Russia, the world's largest country, offers Indian travelers an extraordinary blend of imperial history, Soviet-era landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the golden domes of Moscow's Kremlin to the artistic treasures of St. Petersburg and the Trans-Siberian Railway's epic journey, Russia presents a fascinating destination that combines European and Asian influences.
This guide provides Indian travelers with essential information about visiting Russia - from visa requirements and flight options to the best places to stay, eat, and explore in this vast Eurasian nation.
Why Russia is a Fascinating Destination for Indian Tourists
- Rich History & Culture: Imperial palaces, Soviet monuments, and world-class museums
- Architectural Marvels: St. Basil's Cathedral, Hermitage Museum, and metro stations
- Natural Wonders: Lake Baikal, Kamchatka volcanoes, and Siberian wilderness
- Unique Experiences: Trans-Siberian Railway, Arctic Circle visits
- Affordable Luxury: World-class ballet and opera at reasonable prices
- Indian Community: Significant Indian diaspora with restaurants in major cities
- Historical Ties: Strong India-Russia connections since Soviet times
How to Travel from India to Russia
Flight Options
Several airlines connect India to Russia with direct and one-stop options:
- Direct Flights: Aeroflot (Delhi-Moscow), IndiGo (Delhi-Moscow)
- Via Middle East: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha)
- Main Airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) and Domodedovo (DME) in Moscow, Pulkovo (LED) in St. Petersburg
- Flight Duration: 6-8 hours direct, 10-14 hours with layover
Travel Tip: Consider flying into Moscow and out from St. Petersburg to optimize your itinerary.
Approximate Flight Duration & Cost
| Route |
Duration |
Cost (Round-trip) |
| Delhi-Moscow (direct) |
6-8 hours |
₹30,000–₹55,000 (varies by season) |
| Mumbai-Moscow (with stopover) |
10-14 hours |
₹35,000–₹65,000 (varies by season) |
Best Time to Visit Russia
| Season |
Months |
Pros & Cons |
| Summer (Peak) |
June–August |
Warm weather, White Nights in St. Petersburg, but crowded |
| Shoulder |
May, September |
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds |
| Winter |
December–March |
Magical snowscapes, winter festivals, but very cold |
Special Events:
- White Nights (June): St. Petersburg's famous midnight sun period
- Victory Day (May 9): Grand military parades in Moscow
- Maslenitsa (Feb/Mar): Russian pancake week before Lent
Russia Travel Budget for Indian Tourists
Russia offers good value compared to Western Europe. Here's a rough estimate per person:
| Expense |
Budget (₹) |
Mid-Range (₹) |
Luxury (₹) |
| Accommodation (per night) |
₹2,500–₹4,000 (Hostels/guesthouses) |
₹5,000–₹9,000 (3–4 star hotels) |
₹12,000+ (5-star hotels) |
| Food (per day) |
₹1,000–₹2,000 (Cafeterias/local eateries) |
₹2,500–₹4,000 (Restaurants) |
₹6,000+ (Fine dining) |
| Transport (local) |
₹500–₹1,500 (Metro/buses) |
₹2,000–₹3,500 (Taxis/intercity trains) |
₹5,000+ (Private transfers) |
| Attractions (per day) |
₹1,000–₹2,000 (Museum entries, parks) |
₹3,000–₹5,000 (Guided tours, ballet tickets) |
₹8,000+ (VIP experiences) |
Total Estimated Cost for 10 Days:
- Budget Traveler: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000
- Mid-Range Traveler: ₹1,50,000–₹2,20,000
- Luxury Traveler: ₹3,00,000+
Money-Saving Tip: Student discounts are widely available at museums and attractions with ISIC cards.
