Moscow, the heart of Russia

Privet, Moscow!

Whether you were drawn here by the city’s chaotic political history, its rich cultural heritage, its breathtaking performing arts or just the need of some good vodka, Moscow will amaze you.

If Saint Petersburg is Russia’s “window on Europe,” Moscow is the Russia’s heart. It is vibrant, upbeat and an iconic city.

A strange combination of traditional Russian architecture with new modernized buzz, Moscow is an adventure waiting to happen.

Here are some of the top attractions that you should check out.

Red Square

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square is the Heart & soul of Moscow. The first place almost everyone heads to once in Moscow is the Red Square.

Almost 8 lakh square feet, it lies east of the Kremlin and north of Moskva River. The State Historical Museum lies at the northern end of the Red Square. At the Square’s southern end, stands the nine-towered Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed. Lenin’s tomb is on the west and GUM, the Premoum departmental Store is on the east.

Red Square has been the scene for demonstrations, executions, riots, parades and speeches.  Even today the military parades are held at Red Square on May Day.

Red Square was added to UNESCO’s World heritage List in 1990. The streets around Red Square are a good start for you to stroll and have them as background for your photos.

The most famous landmark in Moscow and a must visit place!!

Nearest Metro Station: Ohotnii Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshad Revolutsii

St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral

Everyone has seen the picture of the church with the colourful onion shaped dome. Clearly, the most famous landmark of Russia, you can spot it the moment you start walking inside the Red Square.

St. Basil’s Cathedral was build in 1561 to celebrate Ivan the Terrible crucial defeat of the Khan of Kazan, a victory that secured Moscow’s position as the region dominant city.

The story goes that the eyes of the architect who commissioned the cathedral were cut out, so that he cannot make another beautiful cathedral like this one.

The cathedral is far more beautiful from the outside than from the inside. If you still want to have a look, there is a ticket booth right next to the entry gate of the Cathedral.

Opening Hours:

June-August: 10:00 to 18:00
November - April: 11:00 to 17:00
May, September, October: 11:00 to 18:00
First Wednesday of the month – day off

Entry Price: 700 RUB
Entry Price with audioguide: 1200 RUB

Website: https://en.shm.ru/museum/hvb/

Nearest Metro Station: Ohotnii Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshad Revolutsii

GUM Departmental Store

GUM

Look towards the stunning building on the left hand side of the St. Basil’s Cathedral. It’s the GUM Departmental Store (I am sure it is the most beautiful & the most famous departmental store in the entire country). Pronounced as “Goom” the 19^th century building was built to replace the old trading area that once stood opposite the Kremlin.

GUM is a departmental store which today houses hundreds of premium stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants and is one of the prominent landmarks of Moscow. Even if shopping you not on your cards, do drop by GUM to witness the glass roof arcade and the high street shops.

Nearest Metro Station: Ohotnii Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshad Revolutsii

State Historical Museum

State Historical Museum is the largest museum of Russia containing over 4.5 million items collected over 100 years.

The State Historical Museum (built 1875-83) stands at the northern end of the Red Square.

Opening Hours:

Mon, Wed, Thur, Sun: 10:00 to 18:00
Fri, Sat: 10:00 – 21:00
Tue: Closed
Admission Fees: Ruble 1100

Website: https://en.shm.ru/museum/hvb/

Nearest Metro Station: Ohotnii Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshad Revolutsii

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The body of the Russian dictator, Vladimir Lenin has been on display at the Red Square for over 90 years. One of the walls of the Kremlin makes an imposing backdrop to the mausoleum of the leader of the communist movement.

During our visit to Moscow, due to the preparation of the Victory Day the Mausoleum was cordoned off.

Please note that bags and camera are not allowed inside.

Opening Hours:

Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun: 10:00 to 13:00
Mon, Fri: Closed
Admission Fees: Free

Nearest Metro Station: Ohotnii Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshad Revolutsii

Moscow’s Kremlin

Kremlin

There are many reasons why Kremlin is worth a visit. The 36.4 hectare Kremlin has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and its history can be divided into three periods: the wooden Kremlin (13^th century), the Italian Renaissance Kremlin and the modern Kremlin.

Kremlin lies in the heart of the city of Moscow and today houses the political head quarter of the Earth’s largest nation. Within the world famous walls of Kremlin lies a collection of buildings or various architectural styles, ranging from ancient Russian style to modern buildings. While much of it is not accessible to the general public being part of the government and President estate, the buildings open to the public forms a treasure of its own.

