Georgia
Things to do in Georgia:
A relatively undiscovered travel destination which is still developing tourism infrastructure, Georgia is a beautiful must visit place to be with its unique and unscathed customs and traditions. It is a product of its own as it has influence from all corners of the globe. You will find persian style bath houses and will also see Zoroastrian fire temple, a small old town Tbilisi with a young vibe with a mix of ancient orthodox churches.
- Explore the beautiful city of Tbilisi with old churches, monuments and buildings
- A full day Wine Tour in Kakheti
- Witness the beauty of Jvari Monastery, Ananuri, Gudauri and Gergeti Trinity Church.
- Martvili Canyon and Hanged bridge of Okatse
- Visit the Prometheus cave and Waterfall near Okatse
- Visit the Medieval Svaneti with ancient watchtowers.
- Visit to Mount Kazbegi
- Black sea beaches at Batumi
Weather in Georgia:
The variance in weather can be seen here, wherein the coastal regions have mild and mostly rainy season, the central and eastern areas are more arid and continental. Mountain regions are colder.
Coastal regions: Winters in the colder areas are mild with an average lowest temperature is 7 °C (45 °F). Whereas Summers are bit hot with an average temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) until May. July and August sun shines in between heavy rains and thunderstorms.
In the central and eastern region average monthly temperature is 3 °C (37 °F) in January to 25 °C (77 °F) in July. Rainfalls amount to 500mm only and winters has frequent snowfall and the temperature reaches to a minimum of -15 °C (5 °F).
What to pack:
In winters for the plains and the coast carry warm clothes including sweaters, fleece a down jacket, fur hats a raincoat and an umbrella. For higher altitude regions carry mountain clothing and boots.
In Summers carry light clothes for day time but always carry an Umbrella and a raincoat and don’t forget a travelling sweatshirt. For the mountains carry autumn clothes, a sun hat, a sweater and a jacket, hiking shoes, and a raincoat or umbrella; for the highest peaks, bring mountain clothing.
Currency:
Lari is the official currency of Georgia. You may easily exchange USD, EUR, Turkish Lira, Pound Sterling and Russian Ruble.
Exchange can be done in banks easily but currency exchange shops in markets are recommended.
Singular of Lari is Tetri
Coins are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Tetri and 1 and 2 Lari;
Banknotes are: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Lari;
Credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants and markets in (main city majorly)
ATMs are available in main city and to travel countryside must carry cash.
Do’s and Don’t’s in Georgia
Do’s
- Buy a local SIM card, may cost upto USD 1.50 per week with best plans
- Pre booked your transportation or always use app instead of looking for airport / hotel taxis
- Carry cash if you are visiting local stores or food joints.
- When at a Local street food shop always ask for price first
- Tap water is drinkable
- Learn some Georgian and Russian words
- Explore the city on foot whenever you get time from your pre planned itinerary
- Read the sulphur bath etiquette
- Men visiting Churches, monasteries and nunneries should wear long pants, shoulder covering tops. Woman must avoid uncovered head, shoulders, and knees also should not wear deep neckline tops. Avoid wearing body hugging pants, you may have to opt for long skirts.
- Use only underpass to cross the streets
- Tips to drivers, guides, porters or at restaurants are up to your choice.
- Be considerate while consuming alcohol
Don’t’s
- Do not eat your Kinkhali (A Georgian dish) with folk and knife
- Do not throw bread in the bin
- Do not mind the street dogs
- Do not use swear words
- Do not call the Georgians as Russians
- Do not commence religious discussions if you are an Atheist
- Avoid physical contact with your same gender partner
- Do not rest your elbows on table
- Do not smoke in public, especially if you are a woman
