Georgia is one of the easiest international destinations for Indians: affordable, close to India, scenic like Europe, and beginner-friendly even for first-time international travellers.
After spending 10 days across Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Kakheti, and Lagodekhi, I have written a detailed Georgia Travel Guide covering everything I learned, costs, visa process, transport, what’s overrated, and what’s absolutely worth your time.
If you’re planning a trip to Georgia for the first time, this guide is exactly where you need to begin.
Quick Facts: Georgia at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Capital | Tbilisi |
| Currency | Georgian Lari (GEL) |
| Best Time to Visit | April–June and September–October |
| Visa for Indians | e-Visa required (visa-free with a valid US/UK/Schengen visa) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 7–10 days, 15 Days for slow, experiential travel |
| Language | Georgian (English works well in cities and tourist areas) |
| Time Zone | GMT+4 (IST –1.5 hours) |
| Flight Time from India | ~5–7 hours (direct or one-stop) |
| Calling Code | +995 |
Best Time to Visit Georgia
You can visit Georgia at any time of the year, but every season offers different experiences. The right time to go depends entirely on your budget and what you want to see.
Spring: April – June ✅ Best for first timers
Spring is the best time to visit Georgia to witness the green mountains, warm weather, and tourist attractions without the peak-season crowds.
This time is especially perfect for Tbilisi walks, Kakheti drives, and mountain excursions. If you are going to Georgia for the first time, you must visit it in the spring.
Summer: July – August
Summers are the best time to enjoy the mountain areas like Kazbegi, Gudauri, & Svaneti. They are breathtakingly gorgeous in summer. But areas like Tbilisi and Sighnaghi get considerably hot during the day.
If you’re visiting in August (as we did), plan your city sightseeing for early mornings and evenings. Escape to the hills in the middle of the day.
Tbilisi was packed at the time, but we didn’t see many tourists in other areas.
Autumn: September – October ✅ Best for wine country
Georgia in October is a different country. In Kakheti, it’s grape harvest season, and so the vineyards are alive, laden with fruit, and fresh juices are extracted for the wine.
Additionally, the autumn colours across the Caucasus are spectacular. It’s the most atmospheric time to visit if Kakheti is on your list, though accommodation in wine country books up fast.
Winter: December – February
If you love winter vacations, you can visit Georgia in winter for the snow. Gudauri transforms into a ski resort with considerably cheaper rates than in Europe.
In December, Tbilisi turns into a quiet, amber-lit destination. However, Kazbegi becomes difficult to access with heavy snowfall.
It snows from December through February in the mountains, and Tbilisi occasionally sees snow too.
My honest suggestion: Go in May or October. You’ll avoid the heat, catch the landscapes at their best, and enjoy the harvest season in Kakheti.
However, at this time, accommodation can be booked quickly, and the tourist place can be crowded.
If you are on a budget, visit in the spring or summer.
Ready to plan your days? Check out my curated 10-day Georgia itinerary to experience the country at a better pace
Visa for Georgia: What Indian Travellers Need to Know
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Georgia, as it is no longer a visa-free destination.
The shortcut: If you hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa (or residence permit), you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your existing stamps before applying.
For everyone else, the process is online and takes 5–7 working days.
At a glance:
- e-Visa fee: ~USD 36 total (~₹3,000)
- Valid for 120 days from issue date; stays up to 30 days per entry
- No embassy visit needed
- From January 2026, travel insurance is mandatory for all tourists entering Georgia
Before booking flights, read this detailed breakdown of the Georgia e-Visa process for Indians, including the new 2026 insurance rule.
How to Reach Georgia from India
Best flights for Georgia
Most travellers fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) as their entry point to Georgia.
You can find direct and one-stop flights from major metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Airlines like IndiGo, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Turkish Airlines cover the route, usually via Dubai, Sharjah, or Istanbul.
Flight time is typically 5–7 hours, including connection.
Tip: Book early morning arrivals in Tbilisi where possible, so you don’t lose your first day. The airport is 20–30 minutes from the city centre.
Other entry points: You can also opt to fly to Batumi (BUS) if you are planning to visit the Black Sea coast.
Kutaisi (KUT) has some international connections worth checking if you’re planning to explore western Georgia.
We didn’t visit either of the two and so flew into Tbilisi.