You will need a ticket to enter the Kremlin and are advised to leave any large bags in the cloak room located near the ticket office. A “Kremlin territory” ticket gets you inside the cathedrals but in order to visit the Kremlin Armoury you need to buy a separate ticket (very expensive) before you enter the Kremlin.

So how big is the Kremlin?

Total Area – 27.7 Hectare
Wall’s Length – 2,500 metre
Wall’s Height – 5-19 metre
No. of Towers – 20
Tower’s Height – Upto 80 metre

Tsar Bell (200 Tons)

Tsar Bell

It was in the 18^th century that the Russian decided to cast the biggest bell in the world – the tsar of the bells. The weight of this bell is 200 tons (shocking) and is 6.24 metre in height.

It would be no exaggeration to say that if this bell rang, the whole of Moscow would hear it. However it was never heard. This bell has never been rung.

It is said that there was a massive fire in the Kremlin in 1737. The Muscovites feared that the bell might melt in the fire and rushed to the sites and poured cold water on the bell. The sudden change in the temperature caused a big slab to split off the bell. Since the bell was broken, it was never lifted to a bell tower.

The bell rests on a pedestal at the foot of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower inside the Kremlin in Moscow.

The yellow building behind the bell today houses various offices of the Russian Presidential Administration.

Tsar Cannon (40 tons)

The Kremlin also boasts the biggest cannon in the world which weighs 40 tons and is almost 5 metre long. The cannon were cast in bronze in 1586 and is decorated with various inscriptions, and ornaments. It is located near the Kremlin armoury facing the Kremlin Senate.

According to the legend, the cannon have never actually been fired. The cast balls placed near the cannon are for decorative purpose only and weighs one ton each.      

Cathedral of the Assumption

Cathederal of Assumption

The Cathedral of the Assumption is the oldest and the biggest church of all the Kremlin churches and was built in 1475 by Italian architect Aristotle Fiorovanti. It’s simple and is crowned by five golden domes. The Orthodox metropolitans and patriarchs of the 14^th and the 18^th century are buried here.

Cathedral of the Annunciation

The Cathedral of the Annunciation was built by Pskov Architects in 1484-89 and was designed as the main church for Russian Tsars and their families. In this Cathedral, Russian Tsars were married and baptized. Its chapels are topped with golden roofs and domes.

Dormition Cathedral

Dormition Cathedral was the key cathedral of Russia and it is at this cathedral where all the emperors of the Romanov Dynasty were coroneted.

Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

This Cathedral is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel was rebuilt in 1505-08 an dis the place where the Prince of Moscow is buried.

Opening Hours:

Museum opening Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Day off: Thursday

Visiting fees:
Armoury: 1000 Rubles
Architectural ensemble of Cathedral Square: 700 Rubles
Museum in the Bell Tower: 350 Rubles

Nearest Metro Station: Ohotnii Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshad Revolutsii

Website: https://www.kreml.ru/

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Few metres away from the Kremlin, the bright white walls and glistening golden domes of Cathedral of Christ the saviour can be seen from far and wide. The Cathedral is the largest Ordhodox Church in the World and is also the most important church in the country.

The cathedral that you see today is a close replica of the original cathedral and was restored between 1994 and 2000. The original cathedral was built in the 19^th century in honour of the victory over the Napoleon.

Of all the churches in Moscow, none are as impressive, opulent and grandiose as Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

The entry to the Cathedral is free, but clicking pictures inside the cathedral is strictly prohibited. As it is a place of worship, it is advised to dress conservatively.

Do get on the bridge in front of the Cathedral to enjoy the amazing view of the Kremlin.

Opening Hours:

Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:00 to 18:00
Mon: 13:00 – 21:00
Admission Free

Website: http://new.xxc.ru/

Nearest Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya

Alexander Garden

At the back of the Kremlin and at the end of the Red Square is the Alexander Garden. It’s a beautiful set of garden, fountains and statues and is a good place to stroll and relax in the very center of the Red Square.

The garden was laid out at the beginning of the 19^th century and Emperor Alexander I personally ordered the garden to be created.

The garden also has many monuments erected in memory of the two major Russian wars - the one in 1812 (against France) and WWII

Okhotny Ryad, a shopping mall is located just at the end of the Alexander Garden and is a good mix of high end and budget shops.

Zaryadye Park

View from Zaryadye Park

A new addition in the long list of places to see in Moscow is Zaryadye Park, which is a stone throw away from the Red Square. The park is massive in size overlooking the Moskva River. The park has various eating joints and a small amphitheater. It has now become a very popular place for live musical performances.

Don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Kremlin from the newly constructed floating bridge in the Zaryadye Park.

