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About Russia

About Russia — Tourism, Travel Guide, Visa and Essential Facts

Formal Name:

Russian Federation

Location of Kazakhstan:

North Asia

Capital:

Moscow

Demonym:

Russians

Area:

17098246Sq Km

Population:

146793744

Ethnic Groups:

Chuvash

Languages:

Russian

Religion:

Buddhism

Currency:

Russian ruble (RUB, ₽)

Best Time To Visit:

May-Oct

Calling Code:

7

Drives On:

Right

Visa on Arrival:

No

Major Cities:

Administrative and Territorial Structure:

The Russian Federation consists of 85 federal subjects, including 22 republics, 50 regions, 10 districts, 6 territories and 2 federal cities - Moscow and St. Petersburg, one autonomous oblast and 10 autonomous counties. The entire territory is divided into 7 federal districts.

Land Boundaries:

Total: 22,408 km, Border Countries (14): Azerbaijan 338 km, Belarus 1,312 km, China (southeast) 4,133 km, China (south) 46 km, Estonia 324 km, Finland 1,309 km, Georgia 894 km, Kazakhstan 7,644 km, North Korea 18 km, Latvia 332 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 261 km, Mongolia 3,452 km, Norway 191 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 210 km, Ukraine 1,944 km

Geography of Russia


Russia is world’s largest country in terms of total area. It covers much of Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Russia Geography with over 17 square kilometres area has one eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land area. Russia is in two continents, Asia and Europe. Russia occupies a substantial part of continental Europe and this part in Europe is home to most of Russia's industrial activity. Russia includes the entire northern portion of Asia. Positioning of Russia is such that most part of the country is much closer to the North Pole than to the equator. Moscow is the capital city of Russia.

Russia Nature is divided into 5 natural zones namely the tundra zone, the taiga or forest zone, the steppe or plains, the arid zone and the mountain zone. Plain area is mainly two, the Eastern European Plain and Western Siberian Plain. Lowlands are North Siberia and the Kolyma. Two plateaus are Central Siberian Plateau and Lena Plateau. Mountains are mainly concentrated in extreme northeast part of Russia.

Climate and Weather in Russia


Russia Climate is largely continental. Most land part of Russia is over 400 KM away from sea contributing to the climate in Russia. Because most part of Russia is at north of 60° of north latitude, extensive regions in the country have six months of snow cover. Average temperature in most of European Russia is between 5 and 0° C while average temperature of almost all of Siberia is below freezing point throughout the year. Russia has mainly two season summer and winter. Russia sees extreme variations in temperatures in different parts of country.

Russia Weather for you as a visitor should matter to you depending on which part of the country you are in. One cannot say anything about Russia’s weather in general because in a single month weather is different in different parts of the country. However you can visit cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg in summers and winters both. Winters give you many exciting experiences like white nights and so on.

History of Russia


Russia History is quite old as the land has been inhabited by people for thousands of years. In 862 the first modern state in Russia was founded by King Rurik of the Rus. He became the ruler of Novgorod. After some years, Kiev was conquered by the Rus and they started the kingdom of the Kievan Rus. In next two centuries the 10th and 11th the Kievan Rus became a powerful empire in entire Europe. They reached the peak under Vladimir the Great and Yaroslav I the Wise. Later in 13th century Kievan Rus was wiped out by the Mongols led by Batu Khan who overran the area and finished the Kievan Rus.

History of Russia from 14th century to 16th century saw Grand Duchy and Ivan IV rising to power. Ivan IV crowned himself in 1547 as the first Tsar of Russia. In early 17th century Mikhail Romanov rose to establish Romanov dynasty which ruled Russia for many years. Since then Russia was under rule of other rulers as well and after First World War in 1917 Vladimir Lenin removed leadership of Tsars after a great revolution and Soviet Union was born in 1922. You can experience the great history of Russia when you are there on a trip.

Culture and Traditions of Russia


Russian Culture is quite interesting. Russia culture has a rich history and strong traditions. There are many colors to it. You can see variety of influential arts, literature, philosophy, classical music, ballet, opera, painting, cinema architecture and animation. You will feel enriched when you go deep into many aspects of the Russian cultural and traditional heritage. Ballet is the best contribution to the world by Russians. Family always held quite a significant place in Russia. Russia has hundreds of ethnic groups. Majority of Russians around 77% are of Russian descent. The rest of the population consists of Tatar, Ukrainian, Bashkir, Chuvash, Chechen and others.

