Your First Step: The Georgian E-Visa
For most Indian passport holders, getting into Georgia is straightforward with an e-visa. You can apply online through the official portal (evisa.gov.ge). The process is fully digital, requiring no embassy visits. The fee is approximately $20 USD plus
service fees, and processing typically takes five to seven working days. However, there's a fantastic shortcut: if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, a Schengen state, Canada, or the UAE, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. Since January 2026, all visitors must have valid travel and health insurance for the duration of their stay. This will likely be checked at immigration, so keep a digital or physical copy handy.
Crafting Your Budget: How Far Your Rupee Goes
Georgia is genuinely budget-friendly. A comfortable trip for 6-7 days can be managed for approximately ₹65,000 to ₹85,000 per person, including flights. Your biggest expense will be the round-trip flight from India to Tbilisi, which can range from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000, so booking in advance is key. On the ground, costs are low. You can find charming guesthouses and clean hostels for ₹1,500-₹3,000 per night. Food is a highlight and very affordable; a delicious meal of Khachapuri (cheese bread) or Khinkali (dumplings) will only set you back a few hundred rupees. A realistic daily budget for food, local transport, and minor sightseeing is around ₹1,200 to ₹2,500.
Getting Around: Marshrutkas and More
The most authentic and cheapest way to travel between cities is by marshrutka, which are shared minivans that run on fixed routes. They are the backbone of Georgian public transport. From Tbilisi, marshrutkas to different regions leave from specific stations. For Signagi in the Kakheti wine region, you'll need to go to Samgori station (near the metro of the same name). For Kazbegi, the vans depart from Didube station. Fares are paid in cash (Georgian Lari) to the driver and are very low. A trip to Signagi costs around 15 GEL, while the journey to Kazbegi is about 20 GEL. These vans leave when full, so it's wise to arrive a little early. For city travel in Tbilisi, ride-hailing apps like Bolt are inexpensive and widely used.
Signagi: The Romantic Heart of the Wine Region
Perched on a hill overlooking the vast Alazani Valley, Signagi is known as the 'City of Love'. Its charm lies in its beautifully restored 18th-century architecture, with cobblestone streets and colourful houses with wooden balconies. A must-do is walking along the old fortified city walls, which stretch for several kilometres and offer breathtaking views of the valley and the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. The town is the heart of Georgia's wine country, Kakheti, so visiting a local cellar for a wine tasting is essential. Just a couple of kilometres outside the town is the Bodbe Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site where St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity, is buried.
Kazbegi: Majestic Mountains and Iconic Views
The journey to Kazbegi (officially Stepantsminda) is as spectacular as the destination itself. The route follows the famed Georgian Military Highway, a road that snakes through dramatic mountains and valleys. The town of Kazbegi is set in a stunning valley, but the main attraction is perched high on a hill above it: the Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church, with the colossal Mount Kazbek as its backdrop, is one of Georgia's most iconic images. You can either hike up to the church, which takes about 90 minutes, or hire a local 4x4 Delica van to drive you up for around 50-70 GEL for a round trip. The views from the top are simply unforgettable. Other popular activities include exploring the nearby Gveleti waterfalls or hiking in the Truso Valley.
