Russia is the world’s largest country by landmass. It is becoming increasingly popular as a place to visit and people who have been describe it as one of the most captivating countries to tour. There is a depth of historical and cultural riches and landscape that have inspired poet and artists for generations. Here are five reasons to visit Russia.
Great summer weather
Russia is cold in the winer, but the spring and summer climate is favourable, with temperatures in the main cities of Moscow and St Petersburg soaring to 32ºC.
Russian architecture
The is a vast range of architecture to see and much of it is monumental and colourful. Visit Moscow, for example, for some of the most impressive city architecture. To visit Russia and its beautiful places, you will have to obtain a visa first. Before starting the visa application process, you will require a Russian visa invitation.
Russian literature and art
People who love writing and art will easily fall in love with this country. Russia lays claim to world acclaimed authors such as Pushkin, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Dostoyevsky, among others.
Moscow and St. Petersburg cities are a paradise for those who enjoy the arts. They are home to various museums and heritage centres.
Diverse religions and cultures
Over 100 languages are known to be spoken in Russia. Russians practice different faiths such as Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Shamanism. They also practice ancient animistic religions. Some of them are nomadic reindeer herders who reside above the Arctic Circle. Some also depend on resources from the forest-taiga or tundra; survive on hunting and gathering, and mixed farming, often living in permanent settlements.
Wildlife and nature
For those who like nature, there are so many reasons to get the Russian visa invitation and travel here. There are 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites across Russia. People travel to see different and outstanding nature reserves.
Its forests serve as a refuge to many wild animals and there is a rich variety of landscapes, from the pristine Western Caucasus Mountains to Kamchatka’s Pacific coast and Lake Baikal.
Russia’s best attractions
St Petersburg
From the lavishly decorated Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood to magnificent Winter Palace, St Petersburg – a port next to the Baltic Sea – is a magical-looking city, with architecture that looks fresh out of a fairytale.
The Golden Ring
Widely famous for its picturesque old-world towns, medieval fortresses, and ancient onion-domed churches, the Golden Ring is a wonderful place to visit.
Vladivostok
Vladivostok city is said to be Russia’s San Francisco. It boasts a large suspension bridge, which sits over Golden Horn Bay.
Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island sits in Lake Baikal and is a great getaway place to visit with lots of natural wonders to enjoy.
Kamchatka
Kamchatka is a large volcanic peninsula with a dramatic scenery. There are hot springs and wildlife as well as forests and snow-capped volcanoes.
Moscow
Russia’s cosmopolitan capital is Moscow and is home to historic fortresses, monuments and fabulous architecture. Visit St Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, among many other attractions.
Lake Baikal
Baikal is the world’s deepest lake (5,300m deep!) and takes up a massive 12,248 square miles of surface area. The lake is home to 27 islands and hundreds of animal species, some 80% of which are unique to these waters.
Sochi
Sochi will be remembered by many people as the location of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic games. It is Russia’s largest resort, situated o the Black sea coast, and a major tourist destination for summer and winter holidays.
Kazan
Kazan is Russia’s sports capital and famous for hosting many athletic events. It is also one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and has the Kazan Kremlin, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Lena Pillars
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Lena Pillars are stunning rock formation lining a nature park. They range from 150m to 300m tall and are believed to have been formed more than 500 million years ago.
Perhaps you’ll consider Russia for your next short – or longer – holiday?