Russia Traditions are quite rich and worth experiencing. Their art and crafts are quite old and they passed it on to new generations. You can witness the best of Russia art and craft brilliance in Russian dolls. Russian Dolls are super popular not just in Russia but even thousands miles away. These decorated wooden dolls with a secret are also known as Babushka dolls. Samovar or tea boiler is also another attraction of Russian craft. Apart from this pottery, wood working, art painting and others are also part of Russia traditions for ages.

Food and Cuisine in Russia


Russian Food is full of variety. Soups have always been vital part of Russian meal. They have hot soups and cold soups. One of the most traditional Russia foods is borshch which is beet soup full of vegetables and meat. This is served with a dollop of sour cream. Another popular food is Pirozhkis which is small baked bun. Buns are filled with potatoes, meat, cabbage or cheese. Main Food and Dishes of Russia are meat dishes like Pelmeni, Kotlety, Shashlyk and Kholodets. Fish and vegetables also have been and continue to be important element of Russian food. Vodka is popular alcoholic drink. Beer and tea are consumed widely as well.

Russian Cuisine comprises different cooking styles and traditions of Russian people. From 16th to 18th century Russia's great expansions of culture, influence, and interest saw emergence of more refined foods and culinary techniques. Russia also became one of the most refined food countries in the world. In Current times also you can taste variety of cuisine on table with influences from Northern and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Siberia, Caucasus region and East Asia. You can find the mix of traditional and multinational cuisines in Russian restaurants. You can also get to know the difference between Russian Traditional Cuisine and Soviet Cuisine. 

Languages of Russia


Language is the identity of a country. In Russia there are almost 160 different ethnic groups and about 100 languages are spoken by these groups. Russian is spoken by the majority. Besides, there are some native languages that are spoken as well. Tatar is a language of Volga ethnic group, and as a native language is also spoken in Ukraine, Finland, China, Romania and Turkey.

Interesting Facts About Russia:


1. In terms of land area, Russia is the largest country in the world. Russia is located across 9 time zones.
2. Russia has the world's longest railways. The Trans-Siberian Railway spans almost all the way across the county, making it the single longest railway in the world. Its originates from Moscow and covers 9200 km to Vladivostok on the Pacific shore in the east in about 152 hours.
3. Russians drive on the right-hand side of the road.
4. Russia has a wide range of natural resources and is one of the world’s largest producers of oil.
5. The world’s first satellite, named Sputnik, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
6. The official residence of the Russian president is the Kremlin in Moscow. The name Kremlin means fortress.
7. Russia has over 40 national parks and 100 wildlife reserves.
8. Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world. It reaches 1642 metres (5,387 feet) in depth and contains around 20% of the world’s unfrozen fresh water.
9. Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia (and Europe), it reaches a height of 5642 metres (18,510 feet).
10. Russia’s Volga River is the longest in Europe, with a length of around 3690 kilometres (2293 miles).
11. Russia has the world’s largest area of forests.
12. Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympic Games.
13. There are approximately 10 million more women in Russia than there are men.
14. In Russia, men never give an even amount of flowers to a women. You should always make sure you give them in odd numbers, unless going to a funeral, where even numbers are the rule.
15. Moscow has more billionaire residents than any other city in the world.
16. Russian’s will never shake hands over a doorway. It is believed to be a bad omen and most Russians are convinced the action will lead to an argument.
17. Russia's greatest Museum - The Hermitage, also in St Petersburg - is home to around 70 cats, which guard its treasures against rodents.
18. Russia sent a dog in space in 1957 and there's a monument sculpture of him in  Russia.
19. Traffic in Moscow is so bad that wealthy Russians hire fake ambulances to beat the jams.
20. There's a restaurant in Moscow staffed entirely by twins.

Russia Tourism — Top Destinations and Attractions

Russia is the world’s largest nation which has attracted travellers from all over the world. The country is packed with magnificent places to discover for all kinds of travellers. It gives a travel experience to many from treks up the mountains to walks along the coastal line of the world’s oldest lake. But, it doesn’t just end there, the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, museums of art, culture and literature open much more about the country’s history and culture. Tourism is Russia is the biggest in the world as the country is so big and tourist has to frequently visit the country to experience all of the places in the country.