Nearest Metro Station: Kitay Gorod

Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the most celebrated theatres in the world. It was opened on 20^th October 1856 on Tsar Alexander II’s coronation day.

On 29^th October 2002 the Bolshoi was given a New Stage while the Historic stage was undergoing reconstruction and renovation. The revamping project lasted from 1 July 2005 to 28^th October 2011 and today it boasts of most technically equipped theatre in the World.

But please be prepared to empty your pockets as a ticket at Bolshoi will surely leave a dent in your wallet. You can book a ticket online or if you want you can standing tickets are also available. The ticket counters open two hours before the actual show but be sure to stand in the line quickly because the tickets are sold like hot cakes.

There are two ways you can visit the Bolshoi theatre – you can either buy tickets to attend a ballet or opera performance or you can take a guided tour of the historic building.

For a fancy night of culture and high society head to Bolshoi for an opera or ballet performance. Trust me, its whimsical and glamorous!!

Address: 1, Teatralnaya Square
Website: https://www.bolshoi.ru/

Gorky Park

Entry to Gorky Park

Take a break from walking around the historical attractions and rest in the well groomed green areas on Moscow. Gorky Park provides some of Moscow’s best people-watching spots and offers various activities you can do with your group. It is the biggest and the most famous park in Moscow.

First established in 1923, Gorky Park underwent a huge reconstruction in 2011.

The 30 acres park has play area for children of all age groups, a beach volley ball court, ping pong, skate boarding, skating, bike riding etc. In winters half of the park becomes an ice rink, with separate segments for children, ice hockey, dancing and skating. If you want to enjoy a cruise, aboard a boat on the Moskva River from the park.

The park also has eating outlets wherein you can enjoy a meal or some coffee with your friends and family.

It is the first Russian Park to compete with some of the leading parks in the world.

Entry is free and there is free wifi throughout the park.

Nearest Metro Station: Park Kultury, Oktyabrskaya

Free Admission and is open 24 hrs.

Sparrow Hill & Moscow State University (MSU)

Sparrow Hill, the highest point of the city, is the best place to have a panoramic view of Moscow. Once known as the Lenin Hill, Sparrow Hill has the amazing backdrop of the Moscow University Building and is the perfect place to click pictures. There is a viewing platform on the Sparrow Hill overlooking the Moscow River. The front view is the Central Stadium which was the main venue of the 22^nd Olympic Games in 1980. 

Moscow State University

Moscow State University is the tallest amongst the Stalin’s seven skyscrapers (The Seven Sister). It is definitely a building to watch. You might not get an entry inside the building if you do not have the right student ID, but do drop by to appreciate the massive and the beautiful MSU building.

Nearest Metro Station: Universitet

Metros in Moscow

The easiest, fastest, cheapest and the most efficient mode of transportation in Moscow is the metro. Even if you plan to travel by taxi, you should go underground to see some of the beautiful metro stations of Moscow. I am sure the metro stations will leave you spell bound!!

Opened in 1935, it is one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world.

With its grand architecture, intricate mosaics, it has turned many metro stations into picturesque tourist attractions. Most of the stations look like a monument; with every station has its own distinctive decoration, theme and may be a fascinating story to tell.

I suggest visiting the metro stations during dead hours (11 am to 4 pm) and thus avoiding the peak hours of Moscow.

There are 12 lines and a total of 200 stations and counting.

Few metro stations that we visited were:

Mayakovskaya is considered as one of the stunning metro station in Moscow. The station is gleaming with domed arches and it feels like a luxury hotel. This metro station was erected in 1938, three years before the beginning of World War II.  

Novoslobodskaya Station is decorated with stained glass panel.

Komsomolskaya is definitely one of the prettiest metro stop with impressive chandeliers. You will be forgiven for thinking that you have accidentally strolled into a palace rather than a metro station. Yellow has recently become my favourite colour J

Okhotny Ryad - This metro station is closest to the Red Square and also leads to one of Moscow's main downtown street - Okhotny Ryad

Kurskaya - The most striking point of this metro station are its marble covered walls, the moldings in its ceilings and the chandeliers.

Bolorusskya

Ploshchad Revolyutsii is one of the most popular metro station and is very near to Red Square. This metro station is famous for its bronze sculptures.

VDNKH

VDNKH Entrance

Try reading this - vystava dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva

This is the full form of VDNKH, the English translation is the Exhibition of Achievements of the People’s Economy.

VDNKH

There is a museum of Cosmonautics just in front of the metro station, where you can learn something new about space exploration. The museum boasts a collection of 85000 pieces relating to Russian space exploration.

