Daily Times

The news is out! Baku has been listed as one of the top new holiday destinations from this end of the world. I had already noticed scores of tourists going there but once I reached there, I realised why this had suddenly become the trendiest spot to visit. With blue skies, cool weather, clean streets, great food and beautiful people, it is a reminder of all that is amazing and incredible with lots of fun places to explore.

Pomegranates galore everywhere. Considered a national symbol in Azerbaijan, the delightful fruit is inculcated in different ways in their motifs, symbolically and as well in their food. You will have a delightful trip exploring unique and ancient sites; souvenir-rich shopping with gorgeous textiles, carpets and delicious food, which will leave you with happy memories (and taste buds).

Azerbaijan is situated between Eastern Europe and Southwestern Asia, in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia on the shores of the Caspian Sea, bordered by Iran, Georgia, Russia, Armenia and Turkey. Once part of the Soviet Union, they gained independence from them in 1991. A successful oil and gas-rich state; they are financially independent and seem to be prospering.

The architecture at length in Baku still displays in parts the visage of the clean lines of Soviet structure which has not quite faded into the background. There is a mix of striking yellow stone European style buildings flanked on either side of the roads which now give way to small scenic parks and fountains as one goes through the city.

Although it is not cheap (as some might tell you), it is certainly worth every penny. You can pick and choose your level of the stay, and the city provides from mid-range accommodation for the budget traveller to highly expensive fares.

Situated on the edge of the Caspian with a lovely boulevard to walk on, sprinkled with boardwalk-style open-air cafes, be prepared for gusts of wind as it is called the “City of Winds.”

A tour boat leaves the port, and you can take a short trip of the Caspian water port and view the sunset over Baku as the city lights go up. The view from different key points of the city shows the Flame Towers trio of buildings. The famous skyscrapers have been designed to symbolically represent the flames of Ahura Mazda in Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan, which was once heralded in ancient times as the “Land of Fire.”

For nature lovers, a tour towards the mountainside to the city of Qabala (Gabala), going through the countryside, is a must. You will find Quince trees, different vegetation, fauna, and enchanting walks along with the famous Yeddi Gozel waterfall. A stop at the end of the tour at one of the mountain ski resorts with a view of a gorgeous lake for afternoon tea and a walk through a village will fill up your entire day.

For the curiously unique view, check out live mud volcanoes at the Gobustan National Park or even the pre-historic rock carvings, an hour away by drive. Or travel towards the Yanar Dag, the Fire Mountain. The 10-meter long fire at the foothill which has been burning continuously for over 60 years! Combine that with a ride to the ancient historical reserve site of the Baku Asteshgah; an ancient Fire temple with historical narratives given inside the different rooms of the temple.

A culture trip is incomplete without the visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center with its award-winning architecture and exhibitions.

Apart from the usual tours, if you are looking to relax, one can explore the open beaches of Bilgah, Mardakan and Novkhany. The Caspian Sea provides ample opportunities for beachgoers to enjoy the waves, the sun and sand.

Foodie concerns? Local cuisine is simply delicious. A similar palate due to the historical connection with their Turkish ancestors, you will not regret splurging on meals here. Eat your fill with platters of bread, fruit, cheese and olives.

The food here in Azerbaijan is a delicious mix of Middle Eastern with a Mediterranean touch. My favourites include the Plov, which is saffron-flavoured rice and comes in different varieties, tons of grilled vegetables and meat dishes of lamb chops, kebabs accompanied by dolmas (stuffed vegetables) and greens for appetisers. For snacks, one can pick up local meat and cheese pies from any bakery or grocery.

Sit in a café in the early evening on the famous Nizami Street and watch as the world goes by. Do try the local Caye (tea) which is served in special decorated glasses, called Armudu. To accompany the tea, they serve different fruit jams with a small spoon; a very unusual and unique local custom to try.

Sip on a pomegranate juice and pick up some souvenirs, walking through the Walled City of Baku (Old City), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you visit the Maiden towers and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

There isn’t an absolute language barrier as the influx of tourists may have ensured that and somebody will always help out for directions. It’s apparently a very safe country to travel to, and you could walk out in the early morning hours or late at night. Their security is a key element and they are very proud of their culture and country.

The avid travel though this amazing city in Azerbaijan will surprise and charm you with many choices to visit and explore and the viewpoint that Baku is now that “must visit” place turns out to be delightfully true.

The writer is known for covering a range of topics, which have a social and cultural impact