ASTONISHING ARMENIA
- Sampurna Dutta
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Armenia is a country tucked away in the picturesque mountainous region between Europe and Asia. Once a Soviet republic, Armenia is notably known for being among the first civilizations to accept Christianity as a practiced religion. It is a place abundant with history and culture and the traces can be seen sprinkled throughout the nation.
What makes it even more attractive? The low and budget-friendly travel and stay rates for a vacation that has so much to offer.
So here I am, fresh out of snow, with this guide to the magical place of Armenia for all the spontaneous adventurers and holiday-seeking travelers who wish to experience the country to the fullest but on a budget.
----------------------------LODGING------------------------------
Armenia presents all the options for stay – stylish hotels, comfy inns, and cost-efficient Bed & Breakfasts. While the selection is attractive, the best choice is a Bed & Breakfast. The prices for this type of stay start from AED 100 per night. You will have a whole apartment to yourself and can accommodate more people without spending on another room.
One fellow traveler, Mrs. Pallavi Pawar, boarding in the apartment adjacent to mine swooned about the cleanliness and safety of the housing. “On a more sentimental note, this accommodation provides homeliness and comfort in a place so far from home and an ease that a hotel cannot provide.”
---------------------------SIGHTSEEING-------------------------
Another plus point of staying in Yerevan is that the first leg of your tour can start immediately and all preparations for future adventures can be made without straying too far from the safety of your lodging. Republic Square is lined with supermarkets, banks, clothing stores, and much more.
Yerevan also hosts many attractions that can be accessible on foot. There are free walking tours led by local students where they show you around the common, and even the unique, places of the city, like the Mother of Armenia monument, The Cascade, the Brandy Factory, the Souvenir Market, and more.
While on this tour, I struck up a conversation with one of the guides, Edgar, who enlightened me on this initiative.
“The tourists that come here are enthusiastic but we don’t want them to miss out on the beauty of our city. So, a couple of us university students began guiding people around in our free time. It’s fun for them and us as they get to experience local culture and history first-hand.”
Apart from Yerevan, the country is home to many more wonderful places. Littered across Yerevan’s streets are tourist guides that offer packages of tours of multiple places, with prices ranging from 45,000 Drams (AED 450) to 80,000 Drams (AED 800). If these prices fit within your budget, these guides are tailored for you – safe and comfortable with a helping hand.
For a more independent and pocket-friendly option– hail a cab! Prices are much lower (AED 100 – AED 250) but require a bit more knowledge of the area.
The must-see sights of Armenia are the Garni Temple which has an entry fee of 10,000 AMD (AED 10), Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan where you can enjoy a local heartfelt lunch by the water, Tsaghkadzor where you can reach frozen peaks on the ski lift for 30,000 AMD (AED 30), Symphony of Stones, and the Brandy, Vodka, and Cognac Factories.
--------------------FOOD---------------------
The local food culture heavily depends on meat, with menus laden with non-vegetarian dishes. Local restaurants offer traditional delicacies for 8,000 – 30,000 AMD (AED 8 - 30). Vegetarian options are limited to their delicious bread pieces like lavash, salads, and fries. You can even avail food delivery from Menu.am for a lower cost and discounts on local food.
------------------MONEY-SAVING TIPS-----------------
1. Currency – While the American Dollar is also accepted in the country, the national currency is much more widespread and saves you the exchange rate deduction on every purchase, so arm yourself with Armenian Drams.
2. Supermarkets – Local supermarkets offer a wide variety of food options and ingredients, allowing you to cook your desired dish and also save on meal costs. This is perfect for those with dietary restrictions as well.
3. Taxis – A fair warning – you may encounter people offering taxi services with exorbitant prices, an offer that you must steer clear of. Cabs and taxis are scarce in the country but are easily available through gg Taxi, the Armenian equivalent of Uber, and cost minimal amounts.
With this, to my dear travelers, I wish you a joyous and fulfilling trip to Armenia. Stay safe and Shnorrhakalutsjun (Thank you)!
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