Georgia Trip Planning resource
| Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Flights | Skyscanner |
| Hotels | Agoda.com |
| eSIM | Yesim |
| Intercity transfers | GoTrip |
| Tours | GetYourGuide |
| Travel insurance | SafetyWing |
Bookmark these guides for reference
- Georgia Visa for Indians (2026) — Start here before anything else
- Georgia Trip Cost from India (2026) — Honest 10-day budget breakdown
- Useful Georgia Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers (2026 Guide)– For tips and tricks
- 10-Day Georgia Itinerary from India — Day-by-day plan for Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kakheti
- 2-Day Tbilisi Travel Guide for Indian Travellers — Where to go, eat, and what to expect
- Best Day Trips from Tbilisi for Couples & Families — Kazbegi, Mtskheta, Kakheti and more
- Things to Do in Kakheti: A Practical Guide — Beyond the standard wine tour
- Winery Khareba, Kakheti: Review — One of Kakheti’s most striking wineries
- Lagodekhi National Park Trek: Honest Review — What to expect, who it’s right for
How to Get Around Georgia?
Georgia’s regions are spread out, offering varied experiences. There are 4 ways to get around the country.
Private Driver — Our Choice
We travelled with a private driver throughout, and I’d recommend it without hesitation for couples or small groups covering multiple regions.
- With a private driver, you can leave at your own time and stop whenever something catches your eye.
- A private driver is also safer & more convenient, especially while travelling with family and kids.
- Drivers are generally reliable, speak functional English, and costs are negotiable.
For a full-day transfer (Tbilisi to Kazbegi, for instance), expect around ₹3,500–6,000.
For day trips, you can book through GoTrip, which covers intercity routes and transfers across Georgia.
But if you want the same driver for the entire trip, you also book a multi-city transfer with GoTrip. (We had the same driver throughout, and it was much easier than having to book daily)
Best for: Couples, families, first-time visitors, and anyone doing multiple regions.
Rental Car — Good If You’re Confident
If you’re a comfortable driver, renting gives you the most freedom.
City roads and major highways are well-paved. However, mountain roads to Kazbegi or to Svaneti require experience and, ideally, an SUV.
Georgia drives on the right.
You’ll need an International Driving Permit alongside your Indian licence. For a hassle-free experience, you can book through Rentalcars.com or local agencies in Tbilisi.
Caveats: Parking in Tbilisi can be chaotic, as it is in most metro cities, and driving on the mountain roads can be tricky.
Public Transport – Marshrutkas (Shared Minibuses)
If you are planning to get the real Georgian experience, try Marshrutkas, which are shared minibuses, like we have buses or rickshaws in India.
They are cheap (Tbilisi to Telavi costs around ₹150–200), and connect most major towns and cities.
However, they have fixed departure times (usually when the van fills up), no AC on most, and no door-to-door convenience.
Still, they are best for budget travel in Georgia if you are really short on money.
You can book marshrutkas from bus stations or 12go.
Best for: Solo backpackers, budget travellers,
Train & Buses
You can also opt for Georgian trains that connect Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi.
Best for: Tbilisi–Batumi and Tbilisi–Kutaisi travel.
Georgia SIM Card for Tourists
- Local SIM at the Airport
We bought a local SIM at Tbilisi airport on arrival. Magti is a good option.
It worked well throughout the trip, including in Kakheti and Lagodekhi. A tourist SIM with 5–10GB of data costs around GEL 10–15 (~₹350–500).
However, you would have to present your passport to buy one.
- eSIM — For Convenience Before You Land
If you’d rather arrive with data already active, especially useful for late-night landings or if you don’t want to swap SIMs, you can buy an eSIM from Yesim. It provides instant data, works on any eSIM-compatible phone, and keeps your Indian number active.
I had a bad migraine when I landed in Tbilisi, and having an active internet plan was a great help in finding an airport transfer and hotel navigation.
If your phone supports eSIMs, Yesim is the easiest setup before departure.
Georgia Trip Cost, Money & Currency.
Georgia’s currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). As of 2026, roughly 1 GEL ≈ ₹28–31.
The most important thing to know: Bring USD or EUR in cash. Georgia’s best exchange rates are at private currency exchange counters in Tbilisi, particularly around Liberty Square, the stadium, and Rustaveli Avenue.
Avoid exchanging at the airport beyond what you need for your first cab.
Cards work at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, small vendors, marshrutka drivers, and market stalls are almost always cash-only.
Rough daily costs per person (mid-range):
- Accommodation: ₹2,500–4,500/night
- Meals: ₹400–1,000/day
- Transport: ₹500–1,500/day
- Experiences: ₹200–2,000 per activity
A Georgia trip under 1 lakh per person for 10 days, including flights, is realistic if you’re thoughtful about accommodation and use a mix of private drivers and marshrutkas.
