Russia Travel Information | Trip to Russia | Russian Hotels Holidays

Russia as a country with a rich history and culture often makes the headlines for varied reasons. Historians and thinkers widely regard Russia as an important subject not only for many mysteries surrounding personalities such as Rasputin, the Czar and so on, but also for its role in today’s world. Russia is in fact enormous in area, and is believed to have the ninth largest population in the world. Today, the Russian economy is doing very well. Since it has the largest natural gas reserves in the world, besides coal and oil reserves; Russia deals a lot in exports. Moscow is its capital, whereas Russian is the official language spoken.

Russians form the majority of the population here. Besides them, Tartars, Armenians, Ukrainians and people from other countries are also found here.  When one thinks about the Russian contributions to the world, it is always ballet , music and literature that come to mind foremost. The talent behind many famous ballet recitals such as Swan lake was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Dancers such as Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Njinksy, are well known. Today the Bolshoi Ballet and the Kirov in St Petersburg are famous worldwide. Composers such as Scriabin, Stravinsky and Shostakovich, prominent 20th century talents, are all Russian. Russian literature is believed to date back to the 10th century. Short stories written here were given a new life. The Russian Shakespeare- Alexander Pushkin is one of the earliest founders of modern literature. Other famous writers who have won many accolades are Anton Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Dostoevsky.  Later works by writers such as Maxim Gorky, Isaac Babel, Vladimir Nabokov and so on, are extensively studied.

A visit to Russia promises to be full of new experiences because almost every place here has some historical or cultural significance. The capital city of Moscow, itself could take a full week to explore.

Moscow – This city was founded in 1147. The Kremlin better known as the President’s residence is worth a visit. The grounds themselves have cathedrals and palaces. The Uspensky Cathedral has a throne of Ivan the terrible near the entrance. The 14th-century Grand Kremlin Palace and the golden-domed Belfry of Ivan the Great are breathtaking. St Basil’s Cathedral, is known for its brightly colored domes. The Blagoveshchensky Cathedral has copper domes, floors inlaid with precious stones and many 16th century frescoes. Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the body of Lenin is embalmed and kept on display is another major attraction here. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which is the biggest church in Russia, has withstood centuries of history. Try watching a ballet performance at the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater at Teatralnaya Square. The Moscow Menage, is considered a classic architectural building more for the design where there is no internal roof support at all. There are many museums here too. The Novodevichy Convent, itself an example of 16th century architecture is home to many rare Russian paintings. The Tretyakov Gallery, which also has a good collection of paintings and icons, and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, are also worth a visit.

St Petersburg – It was built by Peter the Great and has often been called the ‘Venice of the North’. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace, of great historical importance are a must visit. Peter’s House, a well preserved home of the great historical figure is worth visiting. The Peter and Paul Fortress, which has a cathedral inside of the same name, was the first cathedral to be built here entirely of stone. Members of the Romanov Dynasty are also buried here. To understand the history of the city better visit the Museum of the History of the City. The St Isaac’s Cathedral, built in the 19th century, full of holy relics, is today a center for many festivities and celebrations. The Yusupov Mansion, with a distinct 19th century feel to it, has a waxwork exhibition dedicated to Rasputin. The Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Kazan Cathedral are two other buildings worth visiting. The Alexander Nevsky Monastery, still functions as an important religious center. If you are a literature lover, then visiting the homes of Dostoyevsky, Pushkin and Anna Akhmatova, which are museums today, should be on your agenda.

Golden Ring – The Golden Ring, which starts in Moscow, is a route, which covers many old cities and towns, running in a counter clockwise direction. Beautiful churches, fortresses and other monuments are just a few sights to be seen along the way. Each town has something unique to offer. Sergiev Posad is said to be the heart of Russian culture and traditions. It is famous for the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, now a World Heritage Monument. One can see many relics used by the Rev Sergius kept in the Trinity cathedral built in the 15th century. Kostrama is known for the 14th century Ipatievsky Monastery, and is famous also for its cheese-making center. The well-decorated fire observation tower, which was built in 1825, is a city hallmark. Suzdal is known for the Rozhdestvenskiy Cathedral built in the early 13th century. The Blessed Virgin Convent has much historical importance because many wives of the tsars along with children were exiled here.

A vacation here doesn’t have to be simply about history. You also get a chance to unleash the adventurer in you. Hunting in the forests can bring you face to face with animals such as red deer, wolves, brown bears, goose etc. Give  ice diving in the White Sea a shot. Here, you get to explore the marine life under the icy waters. With more than hundred ski slopes, skiing is a fun experience. Head to Mt Elbrus for year around skiing, Cheget located in the Caucasus Mountains or the Volen Sport Park. Snowboarding is great fun when you are with the whole family and can be tried at the same locations.

So, head to Russia for a vacation with a difference. Not only will the warmth of the people delight you, but you will also come back with lovely memories.

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