Jordan : Unlocking temple treasure and mysteries

Time of Travel:  April. Ideal time to travel since the climate is pleasantly cool.

Flight: Oman Air.

With a Stop over at Muscat. There is alcohol available at Muscat duty free.

Visa : Not required if you buy the Jordan Pass, or else you can opt for visa on arrival. It is economical if you buy the Jordan Pass.

Jordan Pass : INR 7557.

Prepaid Sim card in Jordan -INR 1716 

Money Exchange : Our driver took us to a money exchange spot in the city. The rates were okay.

Itinerary:

We had booked a car and driver for 5 days. However, if you would like to rent and drive, I believe it’s completely safe and people there are helpful. Jordan is a really small country and the distances are not that long between stops.

Drivers name:  Anwar Falahat - +962772179970.

Amman: Landed in the evening.

Hotel: Amman House Boutique Suites.

Perfect Location. Nice Rooms. We were there only for one night. Walked around Amman streets. Cute cobbled streets and a hilly city so a lot of incline walks.

We went for Dinner to Hashim Restaurant. Generally people go there for breakfast. Being a vegetarian our options are not much. It is pretty much falafel for breakfast lunch and dinner. But definitely must go to restaurant.

 Dessert : Local dessert called Kunafeh from Habibi Bakery. You cannot miss it. Its close to Hashims.

Then we walked over to Rainbow street- a good half an hour walk which went from downhill to uphill.   This is  where all the restaurants and clubs and sheesha places are.

We walked into one of the sheesha places. Jordan is popular for sheesha so if you like it must try the flavours. I don’t do it though but my friends thought it was good.

Next we  went to a bar. Everyone mostly speaks English so Language is not a problem. Drinks are reasonably priced. It was a 3 storey casual pub with pool tables and foos ball.

Being a week night the bar shut at 1.00 am. We Called the night in early as well, as we had an early start the next morning.

Amman is a hilly city.  Jebel al- Qala'a , Amman's highest hill, where ancient Roman, Byzantine and Ummayad ruins make up the area known as citadel. We went to do the city tour. Started off early in the morning and visited the Citadel, the Ummayad Palace and the Roman Theatre.

Visitors wander back in time through the stone carved columns and vaulted chambers of the striking temple of Hercules and Ummayad Palace.

Further down the hill, the impressive second-century Roman Theatre, the centre of ancient Philadelphia ( Amman's one-time moniker), is carved into the ridge. As a bonus, the citadel's high vantage point offers breathtaking views of downtown Amman. Keep some time in hand to click pictures.

We went to the Blue Mosque. Please do not go to the Blue mosque for touristy purpose. According to me, It is not that interesting 

Then we left in the car for a 5 hour drive to Wadi rum. I think one can do it faster. Our driver was more chatty and less focused on driving :/

Food options are minimal on the way. Prepare to pick up something from Amman city for on the go. We stopped on the way for a buffet lunch. Traditional Jordanian food but an expensive buffet lunch as it was suggested by the driver. Hence be careful about that.

Wadi Rum: Glamping in the desert. Trek and Hike. I would say if you like getting literally dirty rolling in the dunes, you must stay for two days. or one full day. We got 12 hours to explore the place which is less but we did make the most of it.

Name of Camp?

Tent:  Under the stars. I would suggest try booking a bubble tent. They look amaze. It was sold out by the time we tried.

Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast is included in your stay package and you must take a package. I insist.

Take the jeep drive. Climb around. Lots of hikes to climb up atop a cliff. Enjoy some drinks.The weather calls for it ;)

Our tent location was prime.

Veg food- They gave us potato vegetable just like the indian potato vegetable puree and rice and labneh. I am fussy about food but this is workable. We carried our own vodka. But they do sell alcohol, I guess mostly beer at the camp. Please note, buy things from Amman beforehand, rather than wadi rum. Be it soda or water as it gets expensive to buy outside the camp.

Things to see in the Jeep drive:

1) Arch

2) The water spring

3) Lawrences

4) Old village

5) Inscription

There are two arches. We didnt see the lower one. So do your research and let the jeep driver know what all you would like to see.

Enjoy the stars because its not supposed to be cloudy. We crashed because we wereSo tired. Also carry warm clothes. Its cold. Brrrr!

Woke up early the next morning to catch the sunrise but It was so cloudy that we couldnt really see it, however we climbed around a little around the camp.

Also pack light to the camp as there is no space for suitcases. We did carry ours to the camp because our car was getting changed. If not, then you can leave your belongings in the car or take necessary stuff to the camp. Carry a torch light to walk around in the sand.

Our camp didnt have hot showers. I dont think I would call this campsite glamping. It was camping.

Post breakfast, Left for Petra.

Hotel MOVENPICK -must pick this hotel as its right opposite the entrance of the national treasury. You save on time when you pick this hotel of moving around in the car.

Of course, Petra is beautiful. Hence , it is on UNESCOS WORLD HERITAGE LIST. Spent the whole day there.