We visited the Park on a weekday but since the holidays were going on in Russia, there were lot of people there. The complex includes more than 500 structures some of them being heritage buildings. It serves as a park where people can relax, hangout, cycle, skate and eat. 

Opening Hours:

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun : 10:00 to 19:00
Thur, Sat : 10:00 – 21:00
The entrance fee is 250 Ruble.

Address: 119 Mira Square, Moscow

Website: https://vdnh.ru/

Old Arbat & New Arbat Street

Arbat Street is one of the oldest, cobbled pedestrian street in Moscow and is a perfect place for evening stroll. The street is lined with numerous shops and small cafes and restaurants which makes it a perfect place for souvenirs and curios shopping.

The street is full of street performers and musicians at Arbat Street which makes for a great atmosphere. The street can be an overwhelming place because it is constantly in motion and buzzing with activities. It is incredibly welcoming and sure is touristy, but it’s a fun place to walk around, window shop and grab a bite.

Izmailovo Kremlin & Flea Market

Do you know that there is a second Kremlin located in the north east part of Moscow? Make an effort to venture a little outside from the centre of the city to Izmailovo Kremlin & Market. Brimming with museums, regal palaces and galleries, the area is a cultural hub which provides ample photo opportunities. The main courtyard of the Kremlin offers ample culinary specialties. This colourful fairy tale palace was recently build in 2007 is a popular venue for weddings.

Next to the Kremlin, is the Izmailovo open air flea market, the perfect place to find the best souvenirs and tourist trinkets in Moscow. The market has the biggest and best selection for Matryoshka dolls, vodka short glasses, warm caps and gloves, fridge magnets, Putin paraphernalia ranging from towels, mugs to T shirts.

Don’t forget to bargain, that’s a must here.

Opening Hours:

Every day: 08:00 to 21:00
Website: https://www.kremlin-izmailovo.com/

Nearest Metro Station: Partizanskaya, Izmailovo

Moscow City Skyscrapers

The Moscow city gives a glimpse of the future modern city with breathtaking skyscrapers, hotels, offices, malls, theatre, commercial complex etc.

The Federation Tower is the tallest building in Europe (374 meters). The Imperia Tower is 352 meters tall and is equipped with a sightseeing platform.

Afimall commercial and entertainment center is situated in the heart of the Moscow city. It includes over 100,000 square meters of shops, cafes and entertainment venues.

Website: https://citymoscow.ru/

Things Not to Miss in Moscow

• Tour the Red Square and the Kremlin
• See a ballet performance at the Bolshoi Theatre
• Ride on the Moscow metro are not to be missed
• Buy some Soviet souvenirs

Panch Prayag - The confluence

Panch Prayag connotes the confluence of five sacred rivers in the Himalayas located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. These five prayags are considered holy and bathing at these points of confluences is considered as cleansing of soul. The last rites of the departed are also prevalent at these points.

As per Hinduism, the confluence of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati at Allahabad is considered the holiest. The Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand is next in order.

Enroute Badrinath, the Prayags are located at scenic locations with the snow covered peaks of Himalayas and enchanting valleys. It is believed that Panch Prayag is the road to heaven and is said that the Pandavas followed this route to attain salvation.

The story of River Ganga

One of the many bridges

In Hinduism, River Ganga is considered sacred and is thus personified as Goddess Ganga. The water of River Ganga is considered holy and it is believed that bathing in the river causes the remission of sins and in attainment of Moksha.

When Goddess Ganga descended to Earth, the might of Ganga gushing down to earth would have been too immense for the land to bear. There would have been earthquakes, floods and the crops would have been ruined for years to come. So, Lord Shiva sat at the spot where Ganga will fall and bear the impact of her power on his head. Ganga cascaded down from the sky as a mighty waterfall on Shiva, wherein Lord Shiva imprisoned her in the locks of his hair.

When Ganga reached Earth, she was harmlessly split into various streams. After passing through five confluences the streams unites and form the sacred Ganga.

In the descending flow sequence the five points of confluence are:

• Vishnu Prayag
• Nand Prayag
• Karna Prayag
• Rudra Prayag
• Dev Prayag

Vishnu Prayag

Vishnuprayag is the confluence of River Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga. Alaknanda originates from the Satopanth glacier whereas Dhauli Ganga originates from Niti Pass. After flowing for around 26 kms Dauli Ganga meets River Alaknanada at Vishnuprayag.

