Armenia isn’t very popular among Indian tourists yet, but it has recently become a sought-after destination for Indian labourers. The country offers a rich history and beautiful landscapes, making it a great place for tourists as well.
Where is Armenia?
Armenia is located in the South Caucasus region. It was part of the Soviet Union until 1991 and is now an independent country. It borders Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity in 301 AD. Its churches and monasteries, mostly made of stone, have a unique architectural style.
What was our plan?
Our journey in the Caucasus began in Armenia. We used the capital, Yerevan, as our base for day trips to various tourist spots. Yerevan itself is a charming city that deserves time to fully explore.
We stayed for 3 nights in Yerevan.
Getting to and from Armenia
As of August 2024, there are no direct flights from India to Armenia, making flights to Armenia more expensive compared to its neighbors, Georgia and Azerbaijan. We flew from Bengaluru to Yerevan with Air Arabia, stopping in Sharjah.
Armenia offers an e-visa option, which I’ve explained in detail in a previous post.
We traveled by van from Yerevan to Tbilisi, booked through the 12Go Asia website.
Our Experience
At Yerevan airport, immigration and customs were quick. We withdrew cash from an ATM and took the Airport Express 201 bus to Yerevan city center. Our hostel was nearby, just a short walk from the bus stop.
Yerevan
Yerevan is a lively city, especially in the evenings when the streets are filled with people, whether it’s a weekday or weekend. We loved the city’s atmosphere.
Two highlights were the Cascade Complex and Republic Square. The Cascade offers great views of the city, and the musical fountains at Republic Square are a major attraction.
We also visited the Blue Mosque, Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Genocide Museum.
Day Trips
Armenia’s key attractions include its historic medieval monasteries and natural beauty. We focused on northern and central Armenia, but if we had more time, we would’ve explored the south.
We did two day trips, both booked through GetYourGuide, which was easy and convenient. Here is the link for the same.
- First trip: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Symphony of Stones, and Charent’s Arch (a 6-hour trip).
- Second trip: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin and Goshavank Monasteries, and Parz Lich Lake (a 10-hour trip).
Local Transport
We walked around Yerevan most of the time. For farther destinations, we used Yandex Go, which was affordable and convenient.
Food
There are plenty of vegetarian options, especially in Yerevan. Even on highways, it’s possible to find vegetarian food, though the taste might not always match your expectations. Indian restaurants in Yerevan were very expensive.
Currency
The currency is the Armenian Dram. There are many currency exchange centers and ATMs across Yerevan. Credit cards are widely accepted, so we had no issues.
Weather
We visited in August, and it was quite hot. Spring or autumn would be a better time to visit, as the weather would be cooler.
Conflict with Azerbaijan and Safety
Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict. In 2023, Azerbaijan won the war and reclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh, causing over 100,000 Armenians to flee. I expected the situation in Armenia to be dire, but things seemed normal on the surface during our visit. Even when traveling to Tbilisi, we passed close to the Azerbaijan border and saw both countries’ flags.
Armenia is a very safe country with low crime.
Summary
To conclude, our journey through Armenia was a memorable experience, filled with fascinating historical sites, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of its people. Despite its recent challenges, the country felt safe and welcoming throughout our stay.
Dinesh
Nice
aravindgj
Thank you.