Top 5 things to know when traveling to Azerbaijan

                                                                     “The Land of Fire”

Azerbaijan, popularly known as “the land of fire,” is a former Soviet country well-known for its high-tech capital city of Baku, the Great Caucasus Mountains, and the mysterious fire phenomena known as Fire Mountain. Although it is a fairly calm and rural country, I find Azerbaijan to be one of those “undiscovered jewels” that too many people miss – especially if you want to go hiking without crowds! The country of Azerbaijan is great, wonderful, lovely, and hospitable.

When the nation officially proclaimed its independence in 1918, it became the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state in the world. The capital, Baku, is now a wealthy modern metropolis based on oil money with a freshly constructed subway, quick Wi-Fi, and a tonne of buildings in the Parisian style (in the 1900s, newly wealthy oil barons fashioned the city after Paris), as well as tall and cutting-edge steel and glass structures. The rest of the nation is extremely rural, with little villages encircled by picturesque mountains and farms.

When is the ideal time to visit Azerbaijan?

That depends on the activities you wish to do. The best seasons for trekking and experiencing outdoor activities are early spring and late summer.

The valleys bloom in their full splendour from April through June, and July is a well-liked month for trekking. Although there are fewer people about, the weather is still warm. Outdoor activities are very enjoyable now.

Get yourself registered:

When visiting Azerbaijan, it’s crucial to register with the State Migration Service if you intend to stay for longer than 10 days. As a courtesy to their visitors, hotels or hostels that you have reserved typically handle this formality.

Do not litter:

Well, in Azerbaijani cities like Baku, you might not want to leave trash lying around. You will observe that Baku’s streets are pristine as you stroll about the capital. There are rows of trash cans that are frequently utilised by individuals. In Azerbaijan, leaving trash lying around is severely prohibited, and violators face severe fines.

Local Transport:

The metro is one of the greatest methods to go about Baku because it is the most affordable and efficient mode of transportation. But if you want to go comfortably, you can choose cabs. However, it is crucial to learn how to bargain in this country because taxis typically overcharge.

Place to visit in Azerbaijan

Baku:

The moment you set foot in Baku, a hyper-modern metropolis, your perspective of Azerbaijan will be completely altered. You can find historical sites that will make you crave for the past and spectacular curve architecture that will make you think of Singapore, striking a balance between the old and the new.

Sheki Khan’s Palace:

The Sheki Khan’s Palace, which was constructed in 1797, served as the Khans’ summer home. It is one of the South Caucasus’s most elaborate and recognisable structures. Shebeke windows, which were created by Azerbaijani masters and are exceptionally delicate stained glass with geometric patterns, illuminate the entire interior with bright colourful rays.

Quba:

Everywhere you look, there are breath-taking panoramic views, with pastel-coloured homes and red-tiled roofs standing out against the luscious, verdant mountains. Quba, which is perched on a riverbank on the slopes of the Shahdag Mountain, is still very reminiscent of Azerbaijan in the 19th century. In addition, the region has some of the top ski resorts in the nation, gorgeous waterfalls, deep forests, lakes, and wonderful hiking paths.

Ganja:

When you first arrive in Ganja, one of the things you should do is visit Shah Abbas Square in Ganja Old Town. Here, you can see some breath-taking examples of historic architecture, including the Shah Abbas Mosque, the Chokak Turkish Baths, and the tomb of Javad Khans, the last Khan of Ganja. The Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum is the most significant museum in the area, and via its exhibitions of more than 30,000 items and artefacts, you may learn about the history of the area from prehistoric to present times. Visit the Bottle House, a private property constructed in the 1960s and coated in more than 48,000 glass bottles, for something zanier to see.

Lankaran:

The Old Prison and Lighthouse, a historic bazaar, an 18th-century fortress, and a 19th-century mosque are all located in this tranquil vacation town on the Caspian Sea.  You may spend a full day here visiting and another on Kenaramesha’s beaches to the south. Travel to the Ghizil-Agaj State Reserve, which is home to 250 different bird species.