Georgia
factsheet
Ancient Caucasus kingdom where mountains meet wine valleys, monasteries crown hilltops, and wine-drinking traditions span 8,000 years.
Planning a trip to Georgia? Discover the best months to visit, visa basics for Indian citizens, and suggested trip durations for a perfect Caucasus getaway.
The Essentials
Best Time
May-Oct, Mar-Apr
Currency
GEL (₾)
Climate
Temperate-Subtropical
Time Zone
UTC+4 (GET)
Language
Georgian
Visa
E-Visa (Indians)
Capital
Tbilisi
Population
3.8M
Calling Code
+995
Power Plug
Type C & F (220V)
Tipping
10% appreciated, not mandatory
Emergency
112
History & Heritage
Georgia – one of the most popular travel destinations in the world has a history that dates back 3,000 years. As the cradle of wine-making, this Caucasian jewel continues to preserve its 8,000 years old Qvevri traditions along with its native grape varieties such as Saperavi. With its past comprising kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia and its Golden Era marked by Queen Tamar, this country's roots lie in its Eastern Orthodox religious background as well as Upper Svaneti region. The culture, alphabet and renowned Georgian hospitality have endured through the ages amidst various empires.
Ancient Kingdoms (8th Century BC - 4th Century AD)
The Kingdom of Colchis (western Georgia) and Kingdom of Iberia (eastern Georgia) emerged as major trading hubs. Known as the land of the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology, Georgia traded gold, wine, and silks with Greeks, Persians, and Romans. The Silk Road trade enriched these early kingdoms.
Christianization & Kush the Apostle (4th Century AD 330-338)
Saint Nino, a Greek missionary, arrived in Georgia and converted the kingdom to Christianity. This date (330 AD) marks Georgia's conversion to Christianity, making it one of the earliest Christianized nations. The Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church became central to national identity.
Bagrationi Dynasty & Golden Age (888-1213)
King David the Builder (1089-1125) unified Georgia and defeated the Seljuk Turks, expanding Georgian territory to its greatest extent. His great-granddaughter, Queen Tamar the Great (1184-1213), expanded Georgia into an empire rivaling European powers, reaching from the Caucasus to Mesopotamia. This era produced magnificent architecture and literature.
Decline & Foreign Rule (1243-1918)
Mongol invasions (1243), followed by Tamerlane's devastation (1386-1403), fragmented Georgia into smaller kingdoms. By the 17th century, Georgia was divided between Ottoman and Persian influence. The 1795 Russo-Turkish War began Russian encroachment. By 1801, Georgia became part of the Russian Empire, losing sovereignty for 119 years.
Independence & Soviet Era (1918-1991)
Georgia declared independence in 1918 and became a brief Democratic Republic (1918-1921). However, Soviet forces incorporated Georgia into the USSR in 1921. For 70 years, Georgia remained a Soviet Socialist Republic under Moscow's control until the Soviet collapse.
Modern Independence (1991-Present)
On April 9, 1991, Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union. The Rose Revolution (2003) and ongoing European integration marked Georgia's westward trajectory. Despite regional conflicts, Georgia developed into a vibrant modern nation: winemaker, democratic reformer, tourist destination, and cultural bridge between East and West.
Climate & Weather
Georgia experiences diverse climates due to geographical variation. Coastal areas (Batumi) are subtropical; mountain regions (Caucasus) are alpine. The Black Sea moderates temperatures on the coast, while inland areas experience continental patterns. Rainfall is higher in western regions; eastern areas drier.
Time Zone
GET (UTC+4)
3 hours 30 minutes behind IST (India Standard Time)
Best Months
May, June, September, October (also March-April spring)
Spring (გაზაფხული)
Mar – May
8–20°C
Wildflowers bloom. Easter celebrations. Moderate rainfall in April. Perfect for hiking. Wine harvest begins late May. Tbilisi averages 15°C.
Summer (ზაფხული)
Jun – Aug
20–30°C
Long daylight. Hot, dry in lowlands; cool in mountains. Beach season on Black Sea. Mountain trekking ideal. Batumi coastal paradise. Tbilisi can reach 32°C.
Autumn (შემოდგომა)
Sep – Oct
12–23°C
Golden foliage. Grape harvest season. Clear skies. Fewer tourists. Wine region festivals. Perfect sightseeing weather. Tbilisi averages 18°C. Rain increases late October.
Winter (ზამთარი)
Nov – Feb
-5–10°C (Mountains), 0–10°C (Lowlands)
Snow in Caucasus mountains. Ski season (Gudauri). Mild in coastal areas. Cold in Tbilisi (0-8°C). Rainy in west (Batumi). Cozy indoors experience. Budget-friendly hotels.
Seasonal Packing List
Language Guide
Official Language
Georgian (ქართული - Kartuli)
Georgian is a South Caucasian (Kartvelian) language spoken by ~4 million people. It is entirely unique—unrelated to Indo-European or Turkic languages. The Georgian script, dating to 5th century AD, is UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage. English proficiency is moderate (40-50% among younger Georgians). Russian widely understood by older generations. Many Georgians speak Russian and English.
Local Signage
Useful Phrases
Hello
sah-LAH-mee
სალამი (Salami)
Thank you
GMAH-dlobt
გმადლობთ (Gmadlobt)
Goodbye
KAR-gee / nakh-vah-MEE-dis
კარგი (Kargi) / ნახვამდის (Nakhvamidis)
Yes / No
KEE / AH-rah
კი (Ki) / არა (Ara)
Please
GTKHO-vt
გთხოვთ (Gtkhov't)
Excuse me
bo-DEE-shee
ბოდიში (Bodishi)
How much?
RAM-deh-nee GHEER?
რამდენი ღირს? (Ramdeni Ghirs?)
Where is...?
SAHD AH-ris?
სად არის...? (Sad Aris?)
Also Commonly Spoken
English
Growing fast, especially among youth under 35 and in Tbilisi. Hotels, restaurants, tourist sites increasingly English-speaking.
Russian
Widely understood by older generations and still used in business. Many Georgians over 40 prefer Russian.
Turkish
Spoken by some in border regions. Cultural proximity makes it useful in certain areas.
Georgian
Essential to learn basics. Georgians appreciate efforts to speak their unique language. Widely spoken everywhere.
Currency & Money
Official Currency
Georgian Lari
₾ (GEL) — 1 GEL = 100 Tetri
Banknotes
1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 GEL
Coins
1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Tetri; 1, 2 GEL
ATMs & Withdrawal
Abundant throughout Georgia, especially in Tbilisi and major cities. Accept Visa/Mastercard/Amex. Minimal fees (1-2%). Accessible in smaller towns too.
Credit & Debit Cards
Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops in urban areas. Contactless payments increasingly common. Cash preferred in bazaars, rural areas, and smaller establishments.
Cash
Essential, especially in markets, rural areas, and smaller shops. Many businesses still prefer cash. GEL notes are colorful and distinctive.
Daily Budget Estimates
Budget Traveler
30-50 GEL (~₹1,000-1,670)
Mid-Range Traveler
60-100 GEL (~₹2,000-3,335)
Luxury Traveler
150+ GEL (~₹5,000+)
Visa & Entry
Visit official e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.ge)
Complete online application with personal and travel details
Upload scanned documents (passport, photo, travel plan)
Pay visa fee online (GEL 40-50) via credit/debit card
Receive decision within 5-10 working days by email
Print e-Visa or save digital copy on phone
Present e-Visa and passport at Georgian border/airport immigration
Registration
If staying longer, register with local police migration office (Kartvit Migracit Samslavis Saarchi).
E-Visa holders do not require additional registration for stays up to 30 days.
Penalty: Non-registration can result in fines (50-100 GEL) or deportation for longer stays
Visa Extension
Apply at migration office (Migracit Samslavis Saarchi) 7-10 days before expiration.
Cost: Extension fees vary; typically GEL 40-60
Requirements
- • Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond departure date)
- • Passport-size color photo (digital copy, JPEG format)
- • Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof
- • Return airline ticket or proof of onward travel
- • Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
- • Proof of financial means (sufficient funds for stay)
- • Travel itinerary and purpose of visit
- • Email address and valid contact information
Getting There & Around
Intercity Travel
Minibuses (Marshrutka)
Most common inter-city transport. Depart Central Station when full. Routes to Sighnaghi (1.5h), Kazbegi (3h), Ganja (5h), Batumi (6h). €2-8 depending on route.
Private Drivers/Tours
Arranged through hotels or tour agencies. Best for Kakheti wine region, Kazbegi, mountain tours. €40-100+ per day.
International Buses
Connections to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey. Less frequent. €10-30 depending on route.
Car Rental
International license required. Roads good to excellent. €25-50 daily. Popular for North-South Georgia road trip.
Culture & Local Life
Warm Georgian Hospitality with Strong Family Values
Georgian culture is built on profound hospitality—the phrase 'Qonaq gele'ndze, berakat ge'lendze' ('When a guest arrives, blessing arrives') defines the national character. Georgians are warm, hospitable, wine-loving people deeply connected to family, food, and celebration. Modern Georgia balances ancient Orthodox traditions with secular progressive values. Tamada (toasting tradition) and communal feasting are central to social life.
Tamada Toasting Tradition
A designated Tamada (toastmaster) leads formal toasts at dinners. Toasts can last 10+ minutes and cover themes from love to suffering to overcoming enemies. Participants stand and drink to each toast. This ancient tradition bonds communities and is central to Georgian celebrations.
Communal Feasting (Supra)
Georgian feasts (supra) are elaborate, multi-course celebrations where guests recline at long tables laden with food and wine. Generous portions, constant refills, and continuous toasting create an atmosphere of abundance and unity. The table is a sacred space of connection.
Wine Culture & Qvevri Method
Georgia's 8,000-year wine tradition centers on the qvevri—large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation. This ancient method produces distinctive orange/amber wines. Wine is spiritual, medicinal, and social. Wine tours are pilgrimage-like experiences in Kakheti region.
Bread as Sacred
Bread (puri or lavash) is considered sacred in Georgian culture. Breaking bread together signifies trust and covenant. Wasting bread is taboo. Bakers and bread-making are revered traditions spanning millennia.
Novruz Fire Celebrations
Novruz (Persian New Year) celebrated March 20-26 with fire-jumping (Chacha), bonfires, and renewal rituals. Though culturally similar to Azerbaijani traditions, Georgian Novruz emphasizes family gathering and spring purification.
Gifting Etiquette
Wrap gifts nicely. Avoid odd numbers (associated with funerals in some contexts). Good gifts: chocolates, wine, cognac, flowers (odd numbers). Open gifts in front of giver. Don't give excessively valuable gifts (implies debt or impropriety).
Business Etiquette
Formal at first meetings. Business cards exchanged respectfully. Punctuality increasingly valued. Relationships built over time; patience appreciated. Hierarchies respected but relatively informal. First-name basis common once rapport established.
Dining Etiquette
Wait for host to begin. Bread placed on table (never on plate). Finish food to show appreciation. Use fork and knife (not hands unless culturally appropriate). Toasting before eating is protocol. Compliment cook generously. Service charge often included (5-10%); additional tip appreciated.
Food & Drink
Georgian cuisine combines fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and bold flavors reflecting millennia of Mediterranean, Persian, and Caucasian influences. Food is celebration, art form, and spiritual practice. Khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (soup dumplings) are national dishes. Georgian meals are communal affairs where wine flows, toasts endless, and hospitality manifests through abundance.
Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)
Khinkali (Soup Dumplings)
Mtsvadi (Grilled Meat)
Pkhali (Herb & Vegetable Pâté)
Lobio (Bean Stew)
Shkmeruli (Chicken in Cream Sauce)
Chakapuli (Herb Soup)
Dining Etiquette
- • Meal times: Breakfast 7-9 AM, Lunch 12-2 PM, Dinner 7-10 PM
- • Restaurants open 11 AM-midnight; cafes earlier
- • Service charge often included (5-10%); additional tip (2-5 GEL) appreciated
- • Communal dining (sharing plates) is common and encouraged
- • Wine is integral to meals; toasting before eating expected
- • Bread (puri) sacred—never waste, place upside down, or step on
- • Vegetarian/vegan options increasingly available in cities
- • Alcohol widely available; Georgian wine culture very strong
Signature Drinks
Shop & Bring Home
Georgia offers unique shopping: world-famous wines from ancient vineyards, traditional crafts from mountain villages, hand-woven carpets, and unique souvenirs. Shopping blends ancient bazaar traditions with modern malls. Georgian wine is the ultimate souvenir—8,000 years of tradition in every bottle.
Wine & Spirits
3-30 GEL
- Georgian Qvevri Wine (Orange/Red/White)
- Regional Wines (Saperavi, Rkatsiteli)
- Cognac & Brandies
- Chacha (Grape Spirit)
- Wine Accessories
Wine is the ultimate Georgian souvenir. Carry carefully or purchase locally just before departure.
Carpets & Textiles
20-500+ GEL
- Hand-woven Caucasian Carpets
- Traditional Kilims
- Embroidered Fabrics
- Wool Products
- Traditional Textiles
Authentic handmade carpets are investments; verify origins and authenticity.
Crafts & Souvenirs
5-100 GEL
- Wooden Carvings
- Pottery & Ceramics
- Icons (Religious art)
- Khachapuri Molds
- Traditional Musical Instruments
Mountain villages produce authentic crafts; bazaars offer mass-produced tourist items.
Food & Spices
2-30 GEL
- Saffron & Local Spices
- Dried Herbs (Tarragon)
- Georgian Honey & Jam
- Nuts & Dried Fruits
- Tkemali Sauce & Condiments
Local bazaars offer best selection and prices; supermarkets for packaged goods.