You can either walk inside  or there are options of riding a donkey inside the national treasury. The donkey climbs up to the monastery. Its quite a hike and without the hike the entire place is a 7-8 km walk.

Please take a map. Also we rode horses until the entrance of the siq. It is a free service. But those guys will haggle and try to encash payment. It is FREE. You can make a noise about it and there are officials to handle the scene. Do not get thugged.

We walked the SIQ. SIQ is gorgeous. Well one has an option for taking a horse carriage route until the national treasury. Once inside it is the donkeys or your own two legs.

Petra: Enjoy National treasury and Monastery.

In the night again we went for Petra by the night tour right back in the siq. It is some additional money to go back in the night. The whole area is lit by lights . It is not as ethereal as the pictures make it look. There is this whole music and story telling feature.

Food: Pizza place right outside our hotel. Finally, we got some pizza. 

Dinner – Did a takeout  from some local restaurant.

Next day we left for The Dead Sea.

 Drive Time: 3-4 hours.

On the way we stopped over at Madaba to see the mosaic map in the church. Definitely worth seeing! We drove to Mt Nebo next, but we skipped seeing the view from there.

Hotel:Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa. 

Kempinski which is adjacent was occupied, otherwise, it was our first choice.

Beautiful Resort. Finally a stay cation. We only relaxed in the hotel pool. We went to the hotel beach to slather on the dead sea mud. Floated in the dead sea with a book.Picture worthy! The water is salty, no surprises there!. And it looks blue from far but its actually muddy water reflecting

It was an amazing experience of enjoying the natural spa.

We enjoyed whiling away our time at the pool bar, following  which a good long bath to clean away the mud! the restaurants of the hotel have good options and we grabbed dinner over there itself. 

The best part about Dead Sea is that the climate is warm there and is amazing to chill in the pool. All the other parts of Jordan were pleasantly cool.

Next morning we woke up and left for Jerash. 

Dinner at Sufra

We left that night for our flight back to Mumbai.

It was a tight schedule. We possibly could’ve stayed an extra day if we wanted to and added some more adventure to our trip.

All in all, Jordan is a beauty. People are nice and speak English. We had an episode of being subject to  some racism from the hotel restaurant staff, otherwise everything else was perfect.

Bi saha ! (Cheers)

Lapland - A Winter Wonderland

Time of the Year- February

Flight  - Turkish Airline. One Stop layover. There is no direct flight from Mumbai.

Helsinki.

We took an uber from the airport to the apartment. 40 Euro from Airport to Centre.

Apartment : Airbnb Kamppi 

Be sure you get dropped exactly at the location. Its quite stressful looking out for an apartment with luggages and with cold wind tearing you apart.

Recommended Area to Stay : Aleksanterinkatu . Its ideally the best area. Its buzzing with people and activity.

Helsinki is a small city and you can mostly walk towards most places.

I mean you cant really not take your eyes off this pair. I mean the horses obviously.

However, you can buy a day or a two day ticket which is validated from your first validation until the next 24 or 48 hours which is a good option if you do not want to walk too much.

I would recommend using this walking guided tour . It guides you in the most efficient and economical way.

 https://www.nomadepicureans.com/europe/finland/helsinki-walking-tour-self-guided/

Your starting point can be from where you stay and you can join the map accordingly and reroute.

Tips : Keep in mind opening and closing times so you do not miss out on entering places. Most of the places shut by 5 pm.

Below are some listings of the places we visited.

Recommend : MUST SEE THE LIBRARIES. There are two beautiful libraries. Dont miss it for the World. They encourage people to use libraries and give free access and are spreading education in a positive way.

Beautifully designed National Library of Finland

National Library of Finland

Oodi Library - There is a game room, a virtual play station room, books, lounges, meeting rooms, cafe. 

How to get to the fortress. There are ferries running from the city to the Fortress. You can buy the tickets right outside the port terminal. The fortress entrance is inclusive in The same tickets if bought on ABC zones, depending on the zones that you want to do, and the hours that you buy it for.

2) Suomenlinna Fortress : Helsinki

Suomenlinna Fortress is quite a walk. 

Definitely do not do the flying cinema. Its terrible. Do not waste your money there.

There is a Finnish Spa there Allas Sea Pool, if you want to try the whole "jump in the cold water, and then quickly run into the Finnish Sauna" experience.
We didnt do it.

3) The Helsinki Cathedral

Its White and Huge.

4) Sibelius Monument




5) The Chapel Of Silence

Kamppi Chapel of Silence

6) The Amox Res Art Museum

The design city has this open museum.

7) The Pohjola Insurance Building

 I peeked in. Its beautiful . It looks so ancient and has a Harry Potter Hogwarts Look.

Finnish Art captured on the exterior of this Building. Magnificent.

8) Uspenski Cathedral

We didnt get a chance to check it from inside as it shuts by 4 pm. And well we reached by 4.07 pm.

9) Jääpuisto Ice Park Ice Skating Rink Opposite the Railway Station. It is open till late in the night. Its fun. Theres a cafe for people who do not want to skate to sit around and wait and watch your companion skate.

