architect Zaha Hadid. Finish your day with a relaxing walk along the Baku Boulevard, a sprawling seaside park dotted with cafes, the unique Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, and the 'Baku Eye' Ferris wheel.
Day 3: The Land of Fire Day Trip
No trip to Azerbaijan is complete without witnessing its natural fires. Take a day trip to the Absheron Peninsula. First, visit Ateshgah, the Fire Temple. This castle-like structure was once a place of worship for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs who revered the eternal flame that burned here. Next, head to Yanar Dag, the “Burning Mountain,” a hillside that has been continuously ablaze for centuries due to natural gas seeping through the ground. You can reach these sites affordably using a combination of public transport and taxis, or by booking a budget-friendly tour.
Day 4: Gobustan’s Prehistoric Art and Mud Volcanoes
Journey back in time with a trip to Gobustan National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site located about an hour from Baku. The area is famous for its thousands of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) depicting prehistoric life, battles, and dances. After exploring the rock art, visit the nearby mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world's mud volcanoes, and these bubbling, gurgling mounds create a bizarre and fascinating lunar-like landscape.
Day 5: Local Markets and Shopping on Nizami Street
Immerse yourself in local life by visiting a traditional market like Taza Bazaar. It’s a vibrant place to see fresh produce, taste local cheeses, and buy spices and nuts. For a more modern shopping experience, head to Nizami Street, Baku's main pedestrianised shopping avenue. Lined with beautiful architecture, it’s packed with everything from high-street brands to souvenir shops and charming cafes. It's the perfect place to try Azerbaijani cuisine like Plov (pilaf) and kebabs, or just enjoy a cup of tea.
Day 6: Final Souvenirs and Departure
Use your last morning to pick up any last-minute souvenirs, perhaps from the small artisan shops in the Old City. You could also revisit a favourite spot for one last look or enjoy a final cup of Azerbaijani tea at a cafe along the Boulevard. Afterwards, make your way to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your flight back to India, filled with memories of this unique and welcoming country.
