Visa and Flights: Your First Steps
Getting to Georgia is becoming increasingly straightforward for Indian passport holders. Most travellers will need to apply for an e-Visa online, a simple process that costs around $20 USD plus service fees and typically takes 5-7 working days. However,
if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the US, UK, or any Schengen state, you may be able to enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest official guidelines before booking. Since January 2026, all foreign visitors must have valid travel insurance. Return flights from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai to Tbilisi (TBS) are the most significant part of your budget. If you book a few months in advance, you can find round-trip fares ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000, usually with a layover. IndiGo has also started direct flights from Delhi, which can be found in a similar price range. Flying into Kutaisi (KUT) can sometimes be a cheaper alternative.
Accommodation: From Lively Hostels to Cozy Guesthouses
Georgia offers a wide range of affordable accommodation. For backpackers and solo travellers, a bed in a well-rated Tbilisi hostel can cost between ₹700 and ₹1,500 per night. These are great for meeting other travellers. If you prefer more privacy, budget guesthouses and private rooms on Airbnb are plentiful, with prices ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per night for a clean and comfortable space in central locations. In mountain towns like Kazbegi, family-run guesthouses are the norm and offer incredible value, often including a hearty home-cooked dinner and breakfast in the price.
Food and Drink: A Deliciously Affordable Affair
Georgian cuisine is a highlight and, luckily, very easy on the wallet. You can enjoy a filling and delicious meal for very little. A plate of Khinkali (dumplings) costs around ₹40 - ₹60 per piece, and five is often enough for a meal. A large Khachapuri Adjaruli (cheese bread with an egg) can easily be shared between two people and costs about ₹300 - ₹500. A full meal at a local restaurant can be enjoyed for ₹300 to ₹600 per person. Georgia is also considered the birthplace of wine, and a glass of excellent local wine at a restaurant is often surprisingly cheap. For a daily food budget, you can comfortably manage on ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 per person, eating well at local restaurants.
Getting Around: Cheap and Efficient Transport
Navigating Georgia is both easy and affordable. Within Tbilisi, the metro is highly efficient, with a single ride costing just a few rupees. For taxis, it's essential to use a ride-hailing app like Bolt, where cross-city trips often cost as little as ₹50 to ₹150. For travelling between cities, the most common mode of transport is the marshrutka, or shared minibus. A trip from Tbilisi to the mountain region of Kazbegi, for instance, costs around ₹400-₹600 per person and offers a scenic journey. Trains are also an option for longer distances, such as the five-hour journey from Tbilisi to the Black Sea city of Batumi.
The Final Tally: A Sample Weekly Budget
So, what does a week in Georgia cost? For a budget-conscious young traveller, a weekly trip can be quite affordable. A shoestring budget trip, including flights, could range from ₹60,000 to ₹80,000 per person. This would involve staying in hostels, eating at local eateries, and using public transport. A more comfortable mid-range trip, with private rooms and a few organised tours, would likely cost between ₹1,00,000 and ₹1,30,000. This breakdown shows that a trip to Georgia offers European aesthetics and experiences at a fraction of the cost, making it an ideal choice for a memorable overseas vacation.