Adults: 6 euro -  No time limit

Skate rentals  - 6 Euro.

10) Helsinki Casino
I didnt know we would find a casino in Helsinki, so we landed up there and its quite expensive to play so I guess skippable unless you are itching to. We played slots.


If you are well planned and book a car, one can finish seeing Helsinki in a day. But, we like to shop so we end up spending half a day shopping always. The regular shops - the likes of Zara, H&M, Mango.

Local Shops :

1) Bik Bok
2) Cubus
3) Flying Tiger Copenhagen

The commercial street is quite buzzing.


Restaurants:

1) The Green Hippo- Vegan Restaurant

2) Fafa's - Falafel

3) Thai orchid in Kamppi Mall.
4)Cafe Regatta - Near the Sibelius Monument. If Helsinki is known as the design capital, this place defines it. Its a very cute cosy cafe next to the water with barbecue pits and hot chocolate to keep you warm. 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/caferegatta/about/

Clubs:
We visited a local bar On the Rocks right next to the casino opposite the Ice Park.
Pretty decent. I think they had a stand up night or Karaoke club happening downstairs. Not sure didnt check it out.
2 days is more than enough for Helsinki.

Next Stop :

Rovaniemi
Uber to the airport.

Travel to Rovaniemi - There is an option of an overnight train but we flew the local airline. Finn air.

We got picked up the santa claus holiday van from the airport and they dropped us straight to our rooms with the luggage which is very helpful. Its quite a long walk from the reception to the cottages with luggages.

It was a 45 min flight.

Hotel : Santa Claus Holiday Village

Accomodation - The cottages are very spacious with a sauna and a small kitchenette. They also provide the toboggan for each cottage for enjoy sliding in the snow.

If you plan better and reach early, you can enjoy Santa Claus Holiday village in a day.

Its definitely a place to go during Christmas. And is really fun for the kids.

Things to do in the Santa Claus Holiday Village:

1) Meet and Greet Santa. There are two Santas. Yeah TWO!!

2) Pose with the Christmas Tree

A little late for Christmas in February, but nevertheless its Christmas and Snow in Santa Claus Village.

3) Cross the Arctic Circle.

It was snowing. So -1 is still hot. It couldve gone much lower if not for the snowfall.

4) Ice Park at additional fees

5) Santas Post Office

Postal Stamp

Post Cards

First Post from the Arctic Circle via Santa Express

6) Toboggan on the winter slopes



7) Adventure Activities : Husky Safari, Reindeer Sleigh Ride, Snowmobiling

8) Picture with a Giant Sized Snow man

Definitely do the husky safari and reindeer sleigh ride in Rovaniemi as it is cheaper and a half hour of these rides are just enough. However in Rovaniemi there is a sleigh with the huskies and a trainer. Higher up north you get the ride the huskies yourselves. Thats a fun experience.

Restaurants:

1) Pizza and Burgers at Santa claus holiday village. Best option if you are a vegetarian. There is a lunch menu meal like happy hours so check that.

If not there will be like 7 more restaurants to choose from.

Drinks:

Reception Hall of Santa Claus Holiday Village. Though drinks are available at the breakfast restaurant also. We tried their local drink Glogg. Um not so yum. but its a hot drink . perfect for the cold weather.

Santa Claus Holiday Village to the City Centre. Booked a bus. 5 Euro a person. drops you at the city centre. But the hard part was lugging heavy luggage across the snow till the hotel.

Rovaniemi City

Booked at an Airbnb right next to the Rovaniemi Mall. Also we

In the evening went to the Arctic Snow Hotel.

Picked up from the city centre. Booking is done with a pick up visit and drop. You can choose from their website. There is a dinner option too. We didn't take that since we are vegetarian. As our choice of eating options are limited.

The hotel is built of ice and is only accessible in the winter months. Everything from the rooms to the toilets to the restaurant, chapel and sculptures are all made of Ice. Hence the name Ice hotel.

Fortunately for us we saw an Indian marrying a Finnish lady in the ice chapel.

A sit down dinner table made of Ice for Private Dinner.

Thats the bouncer in ice sculpture outside the ICE BAR.

ICE BAR with Shots in Ice Shot glass.

KOROUOMA Frozen Waterfall Trek

We signed up with a tour agency and started at 8 am in the morning. It was a private trek as we were the only family that signed up. We went in a van out for almost a 2 hour drive towards the waterfalls hike.

It was snowing, so it was a beautiful hike in the snow. The most amazing experience to take back home of trekking in snow and snowfall, as Ive never done it before. It was breath taking.

Frozen Waterfalls at Korouoma National Park

Flow with the Snow

Drive to The Korouomo National Park

Frozen Waterfalls at Korouomo National Park

Campfire Pit Stop in the Hike. Vegetarian sausage, bread, cookies, chocolate and coffee.

Aurora Hunt

We signed up for the Aurora Hunt with photography by Lapland Welcome. its a bus ride to a pit stop one hour outside the rovaniemi city.