Places to see near Vishnu Prayag

Badrinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations as per Hindu religion and forms one of the Char Dham sites. Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is perched at an altitude of 3133 metres above sea level. The temple is opened for six months in a year because of the extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas. The temple is located along the banks of Alaknanda River in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Auli is a hiking and skiing destination and is located 3050 above sea level. Auli is blessed with a paranomic view of the Himalayas and is surrounded by coniferous and oak trees. Auli slopes are intended for novice and professional skiers. It has a 4 kms cable car, chair car and ski lift and has two resorts by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited. Check out my blog of Auli here

Nandprayag

River Alaknanda is joined by Nandakini River at 1358 meters above sea level approx. River Nandakini originates from the glacier below Nanda Ghunti. This confluence is located 22 kms from Karnaprayag and around 194 kms from Rishikesh. The place is named after King Nanda who had performed yagna at this place and gave generous donations to people to seek blessings of God.

Places to see near Nandprayag

Tungnath is one of the highest Lord Shiva temples in the world. Tunganath is perched at an altitude of 3680m/12,073 ft above sea level and is located just below the peak of Chandrashila. Tunganath literally translates to “Lord of the Peaks”.  Tunganath can be accessed through roads till Chopta (2926m/9600 ft) and then an uphill trek of 5 kms. Check out my trek to Tunganath here.

Chopta is a small village very popular amongst the trekking enthusiast. Chopta forms as a base camp for trekking to Tunganath Temple and Chandrashila. Chopta is accessible through roads and is well connected to Dehradun and Rishikesh.

Karnaprayag

After flowing through Vishnuprayag and Nandprayag, River Alaknanda joins the River Pindar which originates from Pindar Glacier. It is believed that Karna did the penance at this location and this is the place where Lord Krishna cremated Karna.  

Places to see near Karnaprayag

Hemkund Sahib is a place of worship for Sikhs and is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth sikh guru. It is located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4632m/15197 ft and is approached from Govindghat which is 275 kms from Rishikesh. 9 kms trek from Govindghat to a small village Ghangaria is reasonably well maintained. From Ghangaria 3600 ft climb on a 6 kms stone paved path leads to Hemkund Sahib. Overnight stay is not allowed.  

Valley of Flowers is another 3 kms trek from the village Ghangaria. The visitors to Valley of Flowers need to get a permit from the Forest Department at Ghangaria and the permit is valid for three days. Trekking to valley of flowers is allowed only during day time. The best time to visit is in july and early September when the valley is full of flowers.

Rudraprayag

The fourth confluence amongst Panch Prayag is situated at the convergence of two holy rivers – River Alaknanda and Mandakini in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. River Mandakini originates from Chorabari glacier near Kedarnath and flows around 50-60 kms before reaching Rudraprayag. The most popular story associated with his place is of Lord Shiva also known as Lord Rudra. It is said that Lord Shiva performed Tandav dance here and played his favourite musical instrument – Rudra Veena.

The main road fork at Rudraprayag – one runs parallel to River Alaknanda and will take you to Badrinath. The other road runs parallel to River Mandakini all the way till Gaurikund which is at the foothills of Kedarnath.

Places to see near Rudraprayag

Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located near the Mandakini River in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. Due to extreme climate the temple is open from April to November only. The temple is not directly accessed by road and has to be reached by a 16 kms uphill trek from Gaurikund. Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve jyotilingas, the holiest Hindu shrine for Lord Shiva.

Ukimath – During winters the deity from Kedarnath Temple is carried down to Ukimath and is worshipped for six months. Ukimath is situated 41 kms from Rudraprayag.  

Devprayag

Green water of Bhagirathi and Mudy water of Alaknanda

Devprayag is the last confluence where River Bhagirathi from Gangotri glacier meets the holy River Alaknanda and the sacred River Ganga comes to life. Devprayag is located at an elevation of 830m/2700 ft and the name translates to “Godly confluence”. The confluence is clearly visible here, with muddy coloured Alaknanada meets the bluish green Bhagirathi which flows at a high speed.

At Devprayag, you can clearly see the rushing green water of River Bhagirathi converging with the clam muddy water of River Alaknanda.

Places to see near Devprayag

Teen Dhara – As the name suggests three water streams are located in this area. This place has become one of the favourite resting places of the tourist along the pious River Ganga and is located with many budget friendly restaurants and dhabas.

Raghunath Temple is located at the confluence of Alaknanada and Bhagirathi River. It is considered as one of the oldest temple of Lord Rama and pilgrims come here to seek blessings of Lord Rama.

How to reach:

By Air: Jolly Grant, Dehradun is the closest airport. There are many car and bus options from here.

By Train: Closest railway station is Rishikesh and Dehradun. From the railway station, opt for bus or taxis.

By Road: Located on NH-58, this is the best way to reach the panch prayags. The drive is long but rewarding with beautiful views.