Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan is catching the fancy of tourists lately. Nicknamed as the Land of Fire, Azerbaijan has an enchanting history and an interesting cultural heritage behind. Once a Soviet Republic, this country was also a part of Persia. After gaining its independence, Azerbaijan has evolved into a modern country which retains its old world charm; and Baku is its most loved city.
We have created an itinerary for you to enjoy this wonderful city. Plan a holiday during this Eid break and discover some treasures.
Day 1
After transferring to the hotel, set out to explore this city brimming with history. We highly recommend that you head first to the medieval fortress of Icheri Sheher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Baku's Old Town area. Your next halt should be the most famous attraction of Baku – the Maiden Tower – a 15th-century architectural complex that is home to the Palace of Shirvanshah.
After stopping for lunch to sample some authentic local delicacies such as Lavangi, Dushbara or the Dolma, head to the Baku Museum of Miniature Books, which is the only such museum in the world to house tiny books. After that, wrap up your day with a stroll through the Fountains Square which is dotted with cute cafes and restaurants.
Day 2
On your 2nd day in Baku, spend time taking a peek into the culture side of Baku. The Philharmonic Park is one of the oldest gardens in Baku, and you can often catch tourists taking a walk through it and enjoying the pretty views. Another amazing attraction in this capital city is the Carpet Museum which showcases carpets which were woven between the 17th and early 20th centuries. This museum takes your appreciation for artistry a notch higher.
Take a break for lunch and slurp on some Dovga, a yoghurt soup stirred in with herbs, or a spicier and richer soup made with potatoes and meat called as Kufta bozbash. The city also has many options lined up for the music lovers, including the Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. An ideal way to end the evening would be to visit the Baku Puppet Theatre and watch a puppet show.
Day 3
Situated amidst lofty mountains and deep canyons, the Gabala city will surely amaze the tourists with its incredible historical landmarks and rich cultural heritage. But something that would mesmerise you about Gabala is the spectacular landscape around. A 4-hour drive from Baku, this lovely city is great during all seasons. But we believe that the city comes alive during spring, when the trees blossom into colourful hues. Gabala has plenty of exciting things to explore such as the famous Chestnut forest, Russian forests, and numerous picturesque villages.
By Neetu George