Thank You, Dear 2025

Dear 2025,

You didn’t really arrive with fireworks.You tiptoed in—quiet, unsure, almost modest. But oh my… you ended with a bang.

You gave me 365 days of growth—the good, the messy, the emotional kind.

Days filled with fun and laughter where I felt deeply blessed… and days that came with tears, where I asked, “Why is this happening to me?” You were truly a mixed bag, and honestly, that’s what made you real.

French & Career Growth Professionally, you were kind to me. I grew—slowly, steadily, meaningfully. My identity as a French teacher strengthened, and French with Shruti became more than just a name. People began to recognise me, trust me, and associate me with the language I love. Completing my Master’s in French—two years of hard work, exams, learning, meeting authors—was a journey in itself. 

The Little Big Moments
The ones that never make headlines, but quietly stay with you. A dandiya workshop, watching an IPL match live, the energy of a Honey Singh concert, walking through Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, and one of the most special moments of all, speaking at a radio station and being told I should pursue it professionally. It felt surreal. Sometimes, validation arrives precisely when you least expect it. Through JSG, the blood donation camp, recognition, and opportunities reminded me that service still matters—and always will.

JITO & Leadership

2025 also shaped me as a leader. As the Secretary and convener of Business Networking Vertical at JITO, I learned endlessly and met inspiring people—like Seema Puri, Dolly Jain, and Bhagyashree.

From multiple B2B meets in Jaipur to collaborations with Delhi and Mumbai chapters, I played active roles in various programs. Industrial visits to places like Yura Rugs and Pinjore, hosting a chat show at Tyohaar Sweets presenting the JLW  team—it all came with major acknowledgment and an even bigger motivation: to give back and be better than my previous self. I am truly thankful to my friends and mentors at Jito who believed in me and pushed my boundaries beyond my belief.

AI, Learning & New Doors

This year, I also stepped into the world of AI—curious, slightly intimidated, but eager. Certifications in Generative AI and Google My Business followed, and soon after, I found myself conducting an AI session for over 600 college students. The cherry on top? Project offers already lined up for 2026.

Advocate Mode

Somewhere amidst all this, clearing the AIBE exam and getting officially registered with the Bar Council of India felt deeply satisfying. No drama, no spotlight—a simple addition to advocates in the family. 

Certifications 

This year, my most meaningful investment was in knowledge—and in myself.
Education remained my anchor. Completing a Phonics Training Certification reinforced a belief I hold deeply: learning isn’t a phase, it’s a lifelong practice. In hindsight, knowledge truly compounded this year—so much so that English phonics unexpectedly strengthened my understanding of French as well.

Writing, Slowly but Surely 

This year I wrote only one poem - “Kaash Main Ladka Hoti" and a travelogue on Malaysia. Writing has always been my love. I used to feel restless if I didn’t write for a long time, but somehow, this year didn’t allow much space for it. 

Family, Love & Celebrations 

2025 was rich in family moments—bridal showers, weddings, baby showers and celebrating the arrival of my cutest nephew. I am truly thankful to each member of both sides of my families for weaving dreams for me and always pushing me to do better with all the possible support. 

Travel Therapy

Staycations at Taj Devi Ratn and Ananta Ajabgarh, a trip to Mussoorie, Malaysia, spiritual journeys through Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya—witnessing the historic dupki after 244 years was surreal. And yes, the USA visa happened too.

Birthdays & Gratitude

On my birthday, I chose presence over pomp. Lunch with family, a movie with my daughter, and a candlelight dinner with my husband—simple, meaningful, perfect.

My daughter-Mishika’s birthday at Snow World deserves a special mention. Watching children experience snow for the first time—their expressions were priceless. And when my daughter thanked me and said she was happy, my heart knew it was all worth it.

Real Talk
Let’s be honest—I put on a lot of weight.
Gym fees were paid with full optimism… and then quietly vanished into a black hole.
Growth, at least in terms of decreasing weight, is still very much a work in progress.

As I step ahead, here’s my honest list:

• Control over my health

• Build patience, particularly in parenting

• Finding joy in cooking (because apparently, husband’s heart lives in his stomach, haha)

• Better time management

• Career growth—boosting my French, and creating multiple income streams

And now…

Dear 2026,

I welcome you with open arms with lessons learned, hope intact, and courage renewed.

Let’s learn more, grow deeper, and spread happiness together.

I’m ready. 

Loads of Love & Gratitude,

Shruti Sethi

My Malaysia Travel Diary : From Skyscrapers to Sandy Shores !

