Gaumajus! Reaching Georgia is easier

I stepped out of the VFS Global complex in the Airport metro station on Baba Kharag Singh Marg and asked a well-dressed stranger with a bunch of passports in his hands, ‘I’m doing a short spot interview for my article. Just one question?’

‘Yes please. Go ahead.’

‘Have you ever traveled to Georgia?’

‘Georgia? US? No, never.’

‘No, I mean Georgia, the country.’

The man looked at me sheepishly and walked away.

The first thought I had in my mind then was to plan a post on introducing Georgia, a country that even I have never visited. However, I have done something that not many have done… had a long chat with Mr Giorgi Tabatadze, Director of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and also with HE Mr Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India, who inaugurated the Georgia Visa Application Centre, operated by VFS Global, in New Delhi, on 5 June 2017. The facility to get a visa for Georgia from the VFS Centre in New Delhi will be operational from June 23 though there will be four other centres in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai operational by June end.

Let us, therefore, explore a bit of Georgia in this post. One of the Embassy officials told me that Georgia, also called the balcony of Europe, has Russia to its north, Turkey to its west, Armenia and Iran in the south and Azerbaijan to its east… which gives it a neighborhood that a lot of Indians have anyway not explored. I mean, just look at the plane-loads that take off to destinations like Bangkok or Dubai which are probably as clichéd now as weekend trips to Shimla and Mussorie. It is time, therefore, to say Gaumajus (Cheers!) to Georgia as the natives of Georgia would do.

Some knowledgeable travelers call Tblisi the Paris of Eurasia though more than the scintillating nightlife in the city, what matters more is the undulating and charming countryside and the warmth of natives who are always ready to listen to you.

‘What sort of tourists will Georgia appreciate more?’ I asked.

‘Oh! Every sort. There is so much of nature to play with. Then there are quaint villages which are photogenic. And then modern cities like Tblisi, Batumi, Borjomi. Mount Elbrus for the more brave tourist. Rivers, valleys, meadows, and mountains… everything is there, unspoilt and with no crowds at all. So people who visit Georgia can get some really sharp pictures,’ said Archil Dzuliashvili. I listened to his words and decided that this country needs to be on my bucket list as well. HE Archil also added that there were 350,000 Indian visitors in 2016 but they were exploring ways to increase this number. The Ambassador also added that Georgia is the link between Europe and Asia and is ‘looking forward to enhanced tourism as a bridge that will enhance cooperation between governments’ and that the truth is that ‘when one enjoys a country’s hospitality one understands a nation truly.’

Georgia is a country that lies in the middle of the Caucasus region and offers tourists everything from adventure sports to hiking and trekking. The country has something for everyone from photo-walks to exploring culture, and from entertainment of the senses to entertainment of the soul. If you’re the sort who loves food, you would not come back before falling in love with Khinkali which is their national dish. The country has churches like the Bagrati Cathedral that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list… and this is in Kutaisi which is the former capital of Georgia. Old cities with dated architectural wonders on the UNESCO World Heritage list are a part of the places worth seeing. And before I forget to mention, Ushguli is the highest village in Europe at a height of 2200 metres above sea level and people visit it to also have a look at the Svanetian protection towers.

I guess this is just a bird’s eye view of a country that has a fair sprinkling of magical charms to woo tourists from any country… and now that Georgia has decided to go with VFS Global, the entire process does become seamless. Even VFS has changed a lot and as compared to my experiences in the past, functioning is not just smoother but even trendier. I mean, look at their interiors now… and their premium lounges… the processing time once you are inside, is shorter and basic amenities are all available. Yes, one does have to pay more to get certain services, but then who ever talked about conveniences being available for free? The only thing that irks me is the sheer number of people parking on the main road and the side lanes behind the emporiums. This is not a practice that I would approve of and VFS needs to give this a serious thought.

But hey, we’re talking about Georgia… well, I had a great time interacting with the diplomatic team from the country as we sipped one of the best wines imported from the country. I guess if I ever visit the country I am going to look for this brand to take home.

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Mr Giorgi Tabatadze, Director of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, HE Mr Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India, and others who inaugurated the Georgia Visa Application Centre, operated by VFS Global, in New Delhi, on 05 June 2017

May the Indian tourist be enlightened! 🙂

The entry to VFS, New Delhi… their new address is trendy and charming…

Visitors to Georgia must make a note of this brand… good things must not be missed!

With HE Mr Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India

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Arvind Passey
07 June 2017