Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. (Image: iStock)
Indians love to travel, especially after the pandemic. Now, the craze is not limited to domestic destinations – it is global and growing. The numbers revealed by the Reserve Bank of India only support this claim. According to the Reserve Bank of India data, Indians are spending Rs 12,500 crore per month on foreign travel this fiscal year. Wondering where these people are travelling to? We have an answer for that too.
MakeMyTrip has released its report titled ‘How India Travels Abroad’ for the period June 2023 to May 2024. It has highlighted the top 10 countries that these travellers are keen to explore. And it is not Europe or the US, but Kazakhstanfollowed by Azerbaijan and Bhutan.
But why are destinations like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan becoming increasingly popular among Indians? Let’s find out.
In 2023 alone, 28,300 Indian citizens visited Kazakhstan, according to media reports. According to MakeMyTrip’s report, Kazakhstan’s popularity has increased by 491%, thanks to visa-free travel and improved connectivity. Indians can take a direct flight from New Delhi to Almaty.
Social media has also played a big role in this. People post photos and videos of this destination and more and more travelers are inspired to explore this unexplored wonder. If you are planning a trip to Kazakhstan, here are our top recommendations.
- AlmatyAlmaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, has been the capital since 1997. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan. Almaty is the cultural, economic and financial centre of Kazakhstan and is known for its beautiful natural environment. One of the most striking features of the city is its proximity to the impressive Tian Shan Mountains.
- AstanaAstana, literally meaning “capital” in Kazakh, is the capital of Kazakhstan. The city was officially renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 in honour of Nursultan Nazarbayev, who served as Kazakhstan’s first president for nearly 30 years.
- Aktau:This nearly 40-year-old city overlooking the vast Caspian Sea is mesmerizingly beautiful and one of the most peaceful places to visit in Kazakhstan. It is here in Aktau that you can see some of Kazakhstan’s most unusual tourist attractions and more ancient architectural ensembles.
Why do Indians travel to Azerbaijan?
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Tourism Board has revealed that from January this year to July, Azerbaijan received 140,000 travellers from India, which is a 2.7-fold increase compared to last year. MakeMyTrip’s report also confirmed the trend as it showed a 404 per cent increase in searches by Indians.
Some of the reasons for this increase in travel could be the direct flights, their “European charm” and the ease of connection. In addition, the convenient e-visa process adds the icing on the cake.
If you are planning a trip to Azerbaijan, here is a list of places you must visit.
- BakuLocated in the South Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Baku is one of the oldest cities in the East. It is a fascinating city with a rich history that blends the old with the new, with modern skyscrapers alongside well-preserved historic buildings.
- Gobustan:It is famous for its combination of ancient history and stunning natural landscapes. At the heart of Gobustan are its petroglyphs, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.
- Yanardag:This place, which means “burning mountain” in Azerbaijani, is located on the Absheron Peninsula, about 25 kilometers northeast of the capital Baku. This unique place is famous for its flames that emerge from the ground and create a fascinating spectacle of fire and light.
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