Malaysia welcomed us with a drizzle, setting the perfect tone for a journey that blended urban marvels, thrilling adventures, serene landscapes, and coastal bliss. From the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the cool escapades of Genting Highlands and the picturesque beauty of Langkawi, every moment was an experience to cherish.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Kuala Lumpur

Touching down in Kuala Lumpur, the excitement of exploring a new country filled us with energy. Since Malaysia greeted us with light showers, we decided to ease into our adventure with a visit to Berjaya Times Square, conveniently located next to our hotel. The mall’s lively atmosphere and diverse shopping options made for a great start.

As the rain subsided, we headed to the Petronas Twin Towers, standing tall as the crown jewels of KL’s skyline. The illuminated towers against the night sky were a sight to behold, and the accompanying light and sound show added to the magic. For a cityscape view, one may ascend to the Petronas Twin Towers' Observation Deck, perched on the 86th floor, offering a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur. The deck is open from 9 AM to 9 PM (closed on Mondays), with the last admission at 8:30 PM.

The evening ended with a slow stroll through the bustling Bukit Bintang, where the aroma of street food, live music, and neon lights made the city come alive.

Day 2: Sunway Lagoon & City Highlights

Eager for a day of fun, we set out for Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, where a single ticket granted access to five different zones—Zoo, Lost Lagoon, Water Park, and Amusement Park. The water rides were exhilarating, and the sheer variety ensured there was something for everyone. The park operates from 10 AM to 6 PM (closed on Tuesdays), and weekends tend to be crowded and slightly more expensive. A smart tip? The night park ticket (open till 11pm) lets you access 10 select attractions with minimal wait time, including two thrilling water rides.

For those who prefer cultural and historical sights over amusement parks, KL offers plenty. One can visit Aquaria KLCC, Sultan Ahmed Samad Building, and Merdeka Square, which are conveniently located opposite each other. A short drive away lies Istana Negara, the majestic palace of the Malaysian King. Some visitors also explore Batu Caves, a stunning limestone hill housing colorful Hindu temples, the towering 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan, and 272 steep steps leading to breathtaking cave formations. Spending a full day in KL covers these key spots beautifully.

Day 3: Off to Genting Highlands and SkyWorld Theme Park

Leaving the city behind, we embarked on a one-hour drive to Genting Highlands, a cool hill station where temperatures are 10 degrees lower than in Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, we checked in and then wasted no time in heading to SkyWorld Theme Park (10 AM - 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays). The high-altitude amusement park was packed with thrilling rides and breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable experience.

Later, we roamed around SkyAvenue Mall, a vibrant shopping and dining hub inside the resort. Every turn led us to a new unexplored section, with countless restaurants, entertainment zones, and shopping outlets. Several hotels are located within SkyAvenue Mall, including Genting Grand, First World Hotel, Crockfords, and Theme Park Hotel, each offering a unique stay experience. Dinner at Spice Garden was the perfect way to end the day, relishing comforting Indian flavors in the middle of Malaysia.

Day 4: Genting’s Sky-high Attractions

A relaxed morning set the tone for an easygoing day. We took the Genting Cable Car, a must-do experience offering spectacular aerial views. One of its stations led us to Chin Swee Temple, a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery, a small waterfall, and a mesmerizing observatory.

Continuing the adventure, we reached Awana Station, home to a massive premium outlet mall that runs fantastic discounts (cable car closes at 6:30 PM).

Genting offers something for everyone: Adults can try their luck at Sky Casino (entry is free, but a passport is required to redeem winnings), while kids can enjoy Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, which offers both full park access and pay-per-ride options (open 10 AM - 10 PM). For younger children, Jungle Gym (minimum 3-hour package) and Ripley’s Believe It or Not attractions provide entertainment for hours. Later, we filled our hearts (and stomachs!) at Pizza Hut.

Day 5: Welcome to Langkawi

A short 45-minute flight transported us to the tropical paradise of Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands known for its stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and adventure sports. Since our resort had a private beach, we embraced the slow life—lounging by the pool, feeling the sea breeze, and soaking in the serenity.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Pantai Cenang Beach, the heartbeat of Langkawi. This bustling stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is lined with restaurants, massage parlors, and lively street performers. The highlight? A mesmerizing fire show that kept us spellbound. After some souvenir shopping, we indulged in a flavorful Indian meal at Royal India.

