48 hours in Kutaisi

A compact town split by the Rioni River, Kutaisi, the capital of the Imereti region of Georgia, is a window into the country's history, culture, art and architecture and way of life.

- Shikha Shah

On a summery Sunday morning, we are at Tbilisi Central Railway Station, trying to decode the signage that reveals the train departure timings and platforms in Georgian language. We are looking forward to a fourhour, pleasurable train journey to Kutaisi, one of the oldest settlements in all of Europe and the capital of Georgia from the 8th century BCE until the 11th century.

While buzzing cities like Tbilisi and Batumi certainly make it to the itinerary of most first-time travellers to the Transcaucasian jewel, peaceful Kutaisi is often given a miss. Packed with worthwhile ancient sites, handsome green parks, growing food scene and warm, hospitable people, Kutaisi is an underrated, compact riverine town that offers ample opportunities for slow exploration of authentic Georgia. Make sure to keep aside two to three days to take in its old-world aura at your own pace.

Here's a comprehensive 48-hour guide

Day 1

Set the tone with a morning stroll at the boisterous Green Bazaar