Welcome to Baku, the vibrant capital city of Azerbaijan! This one was a spontaneous decision, to explore the road less traveled. Until recently I hadn't even heard of this lil gem. Thanks to Instagram Influencers, who led me to this exotic destination located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. A former member of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan has a European appeal and Asian culture.
From the moment we stepped off the plane in Baku, it felt like we were walking the red carpet at a movie premiere. The Soviet Union had a love affair with Indian films for long. Raj Kapoor’s Awaara became the symbol of the Hindi-Russi dosti phase. The warmth and hospitality continued throughout our stay in Baku, with locals making us feel special by singing Hindi songs from the 70's.... 'Aawara hun main'. in every corner of the street. In a world where we are called "diversity", the Azari's were romanticizing brown skin and celebrating the beauty of life with such genuine enthusiasm and making us feel like the stars of our own adventure in Baku.
”The dosti is only going to get deeper".
Baku has an impressive and modern skyline with a fusion of wealth and history. From the legacy of its oil billionaires to the grandeur of the iconic monuments, the city offers a glimpse into its rich history and opulence of wealth.
We stayed at a boutique hotel - Promenade located in the Old Town and right across the seaside boulevard and the park that stretches along the bay on the Caspian Sea.
Any new city I go to, I always start with a Walking Tour. Had booked a "Night Baku Tour”. This 2.5- 3 hours night tour will be an amazing experience for someone who enjoys serene night walks. We strolled through Sabir's garden and old town, admiring the historical buildings from the 19th century, absorbing the vibe and illumination of every tree and stone. We reached the Funicular Railway just in time for the last tram and it saved us from climbing 2000 steps – Azerbaijan's only funicular railway takes you from the city centre up to Martyrs Lane - Flame Towers for great views of the city.
You will see the dancing lights of the Flame Towers, a trio of iconic skyscrapers that have become an emblem of the city's modern skyline. Designed by the renowned architectural firm HOK, the Flame Towers rise high above the city, reaching a height of approximately 190 meters (623 feet) each. Their unique design mimics the shape of flames, paying homage to Azerbaijan's historical association with oil and fire.
The facades of the Flame Towers are adorned with an intricate LED lighting system, allowing them to illuminate the Baku skyline with vibrant colors and patterns. The towers create a mesmerizing display at night, showcasing a visual spectacle.
Flame Towers and the city bay panorama will make your tour exquisite and memorable. After the funicular and seeing Martyrs Lane, we walked around the boulevard to enjoy the "city of winds" by the Caspian sea. We treated ourselves to a well-earned dinner and it was an indulgence. Some succulent kebabs, and delectable dolma and the world's best kunafa !. Needless to say, it was a bit more than we bargained for, but well worth every bit-e !
Next morning on our agenda was to get a feel of Baku's cultural heritage. We began our journey by delving into Baku's architectural wonders. Baku's UNESCO-listed Old City, known as Icherisheher was hardly 200 mts from our hotel. The maze-like streets to Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace kept us immersed in the city's past. Maiden Tower "the most majestic and mysterious monument of Baku, Our tour guide narrated the mysteries and legends related to Maiden Tower.
Mornings are warm and sunny, and we immersed ourselves in the city's vibrant culture. Exploring the exhibits showcasing Azerbaijani art, history, and culture, and experiencing local life, we wandered through bustling markets and artisan shops. Here, you can find traditional carpets, exquisite handicrafts, and unique souvenirs to cherish as reminders of your time in Baku.
The official language of Azerbaijan is Azeri. It is a Turkic language and shares similarities with Turkish and other Turkic languages. Azerbaijani culture is renowned for its rich tradition of arts and crafts. Carpet weaving, in particular, holds a special place in the culture and history of the country. Azerbaijani carpets are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exquisite craftsmanship.
A day trip to the countryside
As the urban landscape gradually fade away into rolling hills, listening to turkish beats we arrive at the Heydar Mosque (Bibi-Heybat Mosque): Situated on the outskirts of Baku, overlooking the Caspian Sea, the mosque holds great importance to Azerbaijanis, as it is the historical shrine of Bibi-Heybat, the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.
Originally built in the 13th century, the Bibi-Heybat Mosque was completely destroyed in the 1930s during the Soviet era. However, following Azerbaijan's independence, it was reconstructed in 1994, and today it stands as a symbol of faith and resilience.
Mud Volcanoes
A lunar-like landscape, they erupt with bursts of mud, gas, and sometimes even fire. Unlike traditional volcanoes that spew molten lava, mud volcanoes are formed by the eruption of mineral-rich mud and gases from deep underground. The sight of these mini volcanoes bubbling and oozing with thick, viscous mud is truly captivating. To witness the raw power of nature and appreciate the dynamic forces shaping the Earth's crust. known for its mineral-rich composition, has been used for centuries as a natural skincare remedy. Visitors to the mud volcanoes are intrigued by the potential benefits of this unique mud and choose to indulge in a face-pack experience. Applying the mud as a face pack is believed to cleanse and purify the skin, drawing out impurities and toxins while providing nourishment and hydration. We also filled up our bottles with mud oozing out of the volcano. Yaay !!! I discovered the ultimate beauty treatment of the Persian Queens !!!
Revving up for Formula 1 Week
Our visit coincided with Formula 1 week, and we were getting ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience! Witness the heart-pounding action of the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a more authentic travel experience, the scents of Azerbaijan will excite you. You could capture stunning photographs and create lasting memories… it’s economical and exciting. Indians are the number one tourists post-pandemic. Round trip from India costs about Rs.50,000 and hotels are in the range of Rs. 6000 to 8000. Food is relative cheap and daily meals won't cost you more than Rs. 3000. Outstation trips are also in the range of Rs. 4000 - 5000 per person. Overall you could have a nice vacation for under 1 lakh ! Do not miss out on this beauty …Pack your bags soon.
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