Travelogue 8: ✈️ Postcard from Uzbekistan: A Journey Through History, Hospitality & High-Speed Trains 🚄

It’s been a while since I wrote a travelogue. Honestly, I held back thinking people might be tired of my travel reflections. But was encouraged by many friends to keep sharing—and the beauty, history, and warmth of Uzbekistan left me with no choice but to put pen to paper again. So here goes :

Just returned from a fascinating trip to this Central Asian gem—a land where ancient history meets modern ambition, and Bollywood stardom transcends borders and languages.

Tashkent surprised me with its modernity. Wide boulevards, clean streets, organized infrastructure, and a sense of calm define this capital city. It’s confidently striding into the future while honoring its past.

What stood out was the deep-rooted connection with India. From Mughal heritage to mutual cultural respect, many locals spoke fondly of historical ties going back to Babur’s roots in the Fergana Valley.

 And though English isn’t widely spoken, mention Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, or Salman Khan — and you’ll see a smile light up an Uzbek face!

Bollywood is a language of its own here, breaking barriers and uniting people.

Sometimes, we underestimate the soft power of cinema — how Bollywood, in its unique way, connects cultures, geographies, and languages.

Normally, I don’t take time off during business trips, but this time I ventured out to Bukhara and Samarkand — and it was absolutely worth it.

 Samarkand, especially, is breathtaking — majestic mosques, intricate blue-tiled madrassas, and the awe-inspiring Registan Square make it a historian’s paradise and a photographer’s dream.

The hospitality of the Uzbek people is something I’ll always remember. Special thanks to Ipoteka Bank and their dynamic CEO, Sandro Rtveladze, for a warm and inspiring welcome. It was a pleasure exchanging ideas on banking innovation and transformation. Their openness reflects a country embracing the future.

As a vegetarian, I faced some challenges since the local cuisine is largely meat-based. I survived on the national dish pilav (plov) without meat, and ayran, their refreshing yogurt drink similar to buttermilk.

Uzbekistan also boasts its own version of the bullet train — the Afrosiyob. Sleek, fast, and efficient, it’s proof that the country is racing ahead into the future while celebrating its glorious past.

If you’re looking for a destination that offers history, heart, and a hint of home—Uzbekistan should be high on your list.