Northern lights are best seen when there is darkness and on a new moon night. 23rd Feb was a new moon night. However, we saw a very pale aurora. Perhaps it was better up north.

It was 90 Euros a person. We did a bus trip. They give you all the overalls, torches, food. The tour agency was in our apartment building.

https://laplandwelcome.fi/one-last-picture-23-2-2020/

It was our first aurora night and it danced the whole night

In the night we went aurora hunting and we saw the pale aurora do the dance for us. They served vegetarian food and some nice hot coffee. There is a teepee under which food and a campfire is available.

Timings - 8.00 pm until 1.30 am in the night.

In the photography tour, they take your pictures.

Saariselka

Next day we took off for Saariselka. Took an uber till the bus stand and then took a bus from there.

Rovaniemi to Saariselka - 31/2 hour bus ride straight till outside Saariselka Holiday Club Hotel

Hotel : Saariselka Holiday Club Hotel

The hotel rooms are very small. I would never stay there again. However its location is the best.

We reached in the evening at 3 pm. Everything was shut by the time we reached, as it was snowing so went to the water pool spa area of the hotel and relaxed.

Finnish take their sauna and steam and shower naked in open cubicles. 

Next day we had a hectic day . We did all the adventure activities. The highlight of being in the lapland is experiencing all the snow adventure activities. All these tours will give you the overalls as its included in their packages.

1) Snowmobiling by husky tours. The tour agency is bang opposite our hotel.

2)  Husky riding by Aurora Village. They pick you up from your hotel and take you for the tour and drop you back.

You get to rude your own husky sleds. The downside with tours is that there will be other groups with you and if teams are slow your husky tends to go slow. Also Id never want to do this again. Feels like animal harassment!

3) Reindeer sleigh ride by the agency joikutsumo . Its a 2 hour reindeer slow ride in the forests in the dark. Beautiful experience but perhaps two hours were a bit too much. We made camp in the forest and had some hot coffee in the cold.

We saw this sunset from our reindeer sleigh ride in the midst of the forests. Looks right out of a movie scene.

However, its totally skippable.

In the night we walked up the mountain national park by ourselves.to spot the auroras, but no luck,  No lights on the slope. Get clear directions from your hotel where is this national park as there is no sign board outside.There is a heated room upstairs with an electric fire light for people to tale a break from the cold outside while looking out for the auroras. You can definitely go here and if you dont want to pay for a tour every night to spot the auroras. The key to spotting the auroras is to find a pitch dark place hence the hike up the national park away from the city lights.

Next day we went to the ski slope for tobogganing. Took a bus for 5 euros which has unlimited validity for the day. We only took it to and fro. Once we reached the slopes, we booked the ski lift to ride up the slope for 7 euro. However, that same bus even goes up the ski slope so you dont have to use the ski lift.

Tobogganing was the most AWESOME adventure activity. We were running out of time but if we did have time, we would have done the tobogganing multiple times.

Restaurants : 

Rakka - in the Hotel Holiday Club

Anne's Garden Grill and Cafe

Pnimo Pub: Beer pub right next to Annes for some beer and drinks. No food available here. Has karaoke nights too.

Shops
A little distance from the hotel, were some souvenir shops. Picked up some reindeers souvenirs. And there is a mall too. We didnt go uptil the mall though.

Inari
Hotel : Holiday Village Inari

Next day we took a bus for inari. There was a schedule of bus timings at the hotel but that bus never arrived so we took a bus by Golden named bus operator uptil Ivalo and then we changed into a min shuttle which was going to Inari.
Unfortunately we mistook the name of our hotel as inari wilderness hotel so we got dropped to the wrong hotel.

Be careful of the name of your hotel and get down at the right stop else you might end up paying heavily.

We ended up booking the local cab for 20 euro for a distance of less than 5 mins until our hotel.

We specifically decided to go to Inari to see the northern lights from the igloo.

However this is how our accommodation looked.

It was a delight to live here and just spend the entire day amidst snow clear skies and a beautiful frozen lake side view. There is a jacuzzi and sauna. Unfortunately it was snowing so everything was snowed in so could not take the pleasure of using the facilities.

Frozen Hot tub.

Igloo rooms in a row.

Igloo Room with a view

Restaurant 
1)Papana's

Things to do:

1) SIDA museum -  About the Sami culture
2) Inari Ice Park - It has a white reindeer and sculptures made in Ice.

We took a lot of cab rides. It was too cold to walk around. Got fleeced for 20 euros ride for a 5min distance. It is a small place and there are probably only 8 taxis in that city.

WE SAW THE AURORA FROM OUR IGLOO. Well that was the highlight.

Next day we left for norway from the Ivalo Airport. Cab charged us 80 Euro from hotel to the airport.

LOVE FROM FINLAND. TRIP ENDS.

Ivalo Airport all covered in snow.

I was excited to land and take off in snow. It was one of my firsts.

From there onwards we flew from Ivalo to Oslo with a layover at Helsinki.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Finland and it opened up my world to winter holidays. So perhaps Ill have more of winter holiday blogging.