For a full cost breakdown with actual numbers: Georgia Trip Cost from India (2026)
Where to Go in Georgia: Regions Explained
Georgia is small enough that most destinations are accessible within a few hours of Tbilisi. Here’s what each region actually offers and who it’s best suited for.
🏙️ Tbilisi — Always Start Here
Recommended time: 2 full days minimum; we spent 4 days.
Tbilisi is the common entry point for most, and it is more stunning than many other capital cities in the world.
The city blends old and new, with attractions like cobblestone alleys in the Old Town, wooden balconies draped over narrow streets, sulphur baths steaming at the base of a fortress, etc.
You would love walking around.
A Tbilisi walking itinerary across Peace Bridge, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Old Town lanes, Gabriadze puppet show, Narikala Fortress, and a long dinner on Shardeni Street can cover two full days without once feeling rushed.
You would also enjoy some hidden places in Tbilisi, like Dry Bridge, the quieter lanes behind Shardeni, the Desserts market, etc., for its old charm and vibe.
📖 Full guide: 2-Day Tbilisi Travel Guide for Indian Travellers
⛰️ Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) — The Beautiful Caucasus Mountains
Recommended time: 1–2 days (day trip or overnight) Distance from Tbilisi: ~150 km, ~3 hours When to go: May–October; December–March for snow
Kazbegi is a non- negotiable part of any Georgia itinerary. The Caucasus ranges are massive, green, and quietly overwhelming. The main tourist attraction is the Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 metres, with Mt Kazbek as its backdrop, which looks unreal and breathtakingly beautiful.
That mountain view is etched in my brain and a must-visit, even if you are a beach person.
The best way to enjoy Kazbegi is to drive up the Georgia mountain itinerary route, while halting for small stops like Jinvali Reservoir, the Ananuri Fortress & the Gudauri Peace Monument viewpoint.
While you can easily do a day trip to Kazbegi, go overnight if you can. The mountains look different at dawn and at dusk, when the light is different. Witnessing an evening in Stepantsminda, with the church glowing above the valley, was one of my most memorable moments of the Georgia trip.
📖 Full guide: Best Day Trips from Tbilisi for Couples & Families
🍷 Kakheti — For Wine Tasting & Slow Walks In the City
Recommended time: 2 days minimum Distance from Tbilisi: ~80 km, ~1.5 hours When to go: September–October for harvest; April–June for quiet
Georgia is known to be the birthplace of wine, and Kakheti is its heartland. It is also one of the most underrated regions for slow travel in Georgia.
I stayed overnight in Kakheti and highly recommend it to feel its calming atmosphere during many of the slow walks across the city. Almost every home has grapevines growing overhead, and Telavi, the capital city, is quieter and calmer than Tbilisi with wide, clean streets & well-dressed locals.
The main attraction of Kakheti is its wine, which doesn’t change even if you are a non-drinker. When in Kakheti, visit Sighnaghi, the “city of love,” for the panoramic hilltop view of the Alazani and an old town charm. Also, go for a wine tour and a wine tasting in wineries.
If you have time and you love nature, do not miss Lagodekhi National Park.
📖 In-depth review of Kakheti: Things to Do in Kakheti: A Practical Guide to Georgia’s Wine Region
📖 Also see: Winery Khareba, Kakheti: Review
🌿 Lagodekhi National Park — For Anyone Who Wants to Hike
Recommended time: Half day to full day Distance from Telavi: ~1 hour When to go: April–October
Lagodekhi sits at the far eastern edge of Kakheti, close to the Azerbaijan border, and it’s one of those offbeat places in Georgia that most itineraries skip entirely. The national park has five trekking trails of varying difficulty.
You don’t need to be an experienced trekker.
We did the hike to Rocho (Black Grouse) Waterfall, about 5 hours total, easy to moderate, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of the entire trip.
📖 Detailed review: Lagodekhi National Park Trek: Honest Review + Tips for Beginners
🌊 Batumi — The Black Sea Add-On
Recommended time: 1–2 days Distance from Tbilisi: ~350 km, ~5 hours or overnight train When to go: June–September
Batumi is Georgia’s resort city with beachfront promenades, casinos, botanical gardens, and a skyline of futuristic towers. It looks and feels completely different from the rest of Georgia.
It houses the famous Ali Nino statue, which you might have seen in pictures.
