Armenia
Armenia Tourist Attractions: Unveiling the Country's Hidden Gems
Armenia is a small but fascinating country in the Caucasus region, with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. If you are looking for a destination that is off the beaten path, affordable, and full of surprises, Armenia might be the perfect choice for you. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best tips and information on how to plan your perfect trip to Armenia in 2023.
Visa Requirements
Indian passport holders have the privilege of being eligible for either an E-Visa or a Visa on Arrival. There are two options for the E-Visa: one allows for a visa duration of up to 21 days with a fee of USD 7, while the other permits a longer stay of up to 120 days with a fee of USD 34. The processing time for the E-Visa takes up to 3 working days.
Visa on Arrival is only applicable at the Armenian border if you possess a valid visa or resident card issued by the following countries: EU and Schengen member states, GCC member states, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, UK, Canada, Russian Federation, and Japan.
Apply your E-visa here https://evisa.mfa.am/ : In order to complete your E-visa application, you will need to submit a visa application form along with passport and a recent photo. It is also recommended to provide your air ticket and hotel reservation, bank statements, health or travel insurance coverage during your trip. These documents are essential for a successful visa application.
The best time to visit Armenia depends on what you want to see and do in the country. Generally speaking, the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures, sunny days, and colorful landscapes. The summer (June-August) can be very hot and crowded, especially in Yerevan, the capital city. The winter (November-March) can be cold and snowy, but also offers some opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains.
Best Time to Visit
The easiest way to get to Armenia is by flying. There are two international airports in the country: Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, and Shirak International Airport in Gyumri. You can find direct flights to Yerevan from many cities in Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Some low-cost airlines that fly to Yerevan are Ryanair, Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines, and Air Arabia. You can also fly to Gyumri from Moscow or Istanbul with Pobeda or Turkish Airlines.
Another option to get to Armenia is by land from Georgia or Iran. There are regular buses and minibuses that connect Yerevan with Tbilisi and Tehran. The journey takes about 6 hours from Tbilisi and 12 hours from Tehran. You can also take a train from Tbilisi to Yerevan, which takes about 10 hours and runs twice a week.
How to Get There
The best way to get around Armenia is by public transport or by renting a car. Public transport is cheap and reliable, but not very comfortable or frequent. You can use buses, minibuses (called marshrutkas), taxis, or trains to travel within and between cities. The most popular app for booking taxis is GG Taxi, which works like Uber or Lyft. You can also use Yandex Taxi or Bolt which are similar apps.
If you want more flexibility and convenience, you can rent a car and drive yourself around Armenia. The roads are generally in good condition, but some mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and unpaved. You will need an international driving license and a credit card to rent a car in Armenia. You can find many car rental companies in Yerevan or at the airport. Some of the reputable ones are Hert, Enterprise, and Europcar.
How To Get Around
Armenia has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can find hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments, campsites, or even homestays in different parts of the country. Some of the best areas to stay in Armenia are:
Yerevan
The capital city has the most choices of accommodation, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels. You can stay in the city center, near the Republic Square or the Opera House, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, the cultural attractions, and the nightlife. Alternatively, you can stay in quieter neighborhoods like Kentron or Arabkir, where you can find more local charm and green spaces.
Dilijan
This town in the north-east of Armenia is known as the "Little Switzerland" of the country, thanks to its lush forests, rolling hills, and alpine lakes. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers who want to explore the Dilijan National Park or visit some of the nearby monasteries like Haghartsin or Goshavank. You can stay in one of the many guesthouses, cottages, or resorts in Dilijan, or camp in the national park.
Goris
This town in the south of Armenia is a good base for visiting the Tatev Monastery, one of the most impressive and important religious sites in the country. You can reach the monastery by taking the world's longest cable car, called the Wings of Tatev, which offers stunning views of the Vorotan Gorge. Goris itself is a charming town with stone houses, a museum, and a cave village. You can stay in one of the hotels, hostels, or homestays in Goris, or camp near the monastery.
Where to stay