Where to Stay in Russia
1. Moscow (Capital City)
- Budget: Godzillas Hostel (₹3,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Metropol (₹8,000/night)
- Luxury: Four Seasons Moscow (₹20,000/night)
2. St. Petersburg (Cultural Capital)
- Budget: Soul Kitchen Hostel (₹3,500/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg (₹9,000/night)
- Luxury: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (₹18,000/night)
3. Irkutsk (Lake Baikal Gateway)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Courtyard Irkutsk (₹6,500/night)
- Luxury: Imperial Baikal Hotel (₹10,000/night)
Top Attractions & Must-Do Activities
- Red Square & Kremlin: Moscow's historic heart
- Hermitage Museum: One of the world's greatest art collections
- Trans-Siberian Railway: Epic train journey across Russia
- Lake Baikal: World's deepest freshwater lake
- St. Basil's Cathedral: Moscow's iconic colorful domes
- Peterhof Palace: St. Petersburg's magnificent fountain complex
- Russian Ballet: Bolshoi (Moscow) or Mariinsky (St. Petersburg)
- Russian Cuisine: Try borscht, pelmeni, and blini
Russian Food Guide for Indians
Russian cuisine is hearty with soups, dumplings and breads. Vegetarian options are limited but available:
- Borscht: Beetroot soup (often with meat but veg versions exist)
- Pelmeni: Russian dumplings (non-veg, but veg options in cities)
- Blini: Russian pancakes (vegetarian with sweet/savory fillings)
- Pirozhki: Stuffed buns (can find vegetable fillings)
- Kasha: Porridge made from various grains (vegetarian)
- Indian Food: Several Indian restaurants in Moscow and St. Petersburg
Tip: Learn to say "я вегетарианец" (ya vegetarianets - I'm vegetarian) when ordering.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
Do Indians Need a Visa for Russia?
✅ Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa.
Types of Visas
- Tourist Visa: Single or double entry (up to 30 days)
- Business Visa: For commercial purposes
- E-Visa: Available for certain regions (St. Petersburg, Far East)
How to Apply
- Application: Submit at Russian visa centers in India
- Processing Time: 10-20 working days
- Invitation Letter: Required from Russian host or authorized hotel
Required Documents
- ✔ Passport (6 months validity + 2 blank pages)
- ✔ Completed application form
- ✔ 2 passport photos
- ✔ Visa support (invitation) document
- ✔ Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- ✔ Flight itinerary
- ✔ Hotel bookings
- ✔ Bank statements (₹1 lakh+ balance)
Visa Fees
Tourist Visa: ₹5,000–₹8,000 (single entry)
Important: Visa requirements can change. Always check with the Russian consulate before applying.
Important: If you need help with your Russia Visa application, please visit our website and fill out the assistance form. (👉
www.executivevisaservices.in)
FAQs for Indian Travelers
1. Is Russia safe for Indian tourists?
Generally very safe with low violent crime. Standard precautions against pickpockets in tourist areas apply.
2. What's the currency in Russia?
Russian Ruble (RUB). 1 RUB ≈ ₹1.10 (check current rates). ATMs widely available.
3. Do people speak English in Russia?
Limited outside tourist areas and major hotels. Learn basic Russian phrases or use translation apps.
4. How to dress for Russian weather?
Layers are essential. Winters require heavy coats (-20°C common), summers can be warm (25-30°C).
5. Is Russia expensive for Indians?
More affordable than Western Europe. Budget travelers can manage with ₹3,000-₹5,000 per day outside Moscow/St. Petersburg.
6. How many days are enough for Russia?
7-10 days for Moscow & St. Petersburg, 2+ weeks for comprehensive tour including Trans-Siberian.
Final Thoughts: Why Russia Should Be Your Next Destination
Russia offers Indian travelers a unique blend of European and Asian influences, with world-class cultural attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and a fascinating history that spans imperial grandeur and Soviet legacy. While the visa process requires some planning, the rewards of experiencing Russia's art, architecture, and hospitality make it well worth the effort.
From the golden domes of Moscow's churches to the artistic treasures of the Hermitage and the vast wilderness of Siberia, Russia presents endless discovery opportunities. With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to plan your Russian adventure and experience one of the world's most intriguing destinations.