March 13, 2026 | By Anita Shah
I didn’t know what to expect when we landed in Baku. Part of me thought:
“It’s a city on the Caspian Sea, some history, maybe a few skyscrapers, nice hotel.”
Wrong.
This city, perched where Europe kisses Central Asia, is a full-blown sensory adventure. Within a few days, I found myself:
- Screaming down an alpine coaster in the mountains.
- Trying my hand at shooting ranges (hello, adrenaline).
- Sitting on a horse like I know what I’m doing (spoiler: I don’t).
- Tasting wines in dim, cozy wine bars in the heart of the city.
And in the background, there was a bigger story—one about geopolitics, diplomacy, and the future of India-Azerbaijan relations.
This trip, hosted by OA DMC in association with Marriott Hotels for two media houses and nearly 20 travel experts from across India, and flown on Azerbaijan Airlines, wasn’t just about travel content—it was about experiencing a destination that is actively reinventing itself for Indian travellers.
The Ritz-Carlton, Baku: Where Luxury Sets the Tone
We checked into The Ritz-Carlton, Baku, and instantly understood why it’s the city’s luxury benchmark.
Think floor-to-ceiling windows, polished service that somehow remembers your coffee order, and a vibe that’s modern without being cold. Baku itself is a city of contrasts—ancient Silk Road walls tucked beside futuristic towers—and the Ritz fits perfectly into that narrative.
For Indian travel experts, it’s perfect: luxury FITs, premium MICE groups, and every segment of traveller feels at home. For me? It was the ultimate recharge station after full-throttle days of adventure.
But here’s a standout: the breakfast spread.
Every morning felt like a celebration. Beyond the usual continental offerings, the hotel boasts an Indian chef, serving fresh Uttapam, Puri Bhaji, Poha, Upma, and more. It was a little touch that made mornings special, and honestly, it set the tone for the day ahead. You wake up, see the Caspian Sea outside your window, and know you’re about to fuel up for adventures you didn’t even know existed.
Shahdag Mountains: Alpine Coaster Madness
No trip to Baku is complete without a detour to Shahdag Mountain Resort.
A few hours (about 5 in coach travel) from the city, the landscape transforms from bustling streets to snow-capped peaks and rugged slopes. Since we had only two hours to experience the mountain—when most visitors spend a full day—we opted for the highlight experience. After a quick ropeway ride to the top (visibility was low thanks to heavy snowfall), we headed straight to the alpine coaster.
We opted for the Gold Pass, skipping the long queue that would have taken almost an hour. Imagine a roller coaster, on a mountain, where you control the speed. Sounds safe… until the twists appear, and suddenly you’re screaming like a child and laughing uncontrollably.
Everyone in our group had the same reaction:
“Okay… can we do that again?”
And yes, getting down from the coaster was almost a challenge—our bodies were frozen from the cold and adrenaline. Beyond the coaster, Shahdag offers skiing, snowboarding, and cable car rides with panoramic Caucasus views. Even if snow sports aren’t your thing, the scenery alone is worth the trip.
Shooting Ranges in Baku: Unexpected Adrenaline
Next up: shooting ranges. Not cameras. Actual firearms.
At the Baku Shooting Center, an Olympic-standard facility, we learned the basics: stance, aim, breathing. One misfire reminded you quickly that safety isn’t optional, but hitting the target? The adrenaline rush is real.
It’s one of those experiences that sounds weird on paper, but becomes an unforgettable highlight in reality.
Wine Tasting in the City: Who Knew?
Azerbaijan has been making wine for thousands of years, yet most travellers completely overlook it. I certainly had no idea what awaited us in Baku.
We visited a charming winery in the city (Wine Museum), where the experience went far beyond sipping glasses. The tour was led by the owner himself, who shared the rich history of Baku wine-making—from traditional methods to modern techniques. We even explored a museum with bottles dating back 200–300 years, each with its own story, carefully preserved. It felt like stepping into a time capsule of viniculture.
After the tour, we sat in a European-style tasting hall, complete with cheese, crackers, fresh fruits, and, of course, loads of wine. One surprise was a pomegranate wine, tart and sweet, unlike anything I had tasted before—we loved it so much, we bought a bottle to take home.
Every wine came with its own story, making the tasting more like a live storytelling session than a simple sip. The experience was made even more memorable because we did it with a small family from the Philippines, and by the end of the evening, our little group had transformed into one big, laughing, wine-loving family. There was so much joy, conversation, and shared amazement—it was the perfect way to end a day in Baku.
By the time we left, it was clear: Baku isn’t just adventure and skyscrapers—it’s culture, lifestyle, and surprises at every turn, and its wine scene is an unexpected jewel waiting to be discovered.
Baku and India: The Bigger Story
Here’s where the trip becomes more than just Instagram-worthy.
In 2025, India-Azerbaijan relations experienced subtle tensions. Trade discussions were slow, cultural exchanges limited, and tourism wasn’t a priority. But Azerbaijan is keen to reset ties, strengthen bilateral relations, and showcase itself as a destination for Indian travellers.
Our visit was a perfect example: a curated experience for Indian media houses and travel experts, giving us firsthand access to the city, mountains, and culture. Every adventure—from alpine coasters to wine tastings—was framed not just as leisure but as a signal of goodwill and opportunity.
The message was clear: Azerbaijan wants India as a partner. For Indian travel agents and FIT planners, this is a golden moment to discover a new luxury, adventure, and culture destination before it becomes mainstream.
The Takeaway
Baku surprised me. Not just because it’s beautiful, modern, or fun—but because it’s purposeful.
- Adventure: Alpine coasters, snow sports, shooting ranges, horse riding.
- Culture: Wine bars, ancient streets, architectural contrasts.
- Diplomacy: A city opening its doors to India, signaling that travel can be both experiential and strategic.
- Luxury: Ritz-Carlton, Baku, with breakfast spreads, Indian chefs, and panoramic views.
By the end, I realised this trip wasn’t just about ticking off attractions—it was about witnessing a destination reinvent itself, blending luxury, adventure, and international friendship into one unforgettable experience.
And yes… I’d go back just to ride that alpine coaster again.
Baku isn’t just a city. It’s an experience, a story, and a signal to Indian travellers: Come, explore, and see where adventure, culture, and diplomacy collide.