Tourism in Moscow


Moscow is the capital city of Russia and it never fails to impress visitors with its history, artistry and majestic scenes. The main landmark in the city is the Kremlin and Red square which are located right in the heart of Moscow. All over the city, the remains of the Soviet state are scattered in many monuments and museum where there show the rise and fall of the heroes in several of their victorious battles. There are some classical performing arts in Moscow in many theatres such as the Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre, Moscow Art Theatre, Sovremennik and a few others.

Different Types of Tourism in Russia


1. Historical Tourism in Russia


Russia holds a rich historical heritage with great historical sites including 23 UNESCO world heritage sites. Many of the historical sites are around the ancient cities of Russia and the sites battles such as Kulikovo, Borodino, Lake Peipus, Mamayev Kurganand the Kursk Bulge. Everywhere you turn in Moscow, you will see great golden domes, churches, historic fortress that shows the historical significance.

2. Cultural Tourism in Russia


The main cultural tourism takes places around the region of Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are many different kinds of cultural tours which is a great way to get you acquainted with the destination of the country. But, St. Petersburg is one of the most visited sites in Russia along with the museums. There are also some nice cultural shows which happen in the capital city, Moscow such as opera shows, theatre shows etc which display the art and music of the country.

3. Sea and Nature Tourism in Russia


Russia is home to thousands of geological landforms which blesses the country with innumerable natural resources such as mountains, lakes, seas, rivers, etc. Many of them are far to reach but these are some of the geographical wonders of Russia that can be reached easily such as Lake Baikal, Curonian Spit, Kungur Cave, Stolby Nature Sanctuary, Elton Lake and many others.

4. Honeymoon Tourism in Russia


Russia’s spectacular places have some romantic feel and touch to it where you can celebrate your love with your loved ones. Some of the places where you can spend time as a couple on your honeymoon such as Hermitage Garden, Patriarchal Bridge, "Tree of Love" on Luzhkov Bridge, Serebryany Bor Park,  Vogue Café, Tavrichesky Orangery, Dimitrov, Valaam Archipelago, Moscow River Cruise, Lake Seliger, Lagonaki Plateau etc.

5. Health and Wellness Tourism in Russia


Russia is no less than any other countries in relation to its health tourism. There are a number of spa resorts in the country which gives spa treatment popularly known as Balneotherapy. This therapy is basically done with mineral water as the country is rich in its deposits of curative waters. One of the oldest centres in Russia is the Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, and Zheleznovodsk resorts which are so many years old.
 

6. Culinary Tourism in Russia


Russia is a country with many lands but one federation which all unite by bringing their traditions and ideas together. It offers visitors a lot of traditional dishes to try out and explore. Their recipes are mainly classic ones made out of wheat, vegetables etc. Some of the country’s popular dishes are Borscht, Shchi, Solyanka, Ukha, Pirozhki, Blini, and Pelmeni etc.

7. Nightlife Tourism in Russia


The nightlife of Russia happens to be in the capital city, Moscow. Despite the icy weather, it gets hot in the nightclubs of Moscow. Nightlife in Moscow offers you all that you need for a memorable night, the luxury discos, beautiful girls with a fun and entertaining aura all night long. Moscow never sleeps, the fun never ends in this city with trendy nightclubs, drinks etc with a wide choice for all taste in music, food, clubs etc.

8. Winter Tourism in Russia


Russia is a cold country, but it has its own beauty in the summer and winter time. Due to this changeable season, it attracts tourists from all over the world. Winter is not far from the eyes of the tourist, the snowflakes just sprinkle over the statues, churches, palaces or sometimes just adorned the rooftops with thick icing. Russia may be known to be cold, but it is only covered in snow. Some of the places to see in winter here are Lake Baikal, Veliky Ustyug, and Republic of Karelia etc.

Russia Tour & Travel Guide

Russia is one of the extraordinary destinations in the world with a depth cultural and historical riches. For a long time, the country has inspired poets and artist for generations. Russia has tremendously opened itself to the world and whoever travels to this country comes back with a treasure of love and memories for the country. The many reasons people visit the country is for its rich culture, history, famous art and architecture with impressive religious sites. While in Russia, these are some of the places that cannot be missed such as Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and many others.

