CALM, DESPITE THE STORM

Now might be the best time to visit Russia

- DIYA MATHEW

Russia is undoubtedly an unconventional choice for a holiday destination in 2023. Visiting a country in the throes of war, and deemed an enemy of the west, seems like walking into the lion’s den. Surprisingly, it was quite the opposite, not least because Russia, being the aggressor, has contained the war to within Ukraine. Barring a few drone attacks, there has barely been aggression on Russian soil.

Thus, after getting assurances from contacts in Russia that life in the two largest cities, Saint Petersburg and Moscow, was carrying on as normal, a long pending trip, cancelled multiple times for various reasons, came to fruition in August.

Before the pandemic, Russia was a much sought-after destination, and flights and hotels were quickly booked up during the summer months, when the weather is warm and at its best. For a large part of the year, the country experiences sub-zero temperatures, hence the weather window to enjoy the sights and outdoors is short. Americans flocked there in droves and an increasing number of Indians were visiting year-on-year.

A country with a fascinating history, beautiful buildings, meticulously maintained museums, numerous monuments, monasteries and churches, grand palaces, breathtaking gardens, and rivers bustling with activity, there is simply so much to see and do in summertime Russia.

While its streets were bereft of international tourists this year, Russian tourists were aplenty. With travel sanctions imposed upon them because of the war, Russians have chosen to travel within their own vast country this summer; so instead of a week in Spain, it is a week in Sochi, and those from Sochi are visiting the sights of Saint Petersburg.