Day 6: Sky-high Thrills & Mystical Mangroves

The day began with an adrenaline rush as we boarded the Langkawi Cable Car (SkyCab), the longest cable car in the world.

The ride offers surreal views and includes free access to SkyRex (3D ride), SkyDome (movie experience), and the 3D Art Museum, a haven for photography lovers.

A must-do here is the SkyBridge Walk, an architectural marvel and the longest curved bridge in the world, suspended between two mountain peaks. Walking on this breathtaking bridge offers a thrilling perspective of Langkawi’s lush landscapes and endless sea views. For an extra 40 Ringgit, you can step onto the Eagle Nest, a glass-floored viewing deck that gives the exhilarating experience of standing high above the forest canopy—though the views remain the same. If you prefer to skip the walk down to the bridge, opt for SkyGlide, a capsule lift that takes you effortlessly to the bridge while still offering spectacular aerial views.

In the evening, we embarked on the Night Safari Mangrove Tour at Kilim Geoforest Park, a UNESCO heritage site with mangroves dating back over 490 million years. Cruising through the still waters under a starlit sky, we experienced eagle watching, a visit to a fish farm, crocodile cave (no crocodiles here, just front of the cave that resembles to a crocodile face), and the eerie beauty of Bat Cave. As night fell, we enjoyed the delicious dinner at a floating restaurant followed by the unfolding of the most magical sight- the water glowing with bioluminescent planktons, a surreal moment that felt straight out of a fairytale.

Langkawi has so much more to offer—if you're looking for a laid-back island escape, you could easily spend four days here, simply soaking in the sea and sun. The island is a paradise of endless possibilities—from jet ski tours and island hopping to sunset cruises and a visit to Underwater Langkawi, where you can even spot penguins! A trip to Eagle Square, the iconic symbol of Langkawi, is a landmark photo spot.

Since we were traveling with a child, we planned our itinerary accordingly. However, if amusement parks aren’t your thing, you could spend 3-4 days in Langkawi and then add another country to your trip—Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia—as Malaysia offers excellent flight connections to these destinations.

Tips & Recommendations:

• Transport: Download Grab for convenient and affordable rides across Malaysia
• Online Booking via Klook and Agoda offers much cheaper rates than buying on-spot tickets/experiences
• Clothing: Pack light and breathable outfits for KL and Langkawi but keep a jacket for Genting Highlands
• No Visa required but a quick Malaysia Digital Arrival Card needs to be applied before-hand
• Many attractions are closed on Tuesdays (so check your itinerary accordingly)
• Luxury on a budget (1 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) equivalent to 20.36 INR, amusement parks are way more cost effective than other countries)

Malaysia, with its seamless blend of modern skyscrapers, lush mountains, and tranquil beaches, stole our hearts. Every moment was a story, and every experience left us longing for more.

Until next time, Malaysia!

Love,

Shruti Sethi

 

 

Thank You 2024: A Year to Remember !

Oh, 2024… where do I begin? You were everything—a rollercoaster of highs, lows and all the little moments in between that quietly made me who I am today. We fought, we made up, we laughed till our cheeks hurt, and we made memories that will linger for a lifetime.

This year was about things I never imagined I would do.

Shimmer Mrs. Rajasthan was a dream I didn’t know I needed. In ten days of sweat, grit, high heels and confidence, I rediscovered a part of myself that had been tucked away for too long. Winning the Mrs. Confident title and standing proud as the 1st Runner-up was not just about the crown, but was about me pushing limits, standing tall, embracing the journey and setting an example that if I can do it, so can you.

Shimmer has been a life-changing chapter I will forever hold close. It opened doors I never knew existed. I stood on stages I never envisioned for myself—as a jury member at the CA Institute, a special guest at Shimmer Exhibition, and even as a chief guest at Parishkar College. Being seen, valued, and celebrated was indeed surreal.

Writing is my happy place and this year it brought me moments of quiet triumph. From winning a consolation prize for a national contest “Tribute to Maa”, taking the top spot in the French poetry contest at the Francophone Mela to being selected for the finale of the Open Mic League reminded me that words have a place, and so do I.

Tea and Travel are the answers to all my problems. Although tea never left my side, travel was on a backseat given Covid and our sweet little toddler. However 2024, I got my new stories to tell—a rejuvenating escape to Baku which marked my first time away from my daughter (a bittersweet kind of freedom), and a joyful family getaway to Pushkar.

Family moments were sprinkled with love. I anchored and moderated my parents’ program—a rare chance to give back to them in my own way. And for the first time, we celebrated my daughter’s birthday with her friends with joy that filled the room and hearts alike.