  

Russia - An Immersion into Art, History and perhaps Vodka

Id like to share insights first on the application for the Russian Visa.

Time to receive the visa - 15 days

However, there is a fast track option. You just have to pay extra. Secondly do not pay additional charges for sms, since you already get email updates on the Passport status. Its a scam of vfs.

You can apply directly to the Russian consulate if you get an appointment or through VFS. If you go through Vfs, there is again at additional charge other than the visa. That is the difference.

For Russia :

Documents to Submit:

1) Flight Tickets

2) Russia Invitation Letter - Apply here. www.visatoruss.com . Its more for Indian citizens. I do not know why though. You can do dummy bookings of hotels and cancel later. However please ensure your name is written as in your passport and the same colour copy print out should be there to be submit. A copy or a black and white print will not be accepted.
3) Passport Copy
4) Photo
5) Passport

They dont take the hotel details or the medical/ travel insurance documents.

Moscow.

Time of Travel - July

Mumbai to Delhi - Domestic Flight

Delhi to Moscow - Aeroflot.

I thought flight was very long. Also I had a lot of delays. I got lucky that both my flights got delayed else Id probably make it to Delhi and not to Moscow. Tip : Keep some good layover time in between flights so you dont miss on your international flight.

Hotel - Marriot Moscow City Centre Courtyard.

Location - Average. Its a 10 min walk from the Red Square. But I prefer staying in locations which are bustling as soon as you step out of your hotel, so I would suggest to stay on the tversaky street, and not pick this hotel. Metro is also at a distance of 10-15 mins walk.

However the hotel service and the exchange rate were the plus points.

Travel from Airport to Hotel .

Download Yandex Taxi or Uber Russia or GETT Taxi.

It costed me 800 roubles from airport to city centre.

You can take an aeroexpress if you are alone. It might be cheaper for single person travel.

Money Exchange - My hotel gave me a good rate so I changed at the hotel or the best rate is at tversaky street 24 hours exchange place.

You can buy a sim card from the airport. I bought Tele 2. Unlimited data for 700 roubles. I was there for 10 days. It was perfect.

Alternate Hotel Option

Hotel Metropol - We stayed here on the way back from Karelia. It is the best location. Metro is close. shopping is close. Food is close. Red square is close. What else can you want?

Pick your location or apartment somewhere close to this hotel, if this hotel does not fit in your budget.

Things to do in Moscow:

1) Explore Arbat Street

Its a nice and fun street. Can visit during evening hours. Music cafes and Lot of entertainment on the street.

Its popular to buy souvenirs. Its reasonably priced.

Came out on the other end and came out on the street of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia which accounts for one of the seven stalins skyscrapers in moscow.  Then walked to Pauls Bakery and had the best dark hot chocolate.

Amidst Flora and Fauna - Walk to Arbat Street from Marriot

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs : One of the Seven of the Stalin skyscrapers

Cant Stop | Wont Stop - Day Dreaming of Hot Chocolate at Pauls

2) Saint Basils Cathedral, Red Square,  Strelka Bar, Christ the Saviour Church  and the Statue of Peter the Great.

We took a metro from Smolenskaya from arbat street on the way back to get down at the Metro Stop Ploschad Revolvytsii. Got off at the metro station and explored Cathedrals on the way to the Red Square. Walked to Saint Basils Cathedral and Red Square. Walked around the GUM Departmental Shops Area and walked back to the hotel. Its a straight walk from the Red Square to our Hotel.

Show Stopper - Saint Basils Cathedral

In the evening booked a Yandex Taxi and went to Strelka Bar. Try going there during sunset. Its a beautiful scenic setting across the Christ the Saviour Church

Chasing Sunsets - View from Strelka Bar - Christ the Saviour Church

On your way to Strelka, if going by a cab, can spot,The Peter the Great Statue which is a 98-metre-high (322 ft) monument to Peter the Great, located at the western confluence of the Moskva River and the Vodootvodny Canal

After that we walked home from there exploring the city by night. Its quite a long walk. Almost half an hour. But a city is best seen on the foot. Also, we couldve taken the metro but we were still getting our bearings and direction sense around Moscow.

2) The Kremlin, Saint Basils Cathedral, Armoury, Diamond Fund, Lenins Mausoleum, Shopping Mall at Okhotny Riad, Zaradye Park

Next day we kept it only to view the Kremlin and its multiple cathedrals, museums. Thats what you aim to visit during your tourism to Moscow.

Note : Please note that the ticket office is at one end. If you walk to the red square you will have to walk all the way back to the ticket office which is at least a km walk so to and fro is almost 2 kms. so just navigate better so you do not waste time walking up and down.

Secondly, one can book tickets online. However by the time I looked it up online it was all sold out so I had to go purchase it physically.

We spent the whole afternoon in the Kremlin exploring the cathedrals in the square.

Exploring Kremlin Square - It has a couple of cathedrals and Ivans Tower. 

