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The new year is already off to an exciting start for Azerbaijan, with the launch of the country’s second-ever regional train service outside of the capital city Baku, commencing operations just last week.
The route, operated by Azerbaijan Railways, runs between second city Ganja and the stunning mountain resort city of Gabala. It also stops at Goran, Yevlakh, Laki and Aghadash, and has significantly enhanced connectivity between the two destinations, which were formerly only linked by buses and cars.
Swiss manufacturer Stadler has supplied the trains, and four classes are on offer: Standard, Standard+, Business and First Class, with a basic fare costing the equivalent of a mere €2.45, according to euronews. The journey overall takes just one hour and 50 minutes.
So, why are we so pleased about this development? Well, Azerbaijan as a travel destination is incredibly underrated. Ganja is home to an unusual hybrid of Persian, Russian and Soviet architecture, as well as plenty of literary heritage.
Nizami Ganjavi, a twelfth-century writer (considered one of the greatest Romantic poets in Persian literature), has his legacy displayed in museums and cultural attractions all over Ganja, and his Mausoleum is in the city, too. It’s also a day-trip distance from Lake Göygöl, which brags gleaming clear waters and lush forests.
As for Gabala, the city has a lauded International Music Festival and a handful of ski resorts, but is also surrounded by waterfalls, lakes and vivid scenery, meaning it’s primed for hikers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it? Have a look at our roundup of where Time Out’s editors think you should be travelling to this year.
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