Love and passion for French continued....I restarted giving online French classes in the evening and continued my master’s journey in the morning. It wasn’t always easy navigating class delays and submissions—but there I was, learning, adapting, growing. Asking questions I hadn’t asked in years and sometimes explaining why I showed up late… a little poetic justice, I’d say.

JITO Jaipur Ladies Wing was another arena where I learnt, led, and gave my best. From Treasurer to Secretary and Jito business network convener, it was a journey of teamwork, leadership, and growth.

In JSG Gem City, I stepped up as an Executive Member, curating experiences like the Taj Amer staycation and a delightful MasterChef event. From enjoying as a member what seem effortless events to working behind the scenes with the experienced and established team, I have enjoyed the learning curve.

Radio brought its own sparkle. I was invited as a guest on CRS Radio’s “Ek Mulakat Kisi Khaas Ke Saath”—a two-hour candid conversation about multitasking and the elusive key to happiness. Sitting in the studio, recounting all the moments, challenges, and wins of my life, I felt deeply grateful. It reminded me how far I’ve come and how much more there is to experience.

Oh, and I finally joined the gym after years of excuses! I won’t pretend I’m on my fitness journey just yet… but hey, the fees have been deposited. That counts for something, right?

A large part of my year revolved around supporting my husband for General Secretary in his Rajasthan High Court Bar Association elections. As a law graduate myself, it was ironic that I wasn’t eligible to vote for him. But where I couldn’t cast my ballot, I poured my heart into supporting him with print content and social media management. We may not have won, but we showed up, gave it our all, and put on a great show. And as always, I couldn’t be prouder of him.

People sometimes tell me, “You’re an inspiration. How do you manage it all?” and the answer to all my lovely friends is that I have my own Pandora ’s Box of things not going right. I stumble, I cry, and I fall apart. But I also get up, remind myself that I don’t have to be perfect at everything, I push myself harder to be a better version of myself and choose to show up with a smile every single day.

2024, you were a mixed bag—a patchwork of moments I will cherish for life and a few I wish I didn’t have to face. But I am grateful for the opportunities you gave me, thankful for the lessons I learned, humbled by the memories I made, stronger because of the tears I shed and richer for the laughter I shared.

As I stand at the edge of this year, I can’t help but look ahead.

Dear 2025, I’m waiting for you with open arms. Let’s be good friends. Let’s dream big, laugh louder and make the most of every single day we’re gifted together.

Here’s to life, love, and everything in between.

Cheers to the journey!

Love,

Shruti

Baku.... Yes, It is worth the hype !!

An immersive blend of history, adventure, scenic beauty, modernity, and vibrant culture-Azerbaijan is a good mix of many countries all at once making it an ideal choice for a week-long escape. Azerbaijan caters to luxury on a budget, making it a rising star among Indian travelers due to its direct 4 hour flight from Delhi and Mumbai, straightforward e-visa process and affordable international travel experience.

 

Beyond Baku's stunning architecture, parks, and lively streets along the Caspian Sea, trips to places like Shahdag, Gabala, and Sheki offer a perfect fusion of exploration and relaxation.

 

Ours was an action-packed 5D5N program- 

 

Day1 - Arrival at Baku at 12.15am by Indigo Airlines from Delhi. We started late afternoon with quick stop at “I love Baku” outside Hyder Aliyev Center.

The Heydar Aliyev Center is a must-visit for its striking architecture and fluid curves that symbolize modern Baku. Inside, visitors explore diverse cultural exhibits from contemporary art to historical displays and multimedia installations offering a rich educational experience. Amongst the various gallery spaces of rotating and permanent displays, my favorites were the ones of art dolls and musical instruments.  

Then we headed to the Classic Car Museum which with its comprehensive collection of meticulously restored vintage and classic cars, including rare Soviet-era models, provides an educational and visually stunning experience for all ages. Personally I am not a car enthusiast, but the aesthetic appeal of the beautifully restored iconic vehicles, well-curated exhibits and excellent photography opportunities truly made it the biggest and the most amazing car exhibits I have ever seen. 

 

Next in the evening we headed to the lively Baku Boulevard where we enjoyed strolling around Little Venice and relished the stunning views of the city and Caspian Sea from the Baku Ferris wheel. I had my share of adrenaline rush at the slide inside the extravagant Deniz mall (also known as Caspian Waterfront mall)

 

Tourists always visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum that is designed to look like a rolled-up carpet showcasing a vast collection of Azerbaijani carpets and weaving art. We didn’t visit itthough as neither we have interests in museums nor we made in time.