NOTE: Buy tickets for the armoury and diamond fund before hand because there are long queues outside while buying the tickets. Or book it online. You will have to advance book it online too as it gets sold out online too.

I got lucky. I just went to the armoury section inside the Kremlin and purchased the tickets right there, else I would not have had the opportunity to go see it.

This is outside the Kremlin Square - Just a red building that I really liked. It is operated by the government or the diplomats.

Outside the Kremlin Square - You can find the Okhotny Shopping Mall right behind this structure.

I Skipped going inside the Diamond Fund. It wouldve just been more diamonds on display. Not my kind of a thing.

You must visit Lenins mausoleum. I missed out on it because it was closed that day. I had other days to go visit but I skipped it.

Then we went to the shopping mall of Okhotny riads. Its right underground in front of the red square. Perfectly placed to shop.

Went to an Italian restaurant Gusto for lunch.

Saw Anil Kumble - Celebrity Sighting. He used to be a cricketer of the Indian Team.

Then we walked after lunch to Zaradye Park - Definite must go go. Its a modern park. they have activities such as soaring. I reached and it was full but I have done it before in Disney Land. Its an amazing experience so must go.

Look Closely - You can see the Red Square, Saint Basils Cathedral and a Stalins Skyscraper. Id hang here more if I had the time - Zaradye Park

I honestly do not know how to hail cabs still in Russia and how does the pricing work, because it was easier to book a yandex, as the cab drivers dont understand English.

Moscow to Saint Petersburg

One must even book train tickets in advance. Maybe July is peak season. But I was finding it hard to book tickets online for a train to st. Petes on an economy class.

Try booking it earlier, because it is always full and no places left or pay a premium to travel. Not worth it. Choose to travel by train and not a flight to st petes. Its the same price. However, Advantages of going via train than a flight is that one saves on time, a railway station is closer than the airport and No restriction on the luggage allowance.

Luckily, found two tickets and took an  Early morning train to Saint Petersburg. Train station is mostly the leningradsky station in Moscow and arrives at Ploshad Vosstaniya metro station in St. Petes.

http://eng.rzd.ru/ - Book the tickets here. No commission fees.

Saint Petersburg - 4 days .

We booked ourselves in an apartment at rubeinstein street. It was walking distance from the station, but with 3 luggages we'd rather book ourselves a cab.

Apartments Anton Rubinstein at Anichkov Bridge. Amazing apartment Space. I do not know how the other rooms were but our apartment was huge and a small kitchenette with microwave oven and kettle and mini fridge were provided. The bathroom was huge with a bath tub and a storage room.

Long french windows. Queen bed and sofa bed. And facing the rubeinstein street.

Apartments Anton Rubeinstein at Anichkov Bridge

Value for the booking price. Contact Dmitry . He is the owner. The number i s +79213055558. He was very helpful. Since russian language is a hindrance. He spoke very good english and helped us around in any questions , if necessary .

However, I would book somewhere closer to Kazan Cathedral the next time, because it is more centrally located to tourist sites and more vegetarian meal options restaurants. Everything is a 5 min walking distance from Kazan Cathedral. It is so centrally located.

Kazan Cathedral 

Though our apartment was only a 10 min walk from Kazan Cathedral, however it seems a long walk after a long day.

We were really tired after just landing in Moscow then rushing into St. Petes by an early morning train. So we decided to keep it low key and Took a hop on hop off tour. 

Tour Operator - City Sightseeing Tours Red Bus. You can locate them on the streets of Nevsky Prospect. They are a couple of tours. You can pay on the bus. They give you a receipt.

First day, we Didn’t get off anywhere. We did the red and the green route. Just saw all the sites and heard the history in the red bus tour. It actually covers all the tourism spots. Definitely consider it. Then decide how you want to plan your next 3 days and which places would you like to stop at.

On the first day, we explored the Kazan Cathedral, gostiny dvor, Church of Savior of spilled blood and Mikhailovsky Garden

SAVIOUR OF SPILLED BLOOD CHURCH

Hot chocolate - Surf’s Coffee  - Very chilled vibe. You can go work or just have coffee

Biblioteka - this was pure chocolate indulgence.

Lunch - Vietnamese restaurant

Dinner at Marceli’s - Being a vegetarian I would skip this place, but its very popular. The veggies are very fresh.

In the night , took a boat from anchikov Fontanka embankment for watching draw bridges. They promised two but we saw only one. Must go watch drawing the bridges. Can even sit at the embankments of the bridges to watch them. There is a schedule / timetable of the bridges time.

Timing - 12.10 am boat ride. Reach before so you can book yourself a seat. Also layer up, its freezing on the water. 

Tickets for 800 rubles.

Day 2 - it was raining so kind of a slow day.

We went to Paul and Peter’s Fortress. Honestly I would skip going inside the cathedral. I didn’t find it exceptional. It’s just good to take a picture from hop on hop off.

Paul and Peters Fortress

We explored St. Isaacs Cathedral. We didnt end up going inside as it is shut on Wednesdays. However we did climb up the stairs up the colonnade in St Isaacs Cathedral to take in the view of Moscow.

