Getting There: Visas and Flights
One of the biggest reasons for Georgia's rising popularity is its accessible entry process. Most Indian passport holders can apply for a simple e-Visa online, which typically takes a few working days. Even better, 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. Since January 2026, travel and health insurance is mandatory for all visitors. Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Tbilisi, operated by airlines like IndiGo, have made the journey quicker and more affordable, with round-trip tickets available for around ₹35,000 to ₹42,000 when booked in advance. Flying into Kutaisi can sometimes offer even cheaper fares.
Your Daily Budget: Living on Lari
Georgia's affordability is a major draw. The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 GEL to ₹36. For backpackers, a daily budget of just $30-$45 (around ₹2,500-₹3,750) is realistic. This can cover a bed in a quality hostel dorm for about ₹800-₹1,500 a night, especially in vibrant cities like Tbilisi. Guesthouses in smaller towns and rural areas offer private rooms for a similar price, often including a home-cooked breakfast, providing an authentic cultural experience alongside savings. With these prices, your travel fund stretches much further than in Western Europe.
A Taste of Georgia Without the High Price
Georgian cuisine is a destination in itself, and you don't need a lavish budget to enjoy it. The food is famously hearty, delicious, and incredibly cheap. A staple for any backpacker is Khachapuri, a warm, cheese-filled bread that can serve as a full meal for just ₹300-₹500. Another must-try is Khinkali, savoury dumplings that cost around ₹40-₹60 each; five of these are usually enough to leave you full and satisfied. You can feast at local bakeries and small restaurants for a fraction of what you would spend elsewhere. As the birthplace of wine, Georgia also offers excellent local wines at restaurants for prices that are often lower than a soft drink in many other European cities.
Historic Towns Beyond the Capital
While Tbilisi is a captivating start, Georgia's soul is found in its ancient towns. Getting to them is easy and cheap with 'marshrutkas', or shared minivans. A trip from Tbilisi to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning cathedrals, is a short and inexpensive journey. Another gem is Sighnaghi, the 'City of Love', known for its romantic atmosphere, fortified walls, and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. You can easily spend a day wandering its charming streets and visiting nearby monasteries without spending much. For those willing to travel a bit further, Kutaisi serves as a great base to explore nearby canyons and monasteries, offering a different flavour of Georgian history and nature.
Smart Tips to Stretch Your Rupee
To make your budget go even further, always rely on marshrutkas for inter-city travel; they are the most cost-effective way to get around. For getting around cities like Tbilisi, the metro is incredibly cheap, with a ride costing just a few rupees. Eating at local bakeries and markets instead of tourist-centric restaurants will save you money while offering a more authentic taste of the local food culture. Many of Georgia’s most beautiful attractions, like its mountain landscapes and the architecture of its old towns, are completely free to enjoy. Visiting during the shoulder seasons—March to May or September to November—can also lead to lower prices for flights and accommodation and fewer crowds.