 

After enjoying to the core, we ended our day with dinner at “Beytan CS Beyti house” at the popular Nizami Street. 

 

PS –Deniz Mall features a wide array of retail stores, including luxury and international brands, diverse dining options and numerous entertainment facilities such as happyland (indoor ice rink, arcade games, play areas for children, and the aquarium), kinderland and skypark for the kids and karting, lasertag, ontop bowling, slide, etc. for the adults. If you are travelling with kids, spending some time here would be a great recharge for them.

Day 2 – After nearly an hour drive, we reached Gobustan museum, where we changed our car and headed for another 15 minutes’ drive in the desert to the mud volcanoes. 

We skipped the museum but were truly excited to experience the mud volcanoes and witness the rare geological phenomenon up close. Though its grandeur didn’t match the same as on internet, the journey, photos and the memorable experience in Azerbaijan's natural landscape definitely made it worthwhile the visit.

 

Without further ado, we drove for our old Baku Tour exploring the historic Icherisheher (Old City), featuring landmarks like the iconic stone Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace, ancient caravanserais, preserved city walls and the unique Museum of Miniature Books.

  

Next up, we took a funnicular ride for Highland Park that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the Caspian Sea, and iconic landmarks such as the Flame Towers. You may reach here directly by taxi too.

 

The Flame Towers have captured global attention a symbol of modernity and an architectural masterpiece that defines Baku's skyline and identity in the 21st century. Their sleek, glass façades flame-like shape and illuminated LED screens with dynamic light shows make them stand out. 

 

Also known as Dagustu Park, Highland Park is renowned for its beautiful gardens, walking paths, and the spectacular vantage point it provides over Baku especially at night (sunset happens around 8:30pm in June) when the city lights up.

 

The significant sites in the park offering insights into Azerbaijan's history and culture include Martyrs' Lane (Şəhidlər Xiyabanı) - Memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Black January massacre in 1990, the Shahidlar Mosque(Martyrs' Mosque), and the National Flag Square featuring one of the world's tallest flagpoles, proudly displaying the Azerbaijani flag outside the Alley of Martyrs. 

 

We ended the day on a high by savoring the baklawas and spinach rotis at Elxanoglu at Nizami street. 

 

Day 3 – Day Trip to Shahdag ( approx. 3 hour drive from Baku)

Shahdag, located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan offers a blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, cultural experiences and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for both active travellers and those seeking a peaceful mountain retreat. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling in winters or hiking and exploring nature trails with blooming wildflowers, adventure sports like zip-lining, ATV tours in other seasons, Shahdag promises unforgettable moments amidst Azerbaijan's natural splendour making it a must 1 night stay in winters and a day trip otherwise. 

 

On our route, we took a quick photo stop at the Candycane Mountains. First thing first at Shahdag, we did the very famous roller coaster amidst grassfields which is incredible and truly worth the hype. Oh! How much I wish, I had some accessory to keep my mobile safe and record this exhilarating experience. 

 

Being a group of 6, we thoroughly enjoyed playing paintball in military costumes, helmets and powerful guns under the beautiful sky in the company of rain and super cool breeze. Please note that the paintball shots hit pretty hard and this activity needs over an hour for changing and walking to and fro from the open-air battlefield. 

 

We then rushed to the cable car ride. Since it had been drizzling throughout, there are no photos to justify the serene views of the landscape that falls nothing short of Switzerland. Here, you can get down at the other end, take photos, enjoy tea and ride back from the cable car.

 

Please note that you can go inside the Mountain ski resort only after you get down from the 1st coaster and have not punched the ticket for 2nd coaster. Also the temperature at Shahdag is way cooler than Baku and carrying along a light jacket even in June is advised. 

 

Before calling it a night, we hogged over the delicious food at Shahi Darbar restaurant at Nizami street.

Day 4 – After being happily drained from the previous day, we left for Shikhov Beach (Şıxov Beach) at around 4 pm. This beach offering various water sports activities is one of the closest to the city center and is popular among locals and tourists. 

 

With clear and non-sticky water with negligible waves hitting the shore, it is ideal for swimming. Since we are a lazy bunch and needed a day off to relax and unwind, we enjoyed soaking the sunshine, sipping our drinks from the Malibu beach café and on and off dips in the water; however if you are in a rush, you can afford to miss this. 