St Isaacs Cathedral

Climb the colonnade to see the rooftop view.

Lunch at a vegan restaurant Ugrop.

Amazing food

Shopping:

1) ZARA - 3 story mall on Nevsky Prospect.
2) La Galeria Mall - All the brands
3) Gostiny Dvor - For, tourist stuff
4) Fancy Mall opposite Kazan Cathedral - Expensive russian brands

Ate dinner at the food court in La Galeria - Pitas House - Needed a change with some falafel.

Day 3 Exploring Nevsky Square, Hermitage Museum, General Staff Building, Atlantis Statues

Walked the nevsky square from our apartment till the palace square.

Palace Square

Today we started our day really late. Spent the whole afternoon at the Hermitage. Visited the General Staff Building as well as the main museum palace square Atlantis statues.

Alexanders Pillar

The Hermitage - Winter Palace
Note : Every third thursday of every month, there is free entrance in the museums at the Hermitage.

HERMITAGE -  It is a beautiful palace with beautiful adorned rooms full of opulence and richness.

Lunch at Namaste

Ate Russian dessert at Ceceps at Nevsky Prospect - Tried a russian delicacy - definitely must try the napolean cream cake.

Day 4 Metro Tour of the Red Line, Peterhof Gardens - Summer Palace, Cinselli Circus, Rubeinstein Street

We did the metro tour. Suggestion - take the red line . I only saw the metros onward vladirmksky and all the metro stations are beautiful until avtovo

Decorated Metro Pillars

Most beautiful Metro Station at Avtovo - saint Petersburg. The pillars are covered in glass.

I took a metro until The last stop. Got off and took K343 mini bus to reach the summer palace of Peter.

You can access upper Gardens through this route but it can be skipped.

Lower gardens fountains are much prettier so must check out the lower gardens and fountains. Also must take the grand palace tour. It’s beautiful.

Grand palace tour - 1000 rubles

Lower garden entrance - 900 rubles 

We took the hydrofoil back to the city from the lower gardens. It costed us 950 rubles. If you only want to do the lower gardens then you must take the hydrofoil to and fro from admiraltsky.

Lower Garden Fountains - Peterhof Palace

Upper Garden Fountains

Then we did an early dinner at Terassa. Must go. Restaurant should be on your list.

It has an amazing view as well as food. It is right next to the Kazan Cathedral so do drop in here for lunch or dinner. Its yum.

Then we went for the cinselli circus. Book your tickets in advance. You don’t want to miss a circus. It was fantastic.

We explored rubeinstein street. It’s buzzing for the night life.

Went to this bar . Amazing cocktails and amazing cream cake. Loved the pastry! It was delish! The place is called geo-rest. The menu for the food also looked good.

OH MY GOD! IT WAS THE BEST| LOTS OF CREAMS AND NUTS AND SESAME SEEDS

You do end up walking around the rivers and embankments.

I honestly didn’t feel the need to do any more river cruises since I had already done the drawbridge tour in the night and had taken the hydrofoil in the day.

  

Someone suggested to eat this. I missed out but try it if you do get a chance.

• Eat crumpets Soviet-style in St. Petersburg’s trademark cafe (on Bolshaya Konyushennaya street)
• 
  

Walk around the city on foot and see as many places as you will.

Thanks to the bus tour. It covered a lot of places which you didn’t necessarily have to step down to see it. A bus view was perfect. 

Few other places to eat as suggested. I havent gone there but you could use it.

Places to eat - Tbiliso, Jiva Burgers

Things to eat - Khachapuri, Chacha

Duo Asia 

Subzero 

Birch

20th July.

Took an early train from St Petersburg to Petrozavodsk. Booked it on rzd. Then took a cab on yandex to the hotel. Petrozovadsk is a small town. Easily walking distance on foot.

Reached by 12 pm. 

Hotel Karelia- Hotel with the lake view.

Thats the view.

Hotel Karelia

There are other hotel options.

Frigate also has a lake view. You can check it out.

Breakfast with a view

I had a potato and cottage cheese georgian pastry from Frigate . I liked the potato cake.

Had to rush to take the last ferry out to kizhi islands at 1.30 pm from Petrozavodsk

We got a 20% discount on the ferry ride because of staying at hotel karelia.

Its a one and a half hour ferry ride.

Bought tickets to Kizhi Poghost on arrival. Walked around the village.

Its green grass blue skies beautiful landscape. If you like nature definitely visit the island.

Walking into a fairytale : Kizhi Poghost

Kizhi Poghost - A Closer View

Walking and Exploring the Kizhi Pogohst

Pictures are not enough - Kizhi

Kizhi Island Windmill

It is made of wood. I wont to emulate the same in India

Tried to walk around the village area, its all the same so can be skipped or if you enjoy riding a bike hire one and do that.

Its a beauty - Serene.