Moscow Travel Guide


Moscow is a big and fast city where people are always busy running around, change of weather etc, nevertheless, it’s wonderful. Moscow is a splendid capital and offers visitors a wide range of entertainment and cultural spots worth exploring while in Russia. Moscow is a city mix with dazzling skyscrapers, churches, etc galleries, nightclubs, bars etc. There are many reasons to visit Moscow, you can indulge in many of its historical and modern artworks or even just stand in the middle of Red Square and gaze at its beauty. You can visit the Kremlin, Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow parks, Moscow metro, Moscow churches etc.

1. Penny Wise Russia

Items

Price in Russian Rubble

Price in Dollars ($)

 Meal for 2, in inexpensive Restaurant

564.24

8.69

 Meal for 2, in mid range Restaurant, Three-course

2262.16

34.65

 Combo Meal at McDonalds

346.47

5.31

 Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

79.59

1.22

 Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

152.43

2.33

 Cappuccino (regular)

149.00

2.28

 Coke/Pepsi (0.3 liter bottle)

53.91

0.83

 Milk (Regular, 1 Ltr.)

60.58

0.93

 Water (0.33 liter bottle)

37.65

0.58

 Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

414.25

6.38

 Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro)

103.88

1.60

 Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

158.43

2.44

 Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

20.77

0.32

 Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

435.03

6.70

* Prices are our approximation and may vary slightly.
* Prices are market prices of articles and may vary at restaurants and hotels.

2. Accommodation in Russia


Russia has over 4,500 hotels which are specialised in accommodation for foreign visitors. Many of the big hotels are in the big cities, and in other parts of the smaller cities, accommodation can be very basic. There are also several companies which provide bed & breakfast accommodation in St. Petersburg, Moscow and other cities. You can also find budget accommodation like home stays and hotels which are cheap and affordable.

3. Transportation in Russia


If you are coming from the airport, you can hire a car and the chauffeured cars are available in all the cities. Taxis are a great option if you want to get in and around cities and town. To explore nearby places, cycling is a great option to let you explore the inside out of the places. Travelling around the country is always good to go with coaches as they are cheaper.

4. Shopping in Russia


Whether your tastes are an expensive or low budget for shopping, it’s possible all the things you are looking for in Russia. There are a number of items which you can buy from outdoor markets, local shops, shopping centres and hypermarkets. If you are looking for wines, camera, watches, glassware, toys, jewellery can be bought in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
 

5. Best Time to Visit Russia


The weather in Russia fluctuates a lot; July and August are the hottest months of the year in the capital city. The best time to visit the country is early June where the weather is convenient for sightseeing. However, the high seasons are during the month of May through October. Summer time is always crowded with tourist; winter is also a good time to see the country.

6. Russia Travel Tips


• The local currency is Ruble
• Learn a bit of the language
• Get a local sim card
• You can pay by card everywhere
• Train tickets are expensive
• Be careful while taking pictures in Moscow and St. Petersburg
• Russia is a safe country
• For winter travel, pack layers
• Bargaining is not a thing here
• Do not do small talk with the people

7. Russia Flight Connections (Flight to Moscow)


Destination: Moscow & Saint Petersburg - Russia
Pickup & Drop: Delhi International Airport
Mode of Travel (Flight Details): Fixed Departure for Moscow

Flights to Russia:

• Aeroflot and Air India have direct flights to Moscow ex-Delhi.
• Fly Dubai has flights to Moscow via Dubai.
• Air Arabia has flights via Sharjah.
• Other flights are from Delhi - (1) Air Astana via Almaty and (2) Uzbekistan Airways via Tashkant.

8. Russia Tour FAQs


If you have any query about Russia Tourism, Tourist Destinations, Attractions, Visa Process, and other tour related information then visit Frequently Asked Questions of Russia.

Russia Visa Information

The regular visa process takes 10 working days, whereas an urgent visa requires 5 working days.

Documents Required:

• Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
• Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
• One passport-size photo signed on the back.
• Covering Letter Or Letter Head

Know more about Russia Tourist Visa!

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