Day Trips around Baku, Azerbaijan

  Azerbaijan, as a country, was introduced in our previous blog, which can be accessed here - harshad : A day in Baku City, Azerbaijan

This blog covers one of the  day excursions from Baku in detail and just mentions the other day trips that travellers can enjoy during their visit to Azerbaijan

Day trip to Yanardag, Ateshgah, Mud Volcano, and Gobustan.

Yanardag. Yanardag literally means Burning Mountain.  This natural wonder is about 3000 years old. The natural gas beneath the ground has been seeping through the rocks and burning for all these years, and unlike Mud Volcanos, which are formed by natural gas that comes out with mud, this gas discharge is clear gas without mud.

Yagardag Selfie Point

This area was once home to Zoroastrians, and the fire served as a bond between them and nature. This natural wonder is part of the historical fire worship practised in this area, like the worship performed at the Fire Temple described in the latter part of this blog.

Eternal Fire burning for over 3K years

Admirers of Yanardag Fire

Gubustan.  This place of historic importance has Petroglyphs, or rock engravings, dating back to over 5,000 BCE or earlier. The prehistoric men of that era engraved a variety of objects, such as people, animals, and even a boat carrying people, etc. 

This place is really intriguing. Prehistoric people had knowledge of boats, river travel, dances, and animals, which is really surprising.

Glimpse of Gobustan

Petroglyphs (rock engravings), Human figures, People rowing a Boat

Animals

Ateshgah. This is a 17th-century Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian Fire Temple. This has a fort-like pentagonal perimeter wall with rooms built inside along the walls. These rooms were most likely meant for travelers and monks. There are Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian inscriptions on the stone above the doors of these peripheral rooms in Sanskrit and Farsi, indicating widespread cultural exchange between these communities in those times. The fire here, once upon a time, was due to natural gas seeping through the earth; however, today the fire that is seen is lit by natural piped gas supplied to this place. The religious importance of this place for Hindus, Sikhs, and Parsis must have been very high about two centuries ago.

Ateshgah, the peripheral wall with the entrance gate

The Market complex, inside the main compound but outside Ateshgah walls

Main Fire Temple, Ateshgah

The Atesh (Fire)

Stone Tablet in Devnagari at the entrance of one of the rooms

Bhagwan Ganesh in one of the rooms

Stone Tablet in Gurumukhi

Mud Volcano.   The readers know that Azharbijan is called the land of fire. This is because there is a lot of natural gas under the earth in Azerbaijan, and that gives birth to places like Yonardag and a large number of mud volcanoes. These mud volcanoes are formed by gas seeping through the Earth's crust, and this gas brings along water and mud from beneath the Earth's crust. 

Mud Volcanoes, the Landscape

One such area where tourists can see mud volcanoes in action is part of Gobustan National Park. You can see small raised mounds of earth. On top of these mounds, the mud volcanoes can be seen. However, it is not necessary that the mud volcanoes can be seen only on top of the earth mounds; sometimes the mud volcanoes may sprout from the plain area also. 

Mud Volcano close up

Another Shot

It is fun to watch mud volcanoes in action from a close quarter, as they are warm but not hot, their plume does not rise high, and they are very safe even when one is very close to them. The bud-bud sound, water, and mud coming out make these Mud Volcanos an interesting place to see and enjoy. 

Conclusion. This is an enjoyable trip that can be easily done in a day. One must learn a bit more about these places before the trip to derive the full value of this trip.

Other day trips from Baku (not done by us). There are mainly three to four circuits that can be done as a day trip from Baku. We described one such trip above. The other trips that can be done from Baku are -

(a) Guba, Candy Cane Mountain, and Khinaliq Village.

(b) Shamakhi, Ismailli, Gabala Mountain, and Sheki (Practically four regions of Azerbaijan).

(c) Khizi and Shahdag (the European part of Azerbaijan).

There are various combinations that get created out of the above-mentioned destinations. One can pick and choose and travel accordingly.

It may also be a good idea, subject to the availability of time, to stay in the mountain region for three to four days rather than making a day trip.

This is the end of this blog. All the comments are welcome. They encourage us to produce more and better blogs.

A day in Baku City, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, a modern country worth visiting. Baku is its Capital. In this blog we are visiting this city, virtually.

We recently travelled to Azerbaijan for a quick four-day trip. However, let us know more about Azerbaijan before we visit Baku.

Azerbaijan has a dramatic blend of East and West, offering everything from the walled Old City of Baku—a UNESCO World Heritage Site amid striking modern skyscrapers—to the vast landscapes stretching from the lush Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian Sea shores. Known as the "Land of Fire," this country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia is celebrated for its ancient Zoroastrian temples, bubbling mud volcanoes, Silk Road caravanserais, and a patchwork of thriving artisan villages.  Its capital Baku is an ultra-modern city that takes pride in its glorious past.

