Why do Indian Tourists Want To Travel to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan In Growing Numbers ?

Why Indian tourists want to go to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

Recent data statistics reveal that Indians spent anywhere close to about 12,500 Crore a month on foreign travel this financial year.  And ever since COVID-19, the number of travellers planning to travel abroad has showcased a persistent rise. With wavering interests and new trends sparking interest in newer locations, the top 10 countries tourists want to travel to have changed dramatically.  Newer locations and their easy visa accessibility have made them a top pick for everyone.  

The list no longer contains destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, rather the list is topped by Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Both these locations have showcased a profound increase in attracting tourists and interest from travellers all over the world.  Even the Kazakh tourism community chairman, Dastan Ryspekov, spoke on the matter, mentioning how the flow of Indian tourists has skyrocketed since the country introduced a 14-day visa-free regimen for Indian citizens in 2022.  As has been reported, around 28000 Indian citizens visited Kazakhstan in 2023.

Improved connectivity and visa-free services have brought Kazakhstan's popularity into the limelight amongst travellers. Today, a Delhi resident can easily board a 3-hour flight and travel to Almaty. Further, social media has also brought quite a lot of attention to the culture and beauty of Kazakhstan. This social media upvoting has impacted thousands of prospective travellers across the world about how they can plan a trip abroad with easy accessibility and lower costs.  

Azerbaijan

Social media has also brought formidable attention to Azerbaijan, being reasonably Inexpensive compared to other Eurasian countries travellers can visit the destination has become a top place for travellers to visit.  Azerbaijan has become a favourite for travellers who want to explore beyond India with reasonable funds.  As per the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, from January of this year to July, Azerbaijan has had close to about 1,40,000 travellers from India. This showcases an increase of about 2.7 times increase compared to the last year.  Azerbaijan has become the new trendy place every tourist wants to explore, and as per a recent report, it has been one of the top searches for travellers from India.

The allure of being in a completely new country only after a flight of about 4 hours has put Azerbaijan at the top of the list for a lot of new travellers. This accessibility and ease of reaching have further increased the charm of visiting Azerbaijan in the hearts of Indians. Since being in Europe is a bucket list challenge for Indians the easy access to reach Azerbaijan helps them fulfil their dreams of being in an Euroasian country for a bargain.  The e-visa process has led to such an appeal for countries like Azerbaijan. 

The data set released online further discloses the top 10 cities that Indians are eyeing down for their growth. Here is the full list

Kazakhstan

Azerbaijan

Bhutan

Hong Kong

Sri Lanka

Japan

Malaysia

Nepal

Russia

Saudi Arabia

The ease of obtaining Visas has brought many countries to the top 10 list of tourist destinations. Further, the ease of accessibility, complemented by the popularity that social media has bestowed upon these locations, has brought them into the limelight in the eyes of Indians.

If you have been planning to travel to Azerbaijan, keep on reading. We will tell you about some of the places that you should definitely visit.

Almaty

Most of the Direct flights from New Delhi fly directly to Almaty, quite possibly this would be the first city you get to witness in Azerbaijan when travelling from India.  Consider Almaty to be a vibrant cultural hub where you can witness the cultural differences and the changes in the aesthetics of the city around you. You can also witness the difference in architectural styles and further taste the local fast food that vendors sell around.  A place that every traveller should visit would be the 

Charyn Canyon

Ever heard of the Grand Canyon in America? Consider this place to be the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan. This is a breathtaking marvel that one can witness just after a drive of about 200 km from Almaty. The Canyon features cascading red rock formations, and if you love a bit of adventure, you can also opt to hike over here. Stunning views coupled with the thrill and adventure of hiking would surely help you get those wonderful Instagram posts that you have been after.

Astana

Kazakhstan is known for its Timurid, Post-Timurid, and a blend of Soviet architecture. If you seek to witness all such architectural features, then Astana would be the right place for you. Some of the key attractions that you should definitely visit are Bayterek Tower for a bird' s-eye view of the city and the Shatyr Entertainment Centre. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation which is a pyramid-shaped building symbolising unity.

Turkestan

Turkestan is the spiritual and historical centre of Kazakhstan, and if you want to witness the true cultural values of Kazakhstan, you should definitely plan a visit to Turkestan. Located in the southern part of Kazakhstan, this place is a major pilgrimage site and perfectly reflects the rich Islamic heritage. 

Lake Kaindy

It's possible that you might have already seen the place, as it's quite famous and viral on social media. A great load of viral reels and videos of the place have already been circulated all over the world over the years. The place is located in the Tian Shah Mountains. Almaty Lake Kaindy has gained a lot of recognition for its submerged forests and the vivid, sparkling blue waters that surround it.

The lake evolved out of an earthquake that triggered a landslide and reform that created a natural dam. This is a famous spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Further, if you plan to visit Azerbaijan, here are a few tourist spots that you should definitely visit.

Baku

When in Baku, you should visit the fascinating blend of old and new places. Baku is known for its modern architecture, such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by the great Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid. You can also book affordable hotels in  Baku for an easy and affordable stay.

Gobustan National Park

It is famous for the intricate carvings on its surface as well as the Mud Volcanoes. The Petroglyphs carved into the rock are some 40,000 years old. These provide a vista into the old prehistoric life of the region.

Sheki is known for its typical Indigenous architecture, cobblestone streets, and Quba. The town is also known for its apple orchards and carpet-weaving traditions, making it a must-visit in Azerbaijan. If you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, then the months of April until June would be best suited for you.