 

Later, we stopped at Baku Boulevard (located just opposite the maiden tower), munched popping corn while walking by the Caspian Sea at seaside national park (Dənizkənari Milli Park). With plethora of open-air rides, this place is super fun for kids. 

 

To close the day, we ate till our hearts were full at Pizza Inn at Nizami street. 

 

Day 5 - Yanardag (fire mountain), Ateshgah fire temple

 

Visiting Fire Mountain was a unique experience due to its continuous natural gas-fueled flames that have been burning for centuries. Around a 40 minute drive from Baku, it was relatively warmer and offered a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance and cultural depth of fire-worshipping traditions, making it an enriching addition to the itinerary. 

After a 30 minute drive, we visited Ateshgah Fire Temple - an ancient Hindu, Sikh and Zoroastrian religious site originally built in the 17th-18th centuries atop natural gas vents that emit flames due to the combustion of natural gas. 

 

As we returned to Baku, we satiated our tummies at Dominos. Since it was almost time to get back to the grind in India, we opted for a relaxing package (massage, steam and Hamam) at Liana Deluxe Spa, packed our bags and returned to India with tons of happy memories. 

 

We were on a time crunch, but if you are not, add on a night stay at Gabala which is a 4.5 hour drive from Baku. On the route, make a stop at Alpaca farms located in Shamakhi 120KM away from Baku which is most ideal to visit in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) and with preferably prior reservation to participate in farm activities with the cutest animals on the planet. The tickets are relatively highly priced but totally recommended if you are travelling with children. 

 

Other things on the list could be the lavender fields (that generally bloom from late june to early august), the Yeddi Gozel Waterfall (known as the Seven Beauties Waterfall generally best seen during the spring and summer), rainbow slide and boating at Nohur lake; cable car ride, outdoor adventure activities (skiing, riding ATVs, zip-lining, etc.) in summer as well as winters, thrilling swing at Tufandag Mountain Resort. If time permits and travelling with kids, Gabala Land with amusement rides, arcade games, 5D ciema and themed areas can be a good option to explore. 

 

Art and history lovers often include Sheki in their trip and visit its stunning Sheki Khan's Palace, Sheki Caravanseari, Sheki fortress and relish the local Halva. With a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, Sheki offers a memorable cultural journey into Azerbaijan's diverse traditions and landscapes. But yet again, that’s not our interest, so we happily skipped it.

 

With time on your platter, it is highly recommended to add Georgia to your Baku trip. This however needs to be planned well in advance as visa generally takes 10 days and gets rejected often for many Indian tourists.

 

My free first-hand advice - 

- As very limited people speak english, language is a huge barrier and consider google translator as your best friend

- Stay at/close to Nizami Street –the most famous and centrally located vibrant avenue of Baku

- Azerbaijan offers strikingly different views in winters and otherwise. Plan your vacay according to your preference

- Although it is a food paradise, vegetarian options are quite scarce and we were elated to have our theplas and khakhras with us. There are various Indian restaurants at Nizami street- Namaste, Delhi Darbar, Bombay Zaeka. We ate twice at Shahi Darbar and it was fabulous

- Explore Azerbaijani cuisine, which includes delicious dishes such as kebabs, pilaf (plov), and various pastries. Don't miss trying local specialties like dolma and baklava

- E-visa for Baku generally comes within 4 days and valid for three months

- The currency Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is equivalent to INR 50

- Various tourist places close by 6pm, so check the timings and plan your day accordingly 

-- Link of our airbnb - the apartment was perfectly located on Nizami street with all the amenities. Although It is located on the first floor with no lift, had few glitches of air conditioning on the first two days, it can be checked out on Airbnb

- Converse with locals/airbnb host/driver in written over whatsapp given the proof of dialogue and avoidance of mis-communication over language

- Baku is 1.5 hour behind Indian Standard time        

- Enjoy a hassle-free trip with a pre-booked taxi on 24/7 disposal. We availed the services of Ismail (mobile no. - +994 777563435). He speaks limited english and was fabulous. We gave him the list of places we wanted to visit and he planned everything through. If not, Bolt is a great taxi app to roam within Baku.

-the above itinerary and recommendations are based solely on my experience and reader’s discretion and verification before making any booking based on the same is advised

 

Having travelled to several countries, I personally loved the vibe, diverse sightseeing opportunities and memorable experiences, Azerbaijan has to offer. I totally recommend this fusion of London, Switzerland, Madrid and more!! 

Happy Holidays,

Shruti