Most travellers from India spend four to eight days at Azerbaijan. The direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi, along with a quick visa that can be obtained online, are other factors that contribute to this.

What to do in Azerbaijan

Generally, the four-day itinerary can be divided into three parts as follows (the fourth day being the departure day).

One day is utilised for the Baku City tour.

One day is meant  for an excursion to Gobustan Rock Carvings, Ateshgah Fire Temple, Mud Volcano and Yanardag Fire Mountain. Time permitting, one can also visit Bibi Heybat Mosque, a very aesthetically designed, beautiful building.

One day can be spent for excursion to Shahdag Mountain, Candy Cane Mountain and one or two enroute destinations.

There are a few more day excursions that can be done, but the above-mentioned ones are by and far the best. We only did the city tour and , Gobustan, Ateshga, and Mud Volcano.. We kept day three free and enjoyed the Boulevard vibes that day.

We will now do a virtual trip of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan

Baku City Tour

Baku has the right mix of ancient and modern. This being the capital of oil-rich Azerbaijan, its new area has skyscrapers, wide roads, and well-organised squares and gardens. Baku gives a feeling of being in Dubai.

What can we see in Baku in a day? Baku has  many places worth a visit, but what gets covered in a day is as follows-

(a) Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and Museum. This massive and artistically designed building is named after the first president of independent Azerbaijan. The building's fluid form. by itself is a visual delight, but that is not all, it also houses a vintage car museum and eight floors of various spaces, including an auditorium that can house 1000 participants. There are many exhibitions that happen here on a day-to-day basis. 

The big I love Baku sign for Instagrammers is also located here. A detailed visit can take over two hours, but if one wants to enjoy the aesthetics of the building and see one odd exhibition, it may still take about one hour. Heydar Aliyev Center is omnipresent landmark as almost all major roads from Airport and other places flow around this place. Now let us see some photos -

Heyder Aliye Centre 

Vintage Cars in the Vintage Car Museum in this Center

(b) Flame Towers - These are three tall towers shaped in such a way that they appear like leaping flames coming out of the fire. They signify eternal fire and also represent what the name "Azerbaijan" means, the Land of Fire. one of the towers houses a housing complex of 130 apartments, the second one is a hotel, and the third one is an office complex.

Flame Towers

Highland Park - This large park, not far from Flame towers and (Caspian Sea) Boulevard, this park has viewing points giving an almost 360 degree view of Baku and its shoreline. More importantly, it also serves as a sacred place as it has a Alley of Martyrs where memorial stones of the Azerbaijani Soldiers who died for the nation and an eternal flame are placed along the longest walkway. Since there are walkways and gardens at multiple levels in this garden, it is a walker's paradise. This park also serves as a cultural space to hold cultural programmes. This park also features the upper station of the Baku Funicular.

Baku Funicular - Built in 1960, this half-kilometer funicular has two coaches that alternately go up and down. It connects Highland Park to Neftchilar Avenue at a square right next to the beginning of the Boulevard. Since Highland Park is situated on higher ground, the Funicular makes it easy, comfortable, and a unique way to descend to the areas around the Boulevard. 

The Boulevard - The rich and famous of oil-rich Azerbaijan built huge mansions along the shore of the Caspian Sea about 100 years ago. Along came this Boulevard, which was artificially created on this Caspian Seafront. Today, Boulevard has over 5 kilometres (or maybe more as when certain areas are considered, this Boulevard actually extends to 24 km). It is a place that has something to offer for everyone. There is a Carpet museum along it. There is also a mini Venice where gondola boats take you through a small canal. It also has gardens, a performance arena, and food courts. It also has a toy train which runs along the length of the main Boulevard, and it is fun to enjoy this ride. There is also a big mall at the funicular end of the Boulevard, called Deniz mall, where many food outlets are available. One can spend at least half a day at Boulevard.

The Boulevard

Mini Gardens at Boulevard

Daniz Mall

Nizami Street - a street that is the happening place and the centre of activities in Baku. Nizami Street is where the original trading areas developed around 175 years ago. During detailed urban planning to manage the increasing population, this street was developed in the Baku (old) town around 1860. This street today boasts many big brand stores, restaurants, and other places of entertainment. This street also had houses of the rich and famous of Baku, and they are architectural marvels even today. Nizami street today is a pedestrian-only street, and when one chooses a hotel, be mindful to select a hotel in the old city around Nizami Street, but not on Nizami Street, unless you are comfortable lugging your luggage.

Nizami Street is where one should go for fun and nightlife. Don't miss visiting Nizami Street during your stay in Baku. 

