DISCOVERING THE CAUCASIAN PEARL

BATUMI IS A GETAWAY FOR ALL SEASONS, IMPRESSING VISITORS WITH ITS QUAINT VIBE, CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE AND TRADITIONAL CUISINES

- HIMAKSHI PANWAR

AS THE HEART OF AJARA AND THE SECOND largest city in Georgia, Batumi beckons travellers with its all-season appeal. From the velvety autumn and extended summers to its spring splendour and snowy winters, Batumi is all about weather wonders and diverse landscapes. This Eastern European city mesmerised me with its rainbows, 8,000-year-old Quveri (clayvessel) wine-making traditions, and Europeanstyle squares. The inviting mix of scenic Ajara mountains, the old seaport and high-end hotels perfectly encapsulates the contrasting vistas of ancient sites and a modern cityscape. Exploring this offbeat place made me "value the present moment more," as our guide, George Megrelidze, would say.

Travels like these shape your perspective on life and let you slow down for a bit. As I immersed myself in the Georgian way of living, the experience made me drop my inhibitions and explore this enchanting city like a free bird.

AN ALL-SEASON GETAWAY