Before You Go: Visas and Essentials
For Indian passport holders, planning a trip to Georgia is straightforward. Most travellers will need to apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal (evisa.gov.ge). The process is entirely online, costs around $20 USD plus service fees,
and typically takes about 5-7 working days. However, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or any Schengen nation, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. Do check the latest regulations before you book. Also, travel and health insurance is mandatory for all visitors as of 2026. The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). While cards are accepted in Tbilisi, carrying cash is essential for rural areas, markets, and paying for marshrutkas (minibuses).
Days 1 & 2: Tbilisi's Timeless Charm
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and take a bus or an affordable app-based taxi to your hostel. Spend your first two days exploring the capital's captivating blend of old and new. Get lost in the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views, and unwind at the historic sulfur baths in the Abanotubani district. Don't miss the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. For transport, Tbilisi has an efficient metro system, and a single ride costs 1 GEL. For food, indulge in freshly baked Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) from a local bakery for a cheap and delicious meal. Hostel dorms in Tbilisi range from 25-40 GEL ($9-15 USD) per night.
Day 3: A Day Trip to the City of Love
Take a day trip to Signagi, the 'City of Love', in the heart of Georgia's wine region, Kakheti. Marshrutkas to Signagi depart from Samgori metro station in Tbilisi. The journey takes about two hours and costs around 15 GEL each way. Signagi is famous for its picturesque pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and the ancient city walls you can walk along for stunning views of the Alazani Valley. Visit the Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. While organised wine tours can be pricey, many local cellars offer tastings for a fraction of the cost. A day tour is a great alternative, often priced from $30-40 USD, which covers transport and a guide.
Days 4 & 5: Mountain Majesty in Kazbegi
Prepare for an adventure into the Caucasus Mountains. Head to Didube bus station in Tbilisi to catch a marshrutka to Stepantsminda (the main town in the Kazbegi region). The three-hour journey along the breathtaking Georgian Military Highway costs about 20 GEL. Once you arrive, check into your guesthouse (30-60 GEL per night). The main attraction here is the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hill at 2,170 meters with Mount Kazbek as its backdrop. You can either hike up (a challenging 2-3 hour trek) or hire a 4x4 taxi from the town centre. Spend the next day exploring nearby valleys like the Truso Valley or simply soaking in the alpine scenery before taking an afternoon marshrutka back to Tbilisi the following day.
Day 6: Last Taste of Tbilisi
After returning from the mountains, use this day to catch anything you missed in Tbilisi. This is a great opportunity to hunt for souvenirs at the Dry Bridge Market, an eclectic open-air flea market where you can find everything from Soviet memorabilia to handmade jewellery and local art. You could also visit the Georgian National Museum to delve deeper into the country's rich history. For your final Georgian dinner, find a local restaurant and order a plate of Khinkali (spiced meat dumplings), another national dish that is both delicious and incredibly budget-friendly.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy a final Georgian breakfast, perhaps with another hot-from-the-oven puri bread and a cup of local coffee. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through your favourite part of the city. Head to the airport via a pre-booked taxi or public transport, filled with memories of Georgia's incredible landscapes and warm hospitality.
Your 7-Day Budget Breakdown
Georgia is remarkably affordable. A budget backpacker can comfortably manage on $30-45 USD per day. Here is a rough estimate for one person:\nAccommodation: Hostels and guesthouses for 6 nights will be around $70-90 USD (approx. 180-240 GEL).\nFood: Sticking to bakeries, local eateries, and cooking some meals at the hostel, budget around $10-15 USD per day, totalling $70-105 USD for the week.\nTransport: Intercity marshrutkas, city transport, and a shared taxi or two will cost roughly $30-40 USD (approx. 80-110 GEL).\nActivities: Entrance fees are minimal, but let's budget $20-30 USD for cable cars, wine tasting, and other small expenses. \nTotal Estimated Cost: Approximately $190 - $265 USD (around ₹16,000 - ₹22,000), excluding flights and visa fees.