Food Outlet By-lane of Nizami Street

Fountain Square  - This Square is on a radial of Nizami Street. This radial has mostly eating joints of various types, and this street originates from Fountain Square, where there is also a food court. This square, which has a huge arena, is used for public gatherings and functions. It is a lively place throughout the day and transforms into a happening place at night.

Practically, the Nizami Street, Fountain Square, and the Boulevard form the area where one should be to have a good time.

The Fountain

Icheri Shahar - Contiguous to the Boulevard, Nizami Street, Old Baku and Highland Park stands the old Citadel of Baku, called Icheri Shahar, meaning Inner City (old walled city). This was the only settlement in this place from 1200 CE (some say from 700 CE) till the Russians captured it in 19th century. With the arrival of the Russians, the outer settlements started coming up, which were obviously called Behari Shahar, meaning Outer city. 

As of today, there are two major attractions in the Icheri Shahar area. First is the Maiden Tower, a bastion of the old fort. History has it that it was part of a period when Iran and Azerbaijan adhered to Zoroastrianism and housed a fire temple. There are stories of the fortress of Baku under siege when a heavenly maiden appeared and saved Baku, hence Maiden Tower. Today, the tower houses a small museum on every floor, and there is a good view of Baku, including Icheri Shahar, from the tower top.

Another important landmark of Icheri Sheher is Shirvanshah Palace, which was built by the Shirvanshah dynasty king in the 15th century CE. It is a complex consisting of a palace, a diwanhana, a mosque, a burial place for the royals, and a mausoleum of a Sufi Saint.

This place is one of the two landmarks, the other being the Maiden Tower.

A Mosque entrance near the palace

Icheri Shahar Street

Maiden Tower

This, by and large, finishes the Baku city tour. This city is a delightful place to visit.  Baku has a variety of hotels, hostels, and B&Bs. Our favorite area to stay is Old City and Nizami Street, but there is a caution: Nizami is supposed to be a vehicle-free street. Staying at Nizami may entail carrying your own luggage for a short distance.

Food options are also aplenty, and vegetarian food is available. That means vegetarians can travel worry-free.

Baku is a safe city for everyone, including single female travellers. Overall, this place is worth visiting.

Georgia in Ten Days, Itinerary and Highlights

 Georgia in 9 days

Introduction. 

Georgia is a beautiful country in the Caucasus region. It has Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye as its land neighbours. It also has a long coast of the Black Sea.

Georgia, along with Armenia, was one of the first two countries to adopt Christianity outside the Middle East. Christianity, therefore, is deeply rooted in the life of Georgians. This country offers great nature, snow-clad mountains, wine-producing regions, and ancient towns full of history. There are fortresses (caution - they are nothing compared to mammoth forts that we see in India, go with your expectations duly modified), convents, monasteries, churches, and cathedrals.

And one cannot describe Georgia without discussing its great food and wine. The Georgian food options are plenty, including vegetarian food. Vegan food has also caught up in Georgia.  It is said that wine was invented in Georgia some 4000 years ago. It is obviously great to have wine where it all started, and Georgian wines are great wines.

Now that we have told you about all the things you can do there, let's create a 10-day / 9-night itinerary to experience everything mentioned by us.

Itinerary

Day one and two (Two Nights)

Spend them in Tbilisi (pronounced as Bilisi with T silent). Day one is to be utilised for a city tour of Tbilisi, and Day two for visiting nearby places like the Chronicles of Georgie, Sabaduri Forest, etc. 

Tbilisi Skyline

Day three and four (Third Night)

Travel to Signaghi and then to Telavi. This is the most important wine region of Georgia. Make sure that you visit and tour a winery. Stay 3rd night at Telavi. If you can stay in one of the vineyards, that is even better. Day four is spent in travel to Guduri / Kazbegi, the hills of Georgia. On the fourth night, stay at one of these two places.

Vineyards of Telavi

Day five and six (fifth night) 

Visit Trinity Church, Dariali Monastery, etc, enjoy many moods of Mount Kazbegi. Spend the 5th night at this place. On day six, travel to Kutaisi. Sixth night is at Kutaisi,

Mount Kazbegi -  night mood

Day seven 

Visit nearby places around Kutaisi. Visit the Green Market in Kutaisi. 7th Night also at Kutaisi.

Colchis Fountain, Kutaisi

Days eight and nine

There are three options for day 8 : 

(a) Either continue staying at Kutaisi and enjoy this beautiful town. Stay at Kutaisi on the 8th night and go to Tbilisi, visiting Borjomi on the way, and spend 9th night there.

(b) Or travel to Batumi,  spend a good time at Batumi sea shore and the city and spend the evening and 8th night there. On the ninth day, travel to Tbilisi via Borjomi and spend the ninth night at Tbilisi.

