Are you dreaming of a destination that combines rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture? Azerbaijan is your perfect getaway. Being a country that boasts of both modern cities and historical sites, Azerbaijan is an ideal travel destination. No matter what you have in mind, whether it is a honeymoon, a family trip, or an adventurous tour, here at Sharp Holidays, we have prepared numerous programs to everyone’s taste in Azerbaijan.
With a reputation for delivering unforgettable travel experiences, Sharp Holidays offers an exciting range of affordable Azerbaijan holiday packages, perfect for those seeking value without compromising quality. In this guide, we’ll list some of the best things to do in Azerbaijan and how to make your holiday unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan
Before deciding among the best Azerbaijan tour packages, there is one thing people often wonder about: when is the best time to travel to Azerbaijan? It has different climates, so you must choose the right time to make the most of your trip.
Peak Season in Azerbaijan
The best time to go to Azerbaijan is between the months of April to September or early October, making it the country's high season for tourism. The city's climate is comparatively moderate during this period, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 degrees centigrade. People can go for physical activity and enjoy various festivals during this period.
This is because spring is when wildflowers bloom, and many tourists worldwide flock to see them. One of the most popular events in Baku is the Baku Flower Festival, which takes place in May. July and August are especially suitable for lovers of the sea as water in the Caspian Sea is warm during this period. If you want more active, lively nightlife, this is the best time to be in Azerbaijan.
Shoulder Season in Azerbaijan
Mid-March is considered the beginning of the shoulder season, while mid to late October and November constitute the peak of the shoulder season. It is cool, with average temperatures of 8°C to 15°C; it is also least busy and recommended for those who prefer going without crowds. This is one of the best periods to visit Azerbaijan trip on a budget.
However, the prices are relatively low, and the climate is perfect. Two festivals that are not as popular but are equally entertaining are Nowruz, which is observed in March, and Pomegranate Festival, which is observed in October.
Off-Season in Azerbaijan
This is the winter season starting from December, February being the coldest with temperatures ranging between 2-8 degrees Celsius but appropriate for skiing and other winter activities. If you are looking for snow and the winter in Azerbaijan, this is your time.
Visa Requirement for Azerbaijan Trip
Indian tourists usually require a visa for a tour package to Azerbaijan as a requirement for Indian citizens entering the country. Indian citizens have two options to obtain a visa for Azerbaijan: the e-visa and Visa on Arrival.
The most popular one is the e-visa, which can only be used for tourism for up to thirty days. Another option to obtain an entry visa is to apply through e-visa application platforms provided by governmental websites. When you apply for the visa, you can process your application in 5-6 business days. For the e-Visa for Indian nationals, one has to pay around 65 AZN, which can cost Indian Rupees equivalent to approximately 3500 INR.
However, one can carry a travel permit through a Visa on Arrival. If you meet the abovementioned requirements, you can get a Visa on Arrival from any global airport. This reduces the human contact required to collect it at the local embassy. It is also valid for 30 days and around AZN 42 (approximately INR 2,100).
How to Reach Azerbaijan?
By Air: The Most Convenient Way to Reach Azerbaijan from India Flying to Azerbaijan can be easily arranged as it is one of the world's most developed means of transport today. Several flights originated in the central Indian cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, and Kochi, connecting flights to Baku, the booming capital of Azerbaijan.
Flights to Baku:Departing from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, and Kochi
Major Airlines: IndiGo, Qatar Airways, Vistara, Emirates, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and SpiceJet
Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has a diverse history, stunning views, and friendly residents. The country's Georgian landscapes and authentic atmosphere attract tourists for its rich culture, culture tracks, and the historical backdrop of the geography. Here are the most beautiful and historic sites you can visit in Azerbaijan.
Hazrat Zahra Mosque
Hazrat Zahra Mosque is an iconic mosque for Muslims built along the main highways south of Baku with a spectacular view of the Caspian Sea in the background. It is one of the cholent_buildings constructed in the 13 century but was demolished in the soviet period. However, it has since been reconstructed and remains one of the oldest structures of Islamic architectural style in the region today. The place is a religious building well-known for three domes and shiny blue mirrors containing the most essential verses from the Quran. They also deem it fit to pray for fertility at mosques, and that is why you find many barren women thronging mosques. It is among the most popular tourist destinations, hence a must-go when booking discounted Azerbaijan honeymoon packages.
Palace of Happiness
The Palace of Happiness looks very beautiful with its interior and has a fascinating history, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Azerbaijan. Initially constructed in 1912, the palace was designed under the influence of an Italian building that Muxtarov's wife liked. It was built in Neo-Gothic style and constructed as a symbol of love. Now, it is the local museum and the Palace of Marriage Registration. The church's interior is very ornate and has a gothic style, which adds to the screen of romance and history, hence a good point to make a stopover when on the trip. The Palace of Happiness is often included in popular Cheap Azerbaijan Vacation Packages, allowing visitors to explore its fascinating history and stunning architecture.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is in Baku, and it is possible to witness the richness of Azeri civilization here. This museum includes many carpets and rugs, and all of them show the old heritage of excellent techniques inherited from one generation to the next. This is one of the most impressive museums in Baku, and it houses approximately 10,000 artifacts showcased as a reflection of the development of Azerbaijani textiles. One of the crowning achievements in the museum belongs to the Shusha Museum of History, where there is currently a set exhibit of more than six hundred beautiful carpets. This museum is recommended for every art and culture hunter in Azerbaijan as it is full of traditional masterpieces.
Rostropovich Museum
If one is only interested in musicians and genuine souvenirs, the Rostropovich Museum in Baku is a must-visit place. This museum was built at the family house of the famous musician Mstislav Rostropovich. The museum has Photographs, autographs, awards, and other memorabilia that number over 5000, including rare music-related items. This movie can be regarded as a biography of one of the most popular musicians of the current generation. It is a good opportunity to preserve family creativity and the continuity of their impact on musical history; thus, the museum is worth visiting for anybody.
