About Russia.
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| Coat of Arm of Russia |
Russia always invokes mixed feeling. Being a Communist Country for many
decades and hence hardly anything was known about it. Most of us know it is
grand, vast and wild too but are curios to visit Russia. We do remain
apprehensive as to how will we manage there as most speak only the Russian
language and the country is relatively unknown
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Since we have travelled to Russia, I would like to tell the readers that
Travelling to Russia is a Great Experience which should not be missed. Russia
is grand, beautiful, friendly and affordable.
Obtaining a Visa for Russia.
Which Airline to take form India?
The best way to go to Russia is, obviously, by Air. Aeroflot, the
Russian airlines is the direct connection to Moscow, the capital of Russia from
Delhi. Other Airlines also fly to Moscow and Saint Petersburg but they all
route the passengers through the hub of the airlines, that is indirect flight.
For example, Lufthansa would fly the passengers to Frankfurt and then from
Frankfurt to Moscow.
Aeroflot thus is the recommended airline to fly to Moscow from Delhi.
Aeroflot flights go to Saint Petersburg too but via Moscow and are still
fastest.
First Stop - Moscow, Two Nights.
The commute from Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport to the city
is easy. One can travel by Aero Shuttle Buses which are the most Economical.
There is a train also available which is called Aeroexpress. The option of
taking a Taxi to the city also exists. We used prepaid Uber which is not very
costly compared to Aero Express Trains.
Internal commute options within Moscow city are Buses, Metro
(underground) trains and Taxies. The famous 11 number bus also called Walking
is an option but with limited range, it is not the most recommended one.
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| Moscow Metro |
Moscow has good B & Bs and also boutique hotels. One can book
through various websites. However, if there is a web site of the hotel or B
& B, book directly. For all those who do not want to take the trouble, do
reach us at enquiry@happystepstravels.com.
What to See in Moscow?
First Half Day
Most famous and well-known landmarks of Moscow are really within a 2 km
distance, with Moscow Kremlin (Fort or seat of administration) as the centre.
That makes them within walkable distance from each other.
Kremlin by itself, with its towers, Cathedrals and buildings can take
considerable time to visit. Keep about half a day to visit Kremlin, St Basil
Cathedral, Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum, Kazan Cathedral and GUM Department
store, oldest departmental store in Moscow and Russia. The whole trip is overwhelming and grandness of all the places is spectacular.
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| Kazan Cathedral |
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| Saint Basel's Cathedral |
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| On the outer Wall of Kremlin |
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| One of the Guard Tower of Kremlin |
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| One of the CHurches Inside Kremlin |
The GUM Store is also home to the top brands of the world. How much one
can buy there is a question of depth of one's pocket but a visit to GUM is must
a to appreciate the grandeur, the architecture and also to have the famous GUM
ice cream. it is world-class and it must be tasted.
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| GUM Departmental Store |
There are many museums in this area. If museums interests you, take time
out and see them. If ballet is your liking, Bolshoe Theater is situated right
here. The River Moskva is a place to do a boat cruise, evening cruise or a
romantic dinner cruise.
First half
Izmailovo Kremlin - This is
a replica of Kremlin kind of structure which has been made of wood in 2007. It
is a fun place with something for everyone. There are single museums inside
like a museum of Vodka, etc. There are coffee shops, eateries, etc.
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| Izmailovo's Kremlin |
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| Kremlin Boundry |
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| Dummy Guns |
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| Inside the Kremlin |
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| Vodka Museum |
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| Inside the Kremlin |
Just
outside this Kremlin is once-famous "Izmailovo market" which exists form 17th century
but now its a flea market where sellers from all over Russia come to sell their
stuff.
There is also a budget hotel here run by a girl who also runs a
restaurant that, apart from other cuisines, Sevres Indiancusines too. This
place is aptly named "MahaRickshaw". It may be worth a visit to soak
in the love of India that this girl has.
After visiting this place, visiting Moscow Metro is feasible in the
balance first half. Moscow Metro is by itself something that is a must in
your programme. These metro stations were created to show the world
the greatness of USSR. these stations are really beautiful. Visiting them gives
the feeling of happiness as these stations are beautiful and are different from
each other.
There are regular Metro tours operated by some tour operators. These
tours last one and a half hours to two hours and cover four to five main
stations which are worth visiting. The main stations are Revolution
Square, with magnificent sculptures of the Soviet era, Kurskaya Station
Lobby, the Hall of Fame of the WWII, Komsomolskaya, with impressive mural
mosaics of Russian glorious victories and Novoslobodskaya, with the
stained glass.
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| Decorative Panel on the wall |
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| Another one |
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| Artistry on the Roof |
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| You got to believe that it's a Metro Station |
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| Closer View of The Roof |
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| There is a train in the frame (to confirm its a metro station) |
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| Grand Metro Stations of Moscow |
For the second half of day two, there are many
options. Visiting Gorky Park, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Novodevichy convent is something that can be done in balance
half day. Alternately one can visit Old Arabat Stree, a place worth visit and a
food lover’s delight in the afternoon or the evening after visiting other
sights.
With this one and a half-day trip to Moscow, one
can depart Moscow next day morning for the next destination.