The overnight train from Tbilisi is genuinely the best way to get there. It is comfortable, scenic, and it saves you a night’s accommodation cost. (Check rates of overnight train from Tbilisi to Batumi at 12go.com)
Honest caveat: Batumi is the most commercialised part of Georgia. If your time is limited, I’d prioritise Kazbegi and Kakheti. Visit only if you have a 10+ day trip and want a beach day.
We skipped Batumi and instead spent 2 more days in Tbilisi, exploring the city.
🏔️ Gudauri — Only for Winter Sports and Paragliding
Recommended time: 1–2 days Distance from Tbilisi: ~120 km, ~2.5 hours When to go: December–March for skiing; May–September for paragliding
Gudauri sits at ~2,196 metres and is Georgia’s most established ski resort. In winter, it is one of the best places for skiing, better than European resorts, commercially.
You can also do paragliding from the Gudauri plateau in the summer in the Caucasus.
🏛️ Mtskheta — History in Half a Day
Recommended time: 2–4 hours Distance from Tbilisi: ~25 km, ~40 minutes
Mtskheta is Georgia’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — a 4th-century church that allegedly houses the robe of Christ- is one of the most significant religious sites in the Caucasus.
It’s also genuinely beautiful: a massive stone structure rising above a riverside town with mountains on three sides.
Also, visit the Jvari monastery for the breathtaking views.
It is best to do a half-day trip to Mtskheta as a standalone morning excursion from Tbilisi.
Don’t skip it if you’re passing through.
🏞️ Kutaisi & Western Georgia: For the Traveller Going Deeper
Distance from Tbilisi: ~220 km, ~3.5 hours. When to go: May–October
Western Georgia is less visited, but for travellers looking to go beyond the standard circuit, it is worth visiting ( as recommended by my friends)
Kutaisi houses the famous Prometheus & Tetri Cave (one of the largest show caves in the world), Martvili and Okatse Canyon, and the ancient Gelati Monastery.
I haven’t personally spent time in Kutaisi, so I won’t give you a recommendation I can’t stand behind.
However, the natural sites of Georgia, the caves, and the canyons are on the list for my next Georgia trip.
Before deciding on places to visit in Georgia for your trip, read the day trip guide from Tbilisi for the details.
Food in Georgia: What to Eat, What’s Vegetarian-Friendly
Georgian food is flavourful, varied, and accessible for vegetarians.
Must-Try Dishes in Georgia
- Khachapuri — Georgia’s most famous dish: a bread boat filled with molten cheese, topped with a butter-poached egg. There is also an Adjarian version, shaped like a boat.
- Khinkali — Soup dumplings. These look like momos and are filling. While it is traditionally made with meat, they offer vegetarian versions too.
- Badrijani Nigvzit — Georgian Eggplant Roll. Fully vegetarian, intensely flavourful, and the first thing I’d order anywhere.
- Pkhali — Spinach, beetroot, or bean balls made with walnut paste and herbs. Entirely vegetarian.
- Lobiani — Flatbread filled with spiced kidney beans.
- Churchkhela — Walnut strings dipped in grape must and dried. The national sweet snack.
Vegetarian food in Georgia: The Honest Picture
Vegetarian food in Georgia is easily available throughout the country. Even in small towns, people are kind and often make a vegetarian version of their dishes when requested.
There are also many Indian restaurants in the country. However, it is best to ask ahead about the ingredients and inform them about your preference. ( Egg or no egg).
If you want the most authentic experience, look for ‘Sakhli’ (home) style restaurants. They don’t have menus; they just serve what was cooked that day. It’s the ultimate slow-travel win
Cost of Food in Georgia
- A full meal at a mid-range restaurant rarely exceeds ₹600–800 per person, including a drink.
- Khachapuri at a bakery costs ₹80–120.
- A sit-down dinner at a proper Georgian restaurant in Tbilisi, with wine, runs ₹1,200–2,000 for two.
Where to Stay in Georgia
The properties in Georgia are beautiful, whether homestays or hotels. Even a simple 3-star hotel is comfortable and luxurious.
Tbilisi
You can stay in Old Town and find most attractions within walking distance. On the other hand, Rustavelli areas have some of the luxury hotels, if that’s your preference.
We stayed near the stadium in the Ibis Stadium, a budget hotel with comfortable rooms and good facilities. It is a budget hotel with a beautiful neighbourhood to explore.