Shirvan Shah's Palace
Shirvan Shah's Palace is one of the buildings exploring Azerbaijan's history and belongs to the list of must-visit places. Baku is the location of this complex, which took several centuries to construct, with the central palace being built in 1411. They include the Divan Khana, the reception hall, the mosque, the bathhouse, and the burial ground. This site's historical and architectural value cannot be overstated, making it quite appealing. It is one of the remarkable and outstanding works representing modern Azerbaijani architecture and artistic accomplishments. Another historic site is the palace, which is included in most Azerbaijan packages and, can be readily arranged to visit.
Famous Foods in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has its own cooking peculiarities based on Turkish and European cuisines, so your taste buds are in for a treat. Food in Great Place is still deeply rooted in tradition and social customs; all meals are made with fresh herbs and spices. If you’re planning a trip, here are some famous foods you should indulge in during your Azerbaijan tour package from India.
Plov
Plov or Polo is an Azeri style and a classic pilaf made from saffron rice, aromatic vegetables, caramelized onions, and stir-fried matted meat, preferably lamb or beef. Vegetables usually complement the dish, and sometimes dried fruits provide a combination of taste between salty and sweet. Every restaurant or food-selling joint prepares Plov in its own style, giving each traveler an exceptional taste to cherish. Plov could be served as a main dish or as an addition to another meal and is considered mandatory for any Azerbaijani meal.
Dolma
Dolma is another popular dish in Azerbaijan. It is made from a vine with tender branches containing seeds stuffed with different ingredients. It is prepared by combining rice, minced meat, and fresh herbs, which are then rolled into the cabbage or vine leaves. It is eaten as a vegetable dish or a relish, which is very popular and commonly used as an appetizer or a complementary dish among people in and outside the region. There are more versions of Dolma in different areas of the country, so you are advised to try them while visiting Azerbaijan.
Kufta Bozbash
The national Azerbaijan dish, Kufta Bozbash, is considered the most delicious soup in the country due to its density and taste. It is a traditional Uzbek dish with minced mutton, mutton bones, peas, potatoes, spices, and herbs to make the broth. Regarding the variety, there are many kinds of Kufta Bozbash in Azerbaijan, and every restaurant has its own way of preparing because of the spices and vegetables.
Baliq
Apart from that, if you are a great fan of seafood, Baliq is one ethnic meal that must not be missed. This is sturgeon with young peppers marinated in salt, lemon juice, chopped dill, and spices, grilled on the skewer, and served with plum sauce. The taste and softness saturated with smoke and sourness attribute Baliq to one of the most popular and mouth-watering recipes of Azerbaijani meals.
Halva
While visiting Azerbaijan, it is almost a sin not to taste the Halva, which is a sweet dessert. This sweet pastry is prepared from fried bread, nuts, sugar, and smooth syrup and has been an integral part of Azerbaijani cuisine for years. There is Halva for every region in the country, but the Sheik takes his special preparation of the delicacy a notch higher by adding something extra that is secret.
Things to Do in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a country that is rich in history and culture and provides much to see and do. Azerbaijan can be of interest to both – history lovers as well as nature lovers and even those who wish to have a good time resting in hotels. Here are some fun activities to make your Azerbaijan trip cost from India for a couple worth every penny:
Grab a Bite to Eat in Baku’s Old City
The city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is famous for its charming Old city which has been enlisted by UNESCO. The place is complemented by the intimidating fortresses, walled streets, numerous galleries and museums, and monuments. It remains a perfect destination for a stroll and exchange with its history and tradition. However, nothing can beat taking a quick tour and grabbing a cup of coffee at any of the beautiful rooftop cafe or restaurants as you feast your eyes on the beauty of the Old City. This is one of those wonderful things you have to do when in Baku: see tasty food mixed with awesome cultural heritage.
Visit the Ancient Churches
Despite the fact that the Christianity has been in Azerbaijan since the 7th century, there are several churches in Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. These buildings with interesting and unique for the given period architecture are considered as great examples of ethnical development of Azerbaijan. If you are interested in the history, culture, and architecture of the area, you will find it satisfying to visit these churches. Without doubt, it’s one of the most interesting things to do in Azerbaijan especially for those who are interested in the country’s history.
Go Hiking Through the Mountains
This is an excellent area for hiking because of its wonderful sceneries and rough terrains in Azerbaijan. Presumably, Caucasus Mountains are associated with perpetual snow cover and are the perfect location for hiking for all those who love nature. From the mountain trails to the village pathways, there is so much to see in this natural abode. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, hiking in Azerbaijan should on your list of places to visit. It will make your traveling experience with the Azerbaijan tour package from India even more exciting by including hiking activities in your tour.
Take a Bath in Healing Oil
To introduce Naftalan resort town stated that for tourists, who need a rest and who seek for therapeutic treatments – there are oil baths. As for the oil, it is globally acclaimed for having medicinal value and is commonly used to treat skin ailments and joint pains caused by rheumatism. It is possible to have a week long bath in this particular oil at one of the wellness centers located in Naftalan. This activity is offered in some of the Azerbaijan packages so if you want leisure and health related treatments then do look for it.
Explore the National Parks
The country of Azerbaijan has an extraordinary climate system and it has been identified that it hosts nine of out the eleven climate zones in the world. The country has nine national parks, therefore there is diverse botany and wildlife in the country. These parks afford a chance for nature walks, wildlife sighting, or just a natural break. If you have a special passion for nature or wildlife, then it will be an exciting thing to do to visit these national parks in Azerbaijan.