(c) Else travel to Borjomi on the eight day after lunch from Kutaisi, and spend the 8th night there. The next day, visit Borjomi and then head to Tbilisi for the 9th night.

Borjomi, as seen from a viewpoint

Alphabet Tower, Batumi

Day ten - Departure day.

This way, one can spend 10 productive days in Georgia.

Highlights of this trip will be -

(a) Get to know Georgia as a country and Georgians as its people.

(b) Enjoy Georgian Cuisine, almost always freshly made, and plenty of things available for Vegetarians and Vegans.

(c) Georgia is a paradise for people seeking adventure and treks.

(d) Beautiful Nature and Plenty of fresh fruits, etc.

(e) History and monuments.

(f) Above all, vineyards and full-bodied local wine. Remember, Georgians invented wine and even today, some of the wine is still made the same way as it was made 3000 years ago.

Our verdict - Go to Georgia.

Andharban Trek, Fun Way to Spend a day near Pune

 ANDHARBAN, AN ENERGISING DAY TRIP FROM PUNE

Are you tired of a back-breaking work schedule? Is frustration taking over your psyche? Are you seeking a challenge to get over all these?

Andharban Trek, just 70 km from central Pune has the perfect answer. Let's go.

Andharban can be reached by any mode of transport like Bike, Car, Taxi or bus. The route goes through Chandani CHouck and then on to the Tamhini Ghat route. The start point is about 3 km off the main Tamhini Ghat road and the route to this start point is available on Google Maps.

Andharban Trek Start Point

What are the ways to do this Trek?

Andharban Trek can be done in two ways, from the start point at Pimpari Village to a viewpoint about 5 and a half km and back to the start point, in which case, your transport can remain parked at the start point or Start your trek from the start point and go all the way to Bhire dam, covering nearly 13 to 14 km. Your vehicles will have to be taken by the drivers to the endpoint because if the trek is done with this option, the start and the ending points are different. 

One of the Restaurants and Parking

Let us call the first option a round trip and the second option a full trip. For doing the full trip, apart from the requirement of your vehicles going to the end point after dropping you at the start point, carrying packed lunch and having some trekking essentials like ropes, etc are a must. While one may choose to do a round trip without a guide though taking a guide is recommended, for a full trip, taking a guide is a must unless one is a regular at Andharban.

Any which way this trek is done, few things will remain constant. They are the fun, the adventure, the natural beauty and the magical effect.

Andharban is mostly a plain and downhill mixed trek but if you are doing a round trip, the downhill turns to uphill, but the elevation gain or loss is not much. The whole trail is over mud walkways, crushed stone pathways or rocky pathways. 

A stream, See the clouds around the hill

Kundalika Gorge and Bhire Dam at a distance

What to Wear?

A good pair of trekking shoes are recommended though regular sports shoes can do. A Hiking Pole also is recommended (I did the trek without one but those who had the Hiking pole were happy about it). Attire should be a trekking trouser (No Denims) and a half or full slive comfortable T-Shirt and a cap. One must carry a change of clothes in a waterproof bag and also a polythene bag to put wet clothes in because either rain will make one wet and if the rain does not (if you are lucky) the call of waterfalls will lure you under them. That simply means you will be wet either way.

Any Possibility of staying DRY`

What will you see at Andharban?

Andharban will mesmerize the trekkers. The trek has lush greens all around. The deep valley of Kundalika River is always with you, There are lots of waterfalls, small and big, some accessible and some on absolute vertical sheers of Sahyadri hills. The Music of flowing streams is yours to enjoy, Crossing fast-flowing streams will add to this adventure. Sometimes thick fog, rain clouds, mist or all three of them will accompany you. And rain? Andharban is a monsoon trek. Rain is the most essential element of this trek and in this season, if you don't get the rain, your trek is not counted as done😉😉😉.

When you Trek the Andharban, you are in Sudhagad Wild Life Sanctuary

Valley covered in Mist

The trail

Constant companions, Streams

It can really get dark (Dark = Andhar in Marathi) in this forest 

Waterfall and its downstream flow

Shivaling!

Clear View of Kundalika Valley and Bhire Backwaters

The Trail

Who can do it? 

Practically anyone who can walk about 12  to 13 km at a slow pace with adequate breaks can do this trek. Children and children within we adults will love this trek. But if I have to be precise, a child of 10 years till a not-so-old adult of 75 years, can certainly enjoy this trek.

Most people in this photo (Faces erased) are between 55 and 70

And when to Go?

Monsoon is THE season to have the best of everything. Waterfalls can be enjoyed till the end of October, otherwise for its natural beauty, this trek is a year-round trek.

Chalo Andharban!

Guys and Girls, what are you waiting for, let out the child inside you, have fun and have a good time. Heed the call of the great Andharban.