Introduction: From the Subcontinent to the Snow
As an Indian traveler, Russia had always intrigued me with its blend of Tsarist opulence, Soviet austerity, and rich artistic heritage. What started as a casual conversation among friends turned into a full-fledged plan: a two-week journey across Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and a taste of Siberia. This blog recounts that unforgettable trip—a cultural voyage from the vibrant chaos of Delhi to the snow-kissed serenity of Lake Baikal.
Chapter 1: Planning the Trip
Visas, Flights & Language Barriers
Getting a Russian visa from India is straightforward but requires attention to detail. We applied through VFS Global in New Delhi. The documents needed included:
- Passport (valid for 6 months)
- Invitation Letter (from our booked hotel)
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Application Form
Flight:
We took an Aeroflot direct flight from Delhi to Moscow—roughly 6.5 hours. Prices vary, but expect ₹35,000–₹50,000 for a round trip in economy.
Language Tip:
Download Google Translate and offline Russian maps. Very few people speak English outside tourist areas.
Chapter 2: First Impressions of Moscow
Landing in Moscow
As we stepped off at Sheremetyevo Airport, the cold hit us instantly—around -5°C even in late March. Coming from Delhi’s 30°C, the chill was bracing but thrilling. We took the Aeroexpress train into the city center—a smooth, clean, and fast experience.
Hotel:
We stayed at Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, right across the river from the Kremlin. Waking up to the view of St. Basil’s Cathedral was surreal.
Exploring Moscow’s Icons
Red Square and Kremlin
The Red Square was larger than I imagined and every bit as historic. We took a guided tour of the Kremlin, which included the Armory Museum—home to Tsarist crowns, Fabergé eggs, and ancient armor.
GUM Shopping Mall
More like a palace than a mall, GUM was dazzling with its 19th-century glass roof and luxury brands. We grabbed a Soviet-style ice cream cone from a kiosk—creamy, rich, and only ₹100!
Moscow Metro Tour
Don’t miss the Moscow Metro stations—they’re like underground museums. The best ones include:
- Komsomolskaya – golden mosaics
- Mayakovskaya – sleek Art Deco
- Ploshchad Revolyutsii – bronze statues (rub the dog’s nose for good luck!)
Chapter 3: Journey to Saint Petersburg
Train Travel
We took the Sapsan high-speed train to Saint Petersburg—4 hours of smooth travel at 250 km/h. Tickets cost about ₹3,000 one-way.
Romance of Saint Petersburg
The city felt distinctly European—Venetian canals, Baroque architecture, and a moody sky. April snow blanketed the rooftops, adding to its poetic charm.
Hermitage Museum
Home to over 3 million artworks, including da Vincis, Picassos, and Egyptian mummies, the Hermitage is overwhelming in scale and beauty. We spent 6 hours and barely scratched the surface.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Stunning mosaics inside and out, this church is built on the site of Tsar Alexander II’s assassination. A must-see!
Nevsky Prospekt
The main artery of Saint Petersburg. We sipped Russian coffee, browsed quirky souvenir shops, and tried pelmeni (Russian dumplings) at a cozy café.
Cultural Deep Dive
We attended a ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre—“Swan Lake” with live orchestra. Even as first-timers to ballet, the sheer emotion and grace of the dancers moved us.
Chapter 4: Siberian Adventure – Lake Baikal
Wanting something more offbeat, we flew to Irkutsk from Saint Petersburg—a 5.5-hour flight. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Listvyanka, a village on the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake.
We visited in late winter, when the lake is frozen solid—its icy surface a translucent blue, cracked like glass.
Activities on Ice
- Hovercraft Ride across the lake
- Dog sledding
- Ice fishing with locals
- Banya experience (Russian sauna followed by jumping into the snow!)
Tip: Bring thermal layers, even in April. The Siberian cold is no joke.
Chapter 5: Food in Russia – A Surprising Delight
As vegetarians, we were a bit worried. But Russia pleasantly surprised us!
Must-Try Dishes:
- Borscht – Beetroot soup (ask for it meatless)
- Blini – Russian pancakes with jam or condensed milk
- Olivier Salad – A creamy potato and pea salad
- Kvass – A fermented rye drink (non-alcoholic but tangy)
For meat-eaters, there are endless options: beef stroganoff, caviar, smoked fish, shashlik (skewers), etc.
Chapter 6: People & Perceptions
Before going, we had preconceived notions: unfriendly people, Soviet bleakness, language issues. Reality was different.
What Surprised Us Most:
- Warmth beneath the stern exterior. While not overly chatty, most Russians we met were kind and curious.
- Deep pride in culture and history.
- Order and cleanliness. Moscow and Saint Petersburg were cleaner than many Western cities.
Chapter 7: Shopping & Souvenirs
Best Souvenirs to Bring Back:
- Matryoshka dolls – Hand-painted nesting dolls
- Amber jewelry – Especially from Kaliningrad
- Russian chocolate – “Alenka” is a classic
- Palekh lacquer boxes
- Ushanka hats (furry winter hats)
We found the best deals in local markets, especially the Izmailovsky Market in Moscow.
Chapter 8: Budget & Practical Tips
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (per person for 2 weeks) |
|---|---|
| Flights (Delhi-Moscow round trip) | ₹40,000 |
| Domestic flights/trains | ₹15,000 |
| Accommodation (3-star avg) | ₹30,000 |
| Food | ₹15,000 |
| Sightseeing & entry tickets | ₹10,000 |
| Souvenirs & shopping | ₹5,000 |
| Total | ₹115,000 (~$1,400) |
Tips for Fellow Indian Travelers:
- Currency: Carry some rubles. Not all places accept cards.
- SIM Card: Buy a MTS or Beeline SIM at the airport.
- Safety: Russia is generally safe for tourists. Just avoid political conversations.
- Vegetarians: Use the word “без мяса” (bez myasa – no meat) when ordering food.
- Apps to Download:
- Yandex Taxi (alternative to Uber)
- Google Translate
- Yandex Metro & Maps
Conclusion: Beyond the Stereotypes
Russia, often seen through the prism of politics or cold war-era cinema, revealed itself to us as a land of poets, painters, ballerinas, and philosophers. From the onion domes of Moscow to the icy beauty of Lake Baikal, it was a journey that redefined our view of the world.
Yes, it’s different. Yes, it can be challenging. But that’s exactly why it’s worth it.
Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely. Especially for Indian travelers looking to explore beyond the usual Thailand-Dubai-Europe trail. Russia is raw, rich, and rewarding in ways you don’t expect.