Throughout Russia there is risk of terrorism linked to Chechnya and other extremists from the Northern Caucasuses. These threats include bombings, hostage taking and suicide attacks in public places. Moscow is often a primary target. Recently a passenger train from Chechnya to Moscow was derailed by an explosion, a bomb was left on the metro in Moscow, another blew up at a Moscow bus stop and two Russian airliners on internal flights were destroyed by suicide bombers. In the past Moscow has seen other terrorist acts on metro trains, in a hotel, market and a theatre.

St Petersburg and Moscow have pick pockets and muggers especially in and near railway stations. These may involve children and women. Theft from hotel rooms and cars is a problem. Beware of strangers in bars and night clubs who may spike your drinks in order to rob you. Several tourists have been held up at knife point in St Petersburg and robbed on public transport. Bogus police officers operate in both cities. Racist attacks may also occur by skinheads on Asians and Afro Caribbeans. Moscow is the Capital of the largest geographical country in the world which has a population of over 145 million living in eleven time zones. 82 percent of the population are Russian with the other 18 percent being made up of more than one hundred nationalities. The official currency is the rouble, but American dollars are widely accepted.

Climate is moderate. The average temperature in July and August is 20 in December and January 10. The humidity is moderate. The Moscows winters are, as a rule, cold and snowy. Moscow is conveniently sited in the centre of Russias European part where the rivers Moskva and Yauza cross the Central Russian Plateau. Moscow is one of the biggest cities in the world. It occupies the area of 1035 square kilometres. Moscow has more than 5000 streets. The population is about 9 million people, plus more than three million tourists and guests coming annually.

Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re awakened with a newfound strength ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colourful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.

Russia, which was once a communist country has now discarded that mask and is a country with vast diversities providing an enchanting experience for the tourists. You can explore the imperial St.Petersburg to Siberian villages and understand the true culture prevailing Russia. The ancient cities of Russia namely Moscow, Petersburg and Murmansk are widely popular around the world and attracting more and more tourists every year.

The history and the ancient culture of Russia have encouraged many travel enthusiasts to spend their holiday in Russia. You will find Russia as an amusement for the entire family. There are many sights in Russia that demand the tourists to visit. Russia is a beautiful place that provides everything for everybody.

The hermitage stands as evidence for the western European art taking about the tsars who ruled Russia for more than one and a half centuries. The magnificent construction has five buildings linked together to form the hermitage collections. This is 20 times bigger than any normal museum and you can see all the ancient things in the vault. You must plan ahead properly to visit these buildings on the river side that contain 1057 rooms and 117 staircases.

Lizhi is a pilgrimage site that contains two churches with a bell tower in-between. It is one of the world heritage sites dating back to the 17th and the 18th centuries. The churches depict the exact Russian architecture. The marvellous decorations on the walls stand as a masterpiece of the wooden architecture. The little Church of the Resurrection of Lazarusis the oldest building made of wood in Russia built during the 14th century. Kremlin in Moscow stands as evidence of the various political powers in Russia. Various important political meetings and speeches are made by many ancient Russian rulers.

To fascinate the kids, Russia has Lapland Biosphere Reserve, it is a great natural reserve in Russia. You can find different species of birds and animals in this reserve and you can explore their life style naturally in this reserve. Mamaev Kurgan is the site where a fierce battle took place which lasted for four months. It now stands as a memorial of the battle where the land is blooded with people who died in the battle. You can find memorials, statues and ruins of forts in this place. Lake Baikal is famous for its pure water and the surrounding shores provide a peaceful ambiance.