Kakheti (Telavi)
In Kakheti, you can stay in boutique hotels to experience the charm of its surroundings. We stayed at the Seventeen Rooms hotel in Telavi and would recommend it.
Staying in Telavi gives you a better base than Sighnaghi if you’re visiting the national park and surrounding areas.
Guesthouses in smaller villages often include breakfast and dinner — they’re worth considering for a more immersive wine country experience.
Kazbegi
Book accommodation in Stepantsminda village, with views of the mountains. The views from guesthouses here are extraordinary.
We stayed in Port Caucasia, a good mid-range hotel with its own winery and wine shop.
- In Kazbegi and Kakheti, smaller guesthouses with mountain views sell out surprisingly fast in summer. We booked ours 3 weeks early through Agoda.com and still found limited options.
- For Kazbegi and Mestia in peak summer (July–August), make bookings a few weeks ahead. These fill up faster.
How Many Days Do You Need in Georgia?
This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is: 7–10 days is perfect for a first trip. If you have:
- 5 days: Tbilisi + Kazbegi + a day trip to Kakheti. Doable but rushed.
- 7 days: Tbilisi (2days) + Kazbegi (2 days) + Kakheti with Lagodekhi (2 days) + travel days. This is the solid first-timer plan.
- 10 days: The above plus Mtskheta, a slower pace in Kakheti, Batumi, or Kutaisi as an add-on. ( My recommendation)
- 14+ days: Perfect for a slow trip. You can go deeper into western Georgia, along with all the above.
For a detailed day-by-day breakdown: 10-Day Georgia Itinerary from India
For the best single-day excursions from Tbilisi: Best Day Trips from Tbilisi for Couples & Families
How Much Does a Georgia Trip Cost from India?
A mid-range 10-day trip from India for 2 people typically costs ₹90,000–₹1,20,000 per person, including flights.
The range depends on accommodation choices, whether you hire private drivers, and which experiences you include.
You can also do a budget travel, if you opt for public transport, through marshrutkas, stay in guesthouses, and avoid expensive experiences.
It is easily possible to do a Georgia trip under 1 lakh per person.
Get a full cost breakdown for a Georgia trip from India: Georgia Trip Cost from India (2026)
Who Is Georgia Best For?
| Traveller Type | Is Georgia Good? |
|---|---|
| Couples | Excellent |
| Families | Very good |
| Solo Female Travellers | Generally safe |
| Vegetarians | Easy |
| Luxury Travellers | Good value |
| Backpackers | Excellent |
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to Georgia
Is Georgia safe for Indian tourists?
Yes, Georgia is generally considered safe for indian travellers, including solo travellers. Tbilisi is walkable at night, locals are hospitable, and petty crime is low by any international standard.
Do I need a visa for Georgia from India?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa, unless you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visa. The Georgia e-Visa can be applied for online, typically gets approved in 5–7 working days, and costs approximately USD 36 (~₹3,000). Full details: Georgia Visa for Indians.
Is Georgia expensive for Indians?
No, you can travel in Georgia at the same cost as you would in any other South Asian country. Relative to other European destinations, Georgia is very affordable.
A mid-range 10-day trip costs approximately ₹90,000–₹1,20,000 per person, including flights. Budget travellers can do it for less. Read the full cost breakdown for a Georgia Trip from India
Is Georgia good for vegetarians?
Yes, there are ample dishes in Georgia for vegetarians to eat. You can try khachapuri (cheese bread), pkhali (walnut-herb balls), badrijani nigvzit (aubergine with walnut paste), lobiani (bean flatbread), etc. You can also dine in Indian restaurants for vegetarian and vegan food.
Is 2 days enough in Georgia?
No, Georgia has ample experiences to offer. In 2 days, you will only be able to enjoy the sightseeing of its capital city. You need at least 5-7 days in Georgia.
What is the best way to get around Georgia without a car?
If you are on a budget, Marshrutkas (shared minivans) are the best way to travel between and within cities. For those who want flexibility without the stress of driving mountain roads, a private driver is the most practical option, bookable through 12go.asia & Gotrip. You can opt for trains for the Tbilisi–Batumi route.
Is Kazbegi worth visiting?
Yes. The combination of the Caucasus mountains, the Gergeti Trinity Church, and the Georgian Military Highway drive makes Kazbegi one of the best day trips from Tbilisi.
If you can stay overnight, doing the mountain at dawn and dusk is a different experience from what day-trippers see.
You can check out the spots to visit in Kazbegi in Day Trips from Tbilisi
Discover more from The Hopping Tales Journal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply