Travel Guide: India To Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, boasting a mix of historical sites, ski destinations, natural wonders, and museums. It is easily accessible from India via various modes of transportation. The primary entry point is through the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, with several airlines offering flights to this destination, including Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and more. There are no direct flights, so travellers can expect layovers in cities like Dubai, Mumbai, Istanbul, or Bahrain. Additionally, Azerbaijan can be reached by rail from Russia and Georgia, or by bus from Iran, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey.

Flying to Azerbaijan from India

When flying to Azerbaijan from India, the primary entry point is through the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. There are no direct flights from major Indian cities to Baku, so travellers will need to stop over at Dubai, Mumbai, Istanbul, or Bahrain. The average time taken to reach Baku from major Indian cities is as follows:

• Bangalore to Baku: 11 hours and 55 minutes
• Chennai to Baku: 8 hours and 55 minutes
• Mumbai to Baku: 9 hours and 55 minutes
• New Delhi to Baku: 8 hours and 35 minutes

Several airlines offer flights from India to Azerbaijan, including Azerbaijan Airlines, Jazeera Airways, IndiGo, Air Arabia, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, GoAir, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Gulf Air.

The cheapest one-way flight price from India to Azerbaijan mentioned in sources is Rs. 8,572, while the cheapest return flight deal mentioned is Rs. 33,617.

Travel within Azerbaijan

Once you've arrived in Azerbaijan, there are several ways to travel within the country. The primary entry point is through the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, and to travel within the city, you can make use of buses, cars, or trains.

If you're looking to explore more of the country, there are a few options. Azerbaijan can be reached by railroad from Russia and Georgia, and there are daily buses from Iran, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey.

For those wanting to explore the natural beauty of Azerbaijan, there are several regions worth visiting. Guba is a great place to experience the Caucasus Mountains and its timeless villages, while Shamakhi, one of the most historic cities and former capital, is surrounded by fine countryside. The Khizi region offers enticing landscapes, calm seas, and marvelous mountains just a short distance from the capital. Gusar, known as the "northern gates", provides breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains from some of the country's highest peaks.

For those interested in history and culture, there are several destinations to consider. Sheki, a small city off the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is rich in Silk Road history and renowned for its fascinating architecture. Nakhchivan, an autonomous Azerbaijani republic, offers breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and a distinct cuisine. Ganja, the birthplace of legendary Azerbaijani poet Nizami, is an ancient city with a vibrant youth culture and several culinary delights.

Azerbaijan truly offers a range of options for travellers, from exploring its natural landscapes to immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of its cities.

Best time to visit Azerbaijan

The best time to visit Azerbaijan is from April to June and September to October, which will let you avoid the intense summer heat and sub-zero winters in the mountains.

Azerbaijan has four seasons, like India: summer (June to September), autumn (October to November), winter (December to February), and spring (March to April). The ideal travel months offer a touch of cold and rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.

In April, the lowlands of Azerbaijan are green, and flowers are in full bloom. May is also pleasant, with low rainfall and temperatures between 16°C and 21°C. June is another good month to visit, as the heat remains favourable for tourists.

September and October are great months to visit, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the country's attractions. The mountains are also a good option in July, as it is a popular time for trekking.

November is moderately cool and breezy, making it ideal for long day tours. In February, the weather is cold, with temperatures below 0°C in mountainous regions, and the coastal areas ranging between 4°C and 8°C.

Azerbaijan is an emerging tourist destination with stunning landscapes, rich heritage, nightlife, adventure activities, unique cuisine, and historical tours. It is a peaceful destination that is not yet overcrowded with tourists.

Things to do in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Its capital, Baku, is a favourite among travellers, with its long list of attractions. Here are some of the top things to do when visiting Azerbaijan:

• Visit Baku, the capital city, and explore its many museums, mosques, and historic structures. Baku is a modern city with a well-preserved walled Old City, which became the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in Azerbaijan in 2000.
• Check out the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a sandstone palace complex that was the seat of northeastern Azerbaijan's ruling dynasty during the Middle Ages.
• Discover the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, which was the first specialised museum of carpets in the world. The museum showcases the development of Azerbaijani carpet-making and its role in traditions, as well as various weaving techniques and materials.
• Explore Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its prehistoric rock art engravings, petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and Gaval Dash (musical gemstone).
• Take a stroll through Baku Boulevard, a breezy promenade hugging the Baku seafront, lined with trees, shops, and cafes. You can also rent a bicycle or a pedal car and enjoy the view while cycling along the boulevard.
• Marvel at the Flame Towers, a set of three glass skyscrapers inspired by the ancient practice of fire worship in Azerbaijan. The towers are illuminated at night with over 10,000 LED lights, painting them with colours of fire or the national flag.
• Visit the Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site located inside the walled city of Baku. This 12th-century iconic structure offers incredible views of the Caspian Sea and the city from the top.
• Learn about Zoroastrianism and its culture and traditions by visiting the Baku Ateshgah (Fire Temple). While the natural gas vents that once lit up certain spots in the temple are now artificially recreated, it is still a fascinating place to learn about the history of fire worship in Azerbaijan.
• Take part in the Pomegranate Festival held every November in Azerbaijan, where you can sample various treats, witness spectacular fireworks, and enjoy music performances by local artists.
• For nature lovers, Azerbaijan offers a range of nature and wildlife tours, as well as extreme sports such as mountain biking and hiking.

How to get around in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's recent prosperity has led to an increase in the number of cars on the road, which is threatening to exceed the road capacity. However, new highways are being constructed to accommodate this. If you are hiring a car, be aware that self-drive is only recommended for seasoned motorists as many local drivers do not adhere to traffic regulations. Traffic police are also common and are quick to fine visitors and locals for speeding offences. Roads outside of Baku are often poor and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for journeys into the mountains. Roads outside major towns are also rarely lit.

If you would prefer not to drive, there are several other transport options available to you. Azerbaijan Airlines operates several flights per day between Baku and Nakhchivan, Ganja, Gabala, Yevlakh, Zaqatala, and Lankaran. Tickets are usually available at short notice, except on national holidays when many Baku residents tend to visit family in the country.

There is also a good rail service in Azerbaijan, with the main routes from Baku going northwest to the Georgian border and the Caucasus Mountains, and south to Astara and Iran. Fares are very reasonable, and for overnight journeys, S/V class provides a private two-berth cabin with bunk beds.

Buses are also modern, comfortable, and inexpensive. Mtrans runs regular services between Baku and most major towns.

Finally, taxis are widely available in both cities and rural areas. It is often possible to hire a taxi for a day's sightseeing at a reasonable price. Be sure to agree on a fare before setting off, as meters are not widely used and initial fares may be high.

Frequently asked questions