By CK Nayak
International tours by Indian tourists have taken the worst hit during the COVID 19 pandemic. But some countries would be rather benefited out of it compared to the known tourist destinations like Thailand and other South East Asian countries.
When it comes to international tourist destinations for Indians, Thailand and Singapore are among the popular choices. Going to the US or Europe or Africa is beyond the reach of average Indian tourists.
Here comes Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, neither next door like Southeast Asia nor too far like Europe or the US. The half explored small central Asian country at the confluence of Asia and Europe is poised to be the next best alternative for Indian tourists. The climate is comfortable, people are warm and the environment is safe.
With regular flights from New Delhi and a simplified electronic visa procedure for Indian passport holders, tourism from India to Azerbaijan increased 80 per cent in 2019. Off course COVID 19 has thrown a spanner but Azerbaijan might in fact benefit out of it if properly publicised.
Azerbaijan has nine of the world’s 11 climatic zones, offering travellers an affordable European experience all year round. Not only this, sporting events are a big way to boost tourism in any country and Azerbaijan has successfully managed to organise the Baku GP, Formula One race over the past few years. This former Soviet Union Republic, Azerbaijan is the ideal destination for more reasons than one.
Baku, its capital is an affluent city with modern infrastructure and still a relatively unexplored destination.
Baku is witnessing a surge in business events and wedding travel. With over 15 million weddings each year, the Indian wedding, honeymoon and milestone celebrations market offers tremendous potential. Tourism has also become the cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s diversified economy.
Baku also hosted the annual plenary session of the World Association of Press Association last September where heads of Press/Media Councils from most parts of the globe attended. There were renowned journalists from various media from different countries, including the correspondent.
Baku is famed for its medieval walled old city, which contains the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a vast royal complex, and the iconic stone Maiden Tower. Contemporary landmarks include the Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Center, and the Flame Towers, 3 pointed skyscrapers covered with LED screens. Baku, the capital and also the commercial hub of Azerbaijan, is a low-lying city with coastline along the Caspian Sea.
But among the tourist sites, the must visit is Gobustan, near Baku perhaps with no parallel anywhere. Known as Gobustan State Reserve it is very rich in archaeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock carvings. These depict primitive people, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars, on the average dating back to 5,000-20,000 years.
Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve acquired national status in 2006. The rock carvings and petroglyphs at the site display mesmerising images of prehistoric life in the Caucasus. The language of the ancient population of Gobustan is disputed, but the petroglyphs still give information about the lives of people who lived there.
It is also estimated that 300 of the planet’s estimated 700 mud volcanoes sit in Gobustan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. Many geologists as well as locals and international tourists trek to such places. Some of them end up happily covered in mud which is thought to have medicinal qualities. In 2001 one mud volcano near Baku made world headlines when it suddenly started spewing flames 49 ft high.
Another attraction is the Gaval Dash, a natural musical stone which can only be found in Gobustan. It produces musical sounds when touched. The sound can be compared with a tambourine. The Gaval Dash have been formed due the combination of unique climate, oil and gas for which Azerbaijan is famous.