Before You Go: Visas and Budgeting
For Indian travellers, planning is key. Georgia requires most Indian passport holders to obtain an e-Visa online, a straightforward process costing around $20 USD. However, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK,
or Schengen states, you may enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. Armenia offers a visa on arrival for Indians under certain conditions, including holding a valid visa from a list of specified countries. Always check the latest official requirements before booking. For a backpacking budget, aim for approximately €25-€35 per day. This covers a dorm bed in a hostel (€10-€20), local food like khachapuri and khinkali, and public transport. The currencies are the Georgian Lari (GEL) and the Armenian Dram (AMD).
Days 1-2: Diving into Tbilisi's Charm
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and take a bus or a ride-hailing service like Bolt to your hostel. Settle in and begin exploring the Old Town. Spend your first two days getting lost in its labyrinthine streets, where colourful wooden balconies hang over cobblestone paths. Hike up to the Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views—the fortress itself is free to enter. Wander through the Abanotubani district to see the historic sulphur bathhouses from the outside. For a taste of local life, browse the eclectic collection of Soviet memorabilia and handmade crafts at the Dry Bridge Flea Market. In the evenings, enjoy hearty, affordable Georgian food at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Modern Tbilisi and the Overnight Train
Dedicate your third day to Tbilisi’s more modern side. Stroll down the grand Rustaveli Avenue, home to the Georgian National Museum and the Parliament building. Cross the futuristic Bridge of Peace and relax in Rike Park. In the late afternoon, make your way to the central railway station. The overnight train to Yerevan is a classic Caucasus travel experience. It's an efficient way to travel, saving you a night's accommodation cost. A bed in a shared compartment is a budget-friendly choice and allows you to wake up refreshed in a new country. The journey takes about 10 hours, crossing the border while you sleep.
Days 4-5: Welcome to Yerevan
You'll arrive in Yerevan early in the morning. After dropping your bags at your hostel, head to Republic Square, the magnificent central plaza. From there, make your way to the Cascade Complex, a giant limestone stairway. Climb its 572 steps for a breathtaking view of the city with Mount Ararat in the distance. The next day, take a day trip to the Garni Temple, a stunning Hellenistic-era pagan temple, and the nearby Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved out of a mountain. Shared taxis and organised mini-tours for this route are affordable and easy to find.
Day 6: History and Art in Yerevan
Spend your sixth day delving into Armenia's poignant history and vibrant arts scene. Start with a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd hill, a powerful and moving experience. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the creative spirit of Yerevan at the Vernissage Market. This open-air market is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs, from handmade jewellery and intricate woodwork to local art and carpets. Even if you don't buy anything, it's a fantastic place to observe local life and craftsmanship. For a different vibe, explore the Kond district, one of Yerevan's oldest neighbourhoods.
Days 7-8: Final Explorations and Departure
On your last full day, revisit a favourite spot or explore somewhere new. You could visit the Matenadaran to see its collection of ancient manuscripts or simply enjoy a final Armenian coffee at a sidewalk cafe. Depending on your travel plans, you can either fly out of Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) or take a daytime marshrutka (minibus) for the scenic 5-6 hour journey back to Tbilisi for your flight home. Marshrutkas are the most budget-friendly option for the return leg, offering a chance to see the landscapes you missed on the overnight train.