Village Walk

Handicrafts in the Village

Note : The ferry outgoing time on my ticket was 7 pm. If it says 7 pm you can only take the ferry back at 7 pm not earlier not later. However this was the last ferry out.

There was One cafe out there. And The cafe had one veg option - potato pancakes and some hot capuccino.

Reached Petrozavodsk at 8.15 pm.

Walked around the embankment. Beautiful landscape view of Lake Ladoga. Then went for dinner to a vegan restaurant. Yum food. but lost in translation since the menu was only in Russian so ordered only two things but it was amazing. The restaurant name was Pure Taste and it meant it.

Then walked back to the hotel from this restaurant, watching the sunset in the town. It was stunning. Ate a meal at the hotel too. Some soup and more salad. Got a birthday cake and tea compliments of the hotel since it was my moms birthday.

Next day, woke up went for a swim and sauna. Skippable. The pool is so tiny. Couldn’t get a massage since it was all booked out.

Walked to the city centre looking for a tour to Ruskeala national park.

Ate lunch at deja vu - salads and bread and orange juice.

Walked to the hotel Peter Inn near the station. Booked a cab from peter Inn. Left at 3 pm in a taxi to go to Ruskeala National Park which is at a distance of 3 hours from Petro.

The taxi ride was 7500 roubles including tip to and fro. Peter Inn was reasonable with the taxi rates. Hotel Karelia quoted us 9450 roubles one way  + waiting time additional. Seriously!

For me, Ruskeala was average.  2 hours were more than enough. More so because I have travelled before to various lakes and they have been prettier ,bluer and so this was okay compared to those.

I believe Bhedaghat in India has a marble quarry with a lake. It is stunning. That is a must see.

By the time, we were leaving from there, the cafes shut at the park so no food options at the park after 8 pm. Also there was no vegetarian option. You could find non veg in one cafe.

We then reached our hotel and ate our meal there. Our hotel serves 24/7. A limited menu.

Next morning, woke up - took a taxi to the airport. Tiny airport. Smallest one I have ever been to.

Petrozavodsk airport

We had already paid for extra check in. However regular cabin baggage is not cabin baggage for Aero Pobeda. It is a tiny small sized handbag so we had to pay extra 1000 rubs for checking in one more bag.

It was an hour and a half flight from Petrozavodsk to moscow. We landed at VKO Airport. Booked a taxi yandex for 800 roubles to Metropol hotel in Moscow.

Best location and great hotel to be at.

Went for lunch to this vegan restaurant Jagannath. My mom hated it. We dont do buffet lunches. 

It was already evening so took a metro to Tsariynitso. Beautiful fountains and beautiful architectural site. Must go to. Museum was shut till we reached.  Ate dinner at the Cafe.

Dinner was tuscan salad and bruschetta.

Tsariyinitso Palace and museum

Watched fountains against the play of lights in the night. That was a beautiful sight too.

Musical Fountains

We tried to go see the Kolomenskeye castle but it was too late. I believe gardens also shut at 10 pm. So please check the timings.

Next day.  Walked around the Novodevichy convent from outside.

Walked till Luzhniki stadium. it has adventure activities. Can do, if not pressing on time. 

Then took a cable car form there until Sparrow hills. Reached the observation deck. Saw moscow city from the observation deck . SAW THE moscow university centre. one more of  the seven stalin skyscrapers.

Took a cab from there to go to radisson hotel to eat at Buono. Okay average food but we got vegetarian risotto so that was a plus.

Great view of the city from Buono. Got to see another stalins skyscraper Ukraina Hotel.

The modern architecture of Moscow

Then took a taxi to Gorky park. Definitely skippable.  If you are living there then its a great place to hang out with friends or a group of people with small fountains, activities and beanie beds to laze on.

Then Took a cab to bunker 42 restaurant - must go for it.

Bunker 42 -Soviet

After a heavy lunch I could eat only a potato pastry and the cream napoleons cake and had a vodka flavoured shot. Definitely can go to this place for food. Lot of vegetarian options.

Secondly I did not do the tour. Please try finding an english tour and do the take the tour. I am sure it will be interesting with all the history.

Shop at Tversaky Street and the mall.  Last DAY! HAD TO.

Had dinner at Nobu. The food is overrated. 

Then walked around the streets enjoying the lights on display. All the streets in moscow around red ssqaure are decorated and lit so calls for a nice walk in the night.

Then walked to the red square. Must go and see it lit during the night.

Next day had my flight back home.

Had a quick meal at FRESH. It serves vegan food.

Booked a taxi to svo airport. Remember to fill in your terminal in the ride on the way back to the airport. 

Extra Information:

Airports have free trolleys to move the luggage around.

Immigration and security was easy. Not crowded for us.

Buy vodka from duty free. Its cheap.

Inflight veg food is pathetic.

Duty free shopping is not good with respect to stores. There isnt much.

Reached Delhi. There is a shuttle to take people from t3 to t1. Some 25 rupees per person. Took that and was still at the airport 2 hours earlier than boarding time.

Delhi to Mumbai flight was pleasant and on schedule.