Tbilisi Tales - Charming Georgian Capital

"Gamarjoba Saqartvelo" roughly translated to "Hello Georgia"

Located alongside Kuri river, Tbilisi is a beautiful capital city of Georgia. This cobblestoned old town reflects the parts of history from under Persian and Russian rule. From exploring the cityscape with a cable car to wandering the streets of old Tbilisi, I was in awe every step of the journey. If you have not tasted Georgian cuisine, you are in for a treat. So grab a glass of wine and let me take you on a wonderful journey across Tbilisi.

City scape with cable car

The cable car ride from bridge of peace to statue of Mother Georgia gives you the bird's eye view of the entire city and it lives rent free in my head for its charm. From up top, you can really see how this ancient city is a beautiful blend of old culture and futuristic architecture.

View from Statue of Mother of Georgia - She really looks over the entire city!

Once on top, you will find street musicians charming the crowd, few food stalls and some souvenir shops. A short walk from there and you will meet Mother of Georgia looking over the entire city and protecting it. The city looks so calm from up here.

Bridge of Peace linking the new and old Tbilisi

As composed this bridge looks during the day, at night it lights up with good music, leading to old Tbilisi for a fun experience. Get beautiful pictures clicked here and while you stand on the bridge admiring Tbilisi, you will get offers of boat rides, do that only in evenings. It's double the magic during golden hour.

Georgian Cuisine paired up with homemade wine

As you walk across the pastel colored town during the sunlight, be sure to taste the traditional Georgian food. From Adjapsandali to Nigvziani Badrijani, I had no idea brinjal could taste so divine. To be in Georgia and not taste their very famous bread - Khachapuri, is a crime. A soft baked bread with cheese in it is absolutely wonderful. Pair it with a glass of traditional Georgian homemade wine, this combination beats almost anything I had tasted so far.

A delicious spread of Georgian food

Being a vegetarian, my food options were limited but looking at the table spread, i think otherwise. Georgians make a sauce that is regional, its called Tkemali. One of the most flavorful sauces I have tasted. If you are a non-vegetarian, you are in for a treat. I am guessing the flavors of Tkemali will compliment meat so much more than it did the utterly butterly deliciously sauteed mushrooms.

Once you are out of your foodgasm, get on a ride to explore Chronicles of Georgia - blending modern art with traditional history. It is often called stonehenge of Georgia by visitors.

Chronicles of Georgia where storytelling comes alive

No picture can do justice to the art in this monument of Georgia. Each pillar brimming with fine sculptures, history, storytelling. It was conceived in late soviet era, showcasing the heritage of Saqartvelo (true name of Georgia as per locals). After ascending the staircase, you will see 16 astonishingly artful pillars each towering upto 30-35 meters. If you are lucky to be there during afternoon or early evening hours, the setting sunlight dances with art on these pillars and the place feels alive with stories. From Georgian monarchs to new testament to Life of Christ - these bronze pillars tell the story of Georgia all too well.

Soak in the magic. Be lost in the centuries old stories these pillars carry. Who knows something inspires you to write one of your own. On my way down, I saw a new bride in her precious white capturing her own story with her well suited groom along the walls of these pillars.

Street music is a vibe in old Tbilisi

As the sun starts to descend, head over to Old Tbilisi for some wonderful street music. The artists playing in old town were so much better than any Georgian tune I heard online. Here is a small glimpse for you - I dare you to not move to the music!

Street artists near Meidan Bazar in Old Tbilisi. Such good music!

Just a glimpse of how they managed to spellbind the crowd till midnight. I think while visiting any new country, what draws me in mostly is their music. What I heard that night in old Tbilisi made me a fan of Georgian tunes. The energy in music, the enthusiasm in crowd, the way people joined in to dance on their tunes - it was pure magic!

Sulphur Baths - Chreli Abano

When you tire yourself after witnessing the magic Tbilisi holds for you, go visit Chreli Abano located in old town. Dating back to 17th century, this building offers a glimpse of persian architecture and a place to enjoy thermal baths in Tbilisi. It is believed that in 5th century king Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered the natural hot springs while hunting. He named the city Tbilisi - in Georgian 'tbil' means 'warm', so these sulphur baths are essence of the city.

Chreli Abano is a beautiful bath house offering sulphur baths along with spa depending on what package you choose. 'Chreli Abano' means 'colorful bath'. I have never seen a bathhouse this pretty. In old times, these bath houses were a place of social gatherings, gossip exchanges. Or if you are feeling like soaking in the warm water by yourself, you can book a private one. The water here is therapeutical. Soaking in it can heal any joint pains, skin disorders and above all just relax you to the bone. For me the temperature was quite high, so I had to get out of the bath, give myself a shower and dip back in again few times over. The experience was really fun and relaxing.

On my way back to hotel, completely in awe of Tbilisi, I spotted few cats and it was fun following them for a while. Honestly, this experience felt like I was in a Ghibli movie. Maybe it was the wine or sulphur baths or the enchanting street music but that night I slept like a baby, happy and fulfilled.

I will write about few day trips i took from Tbilisi in following blog posts, stay tuned and subscribe to be updated. Thankyou for following along my journey. Lots of love.