WHEN I LANDED IN BAKU, the capital of Azerbaijan, a former Soviet country, an Islamic nation positioned right above Iran, I thought it would be riddled with Ladas (the Russian car once symbolic of its self-reliance), decrepit old buildings, grey skies, and subpar infrastructure. It's the quintessential cliched tourist perspective-one that I found to be completely untrue during my week-long stay.
A modern metropolis greeted me; instead of the Ladas, there were shining German sedans, sparkly Lamborghinis and Ferraris on the wide modern roads of the city, against the backdrop of gleaming new skyscrapers and public infrastructure that could compete with the likes of London and Vienna. How this budding capital on the banks of the Caspian Sea has remained unnoticed by Indian travellers remains a mystery.
At the heart of Baku lies the Old City, a maze of tiny streets with buildings from a bygone era and quaint mosques sitting next to modern day restaurants and bars. Meandering through the cobblestoned streets, I felt like I'd been transported to King's Landing from Game of Thrones. Only a dragon was needed to complete the fantasy. In its stead, however, one could view Baku's Flame Towers (shaped like flames as a nod to the country's nickname, The Land of Fire), looming over the city's skyline, and a reminder of its new turn to a more evolved future.
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
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Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SOARING ABOVE THE REST
Surrounded by stunning mountain views yet located in the city centre, the Hilton Kathmandu captures the essence of Nepali culture and cuisine.
HEARTWARMING HOSPITALITY
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in India has 60 hotels under its umbrella, all of which offer exceptional hospitality, a comfortable stay, and memories for a lifetime.
FOOD IS ART,
and we truly believe so-which is exactly what the fifth edition of the Delicious Dining Awards 2024 celebrated, acknowledged, and honoured. From the stalwarts of the F&B industry choosing the restaurants, cafes, and menus that they love to readers picking their favourites across restaurants and bars in leading hotels to the growing offerings of homegrown spirits and mixers as well as applauding for the T+L tastemakers who are changemakers in their own way, this year's DDA was all about the artistic excellence of the culinary industry in our country.
The Great Wide Open
At a new camp in the steppes of central Mongolia, Kate Eshelby saddles up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Life Of Pai
Japleen Kaur escapes to this lesser known Thailand town that's right out of a dreamy storybook
EAT, PRAY, LOVE with ABHAY DEOL
When he's not playing characters that'll leave an impression for a lifetime, Abhay Deol is a homebody in pursuit of new creative skills. SAMREEN TUNGEKAR spends the day at the actor's Goa casa-a home he's built himself and discovers his approach to life, travel, and the importance of replenishment
Space Odyssey
Couturier Amit Aggarwal talks to Chirag Mohanty Samal about how travel inspires him to create, reflect, and innovate
HANOI LIKE A LOCAL
The 1,000-year-old capital city offers a time-travel experience with its hearty dose of culture, an elegant fusion of architectural styles, and a fascinating food and coffee heritage
FARM FAB
Enjoy the gift of nature without sacrificing your comforts at Oleander Farms for your upcoming family holiday
10 Emerging Experiences in Asia
Thrilling, relaxing, exciting and indulgent-here is our handpicked list of must-dos that bare the vibrant and diverse soul of this fascinating continent