TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN AZERBAIJAN
Azerbaijan as a travel destination is like a Magnum almond ice-cream. The more bites you take and layers you unravel, the more flavoursome and tastier the experience gets. I'd travelled to Azerbaijan in 2017 on my birthday and what a gift the place indeed turned out to be. So, here's my list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan which can help you enjoy your trip to the country -
Top 10 Things To Do In Azerbaijan
1. Explore the Nagorny Park
Also known as the Upland Park, this place has you covering the most famous sights of Baku. From the Parliament of Baku to the Flame Towers, you'll see quite a few landmarks in the vicinity of the park.
Inside you'll see a mosque, an alley of tombs and a memorial monument signifying the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani officers in war.
Beautiful panoramic views of Baku city are an added bonus that this place gives you. Visit this place to be a part of the country's history.
2. Visit the Maiden Tower & taste Pakhlava
Maiden Tower is a cylindrically shaped tower in the heart of the Old City of Baku. You'll see a lot of souvenirs in Azerbaijan featuring the Maiden Tower.
If you're wondering why, then the legend associated with the Maiden Tower should answer your question.
Around the Maiden Tower, you'll see quite a few patisseries & bakeries. So it'll be a crime if you don't experience a Pakhlava tasting travelling this far.
Pakhlava is a delicious pastry of Middle-Eastern origin and whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you got to give this local dish a try!
3. Walk along the Baku Boulevard and visit the Carpet Museum
If there's one place that you can enjoy a stunning sunset from, then Baku Boulevard is that place. With a promenade running parallel to the seafront, it is one of the most happening areas in the city.
Here, you can stroll along the gardens, sit & admire the colourful fountains in the evening or enjoy an Azeri meal in a restaurant at night.
A notable landmark that you'll observe along the way is the Carpet Museum. The museum is innovatively designed like a carpet from the outside and on the inside has a rich collection of Azerbaijani carpets.
4. Explore the Gobustan National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site was declared as the national treasure of the country by the government. It's a dry hill and rocky site with fenced pathways for visitors to explore the place.
You can see images of humans, ships, animals, constellations etc. carved on the rocks. The place reflects the rituals and lives of people in the pre-historic times.
Witness a variety of landscapes around the park like the Caspian Sea, mud volcanoes, human settlements and rocky hilly areas. Interestingly the area was once completely submerged in water.
5. Experience the Temple of "Eternal Fire" - Ateshgah Temple
The Ateshgah Temple is a holy place for both Hindus and Zoroastrians. Firstly you can see an inscription in Sanskrit at the entrance signifying the cultural importance of the temple.
Secondly you'll see pipelines - used in olden times to store natural gas & oil, running across the area. That's how you know that the place has naturally occurring eternal fires.
Furthermore the role of fire in various rituals and ceremonies can be seen in the form of miniature representations. Finally the place symbolizes the spiritual transformation of the believer with fire playing a key role.
So if you're into spirituality, religion or history, you'll definitely love the place. It's one of my favourite places and deservedly makes it into the list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan.
6. Visit the Mountain of Yanar Dag
Ever heard of a place where natural gas is miraculously burning since ancient times? The mountain of Yanar Dag is that place.
After Ateshgah temple, this is another place famous for having an eternal fire. The fire is essentially because of tectonic plate activity and is hence, naturally occurring.
Though I'd call it more of a hill than a mountain, the place surely is one of the wonders of nature. You need to see it to believe it!
7. Spend time at the Fountains Square
After all the exploration and day-tripping, if you crave for a place bustling with lights and people, then head to the Fountains Square. This charming square consists of boutiques, hotels, shops, pubs, restaurants and of course - fountains!
Here, you can -
- have a great meal - be it traditional Azeri cuisine or American fast food,
- enjoy live musical performances with a glass of wine in hand,
- admire the sights of colorful fountains against the backdrop of the night sky,
- party the night away to some great EDM, trance and English music,
- enjoy a romantic walk along the entire stretch of the Square and breathe in the lights and amazing vibe of the place.
8. See the Besh Barmag mountain & walk along the Forest region of Guba
Experience some magic in the mountains as you travel towards the Guba region of Azerbaijan. On your way don't forget to see the Besh Barmag or "Five Finger" mountain. It's 382 metres above sea-level and overlooks the Baku-Guba highway.
The mountain lives up to it's reputation as it actually looks like the 5 fingers of a hand.
Spend some quality time walking in the woods soaking in the cool breeze and sounds of the forest in Guba. The Guba region known otherwise for it's apple orchards is one of the most serene areas in Azerbaijan.
There are some resorts and small restaurants that you can enjoy local Azeri cuisine at. If travelling off the beaten path is your thing, then definitely give this place a try!
9. Spending time and having a meal with an Azeri family
We say that one of the highs of travel is to be able to experience local culture. Then why not do it than just pay lip service? Obviously you can't just drop in at anybody's home and tell them to host you because you're a traveller.
Therefore, if you think your communication skills can't get you this opportunity, then there are travel agencies that can arrange this for you.
I can personally vouch for the experience as I had the best time with Sevta & her beautiful grandkids in their little home. This activity features in my list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan because at the end of the day what can be more satisfying than the hospitality & warmth of local people combined with great food!
10. Enjoy an evening at the Coffeeshop Company
The fact that I spent 2 consecutive nights at this place speaks volumes about it's quality. With a warm, cozy indoor seating and an equally attractive outdoor seating, it's the perfect spot for a relaxed outing.
From food to beer to wine to coffee, it has a variety of options to satisfy your taste-buds.
Add to it, the energetic live musical performances put up by bands and you have an experience to cherish. The place is located at the Fountains Square and is a must-do if you want to experience the dazzling city nights!
So that's my list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan. Hope you can plan your trip better with the help of this post. Azerbaijan as a country can be explored in less than a week so if you have a few days of vacation up your sleeve, do explore this beautiful country.
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IMAGE CREDITS -
Featured Post Image (Flame Towers) - from Wikimedia Commons by Investigation11111
Maiden Tower - from Wikimedia Commons by Daoud Majtahdi
Pakhlava - from Wikimedia Commons by Fmelikov
Baku Boulevard - from TripAdvisor by INMSpace
Carpet Museum - by Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Management
Yanar Dag mountain - from Wikimedia Commons by Frokor
Fountains Square - from Wikimedia Commons by Urek Meniashvili
Guba Forest region - courtesy azernews.az
Coffeeshop Company - from Facebook, courtesy @coffeeshopcompany.az
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