When it comes to traveling in Central Asia, there are several neighboring countries that often cause tourists not to visit Azerbaijan. Well-known countries like Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey are easier on the tourist radar. However, people looking for an off-beat and exotic appeal often wind up in this relatively unknown country. Baku and Khachmaz are two of the many cities worth visiting.

People traveling in Azerbaijan ought to visit Khachmaz for a number of reasons. Here's why:

Tropics Out Of Nowhere?

People who visit Khachmaz often find one thing that is lacking in many of its Central Asian neighbors - the beach scene. In fact, the beaches of Khachmaz are reminiscent of those coastal tourist backdrops in the Mediterranean. 

Flora & Fauna Wealth

Another compelling reason to visit Khachmaz has something to do with its teeming ecological wonders. 20,800 hectares of the municipal jurisdiction is covered with forests with a total of 8 fluvial channels that flow through 3 different lakes. One of the key eco-tourist sites in this region is the Gulaln Reserve.

Khachmaz = Krazy!

If there is one extremely persuasive reason to be in Khachmaz, it is because this land has one 'crazy' pastime. Think of any outrageous projectile you can prep in a slingshot for firing. How about real live human beings? That's right! Check out the video below.

Given the reasons to travel in Khachmaz, there are interesting points of comparison for one to visit Baku. Here are the advantages the capital city can offer:

The City On Fire

With Azerbaijan's civilization developing an obsession with fire, a few people would have guessed that they'd feature it in their infrastructure. At night, the city of Baku is literally aflame with blazing neon lights.

Central Asia's Sports Capital?

In 2015, Baku hosted the prestigious European Games - a regional Olympic league. The local citizenry's love for sports is so telling that they even have a wicked name for their particular national game. Where else on earth can you find a sport called 'nerd?'

Commercial Powerhouse

If there is any great reason to visit Baku, it is the fact that urbanization can completely transform the terrain in less than a decade. As one of the leading oil-producers in Central Asia, urbanization in Baku replicates the best of Europe's key metropolitan zones.