BELARUS
Belarus…an escape to the most unique destinations in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the North and East was known as Belorussia (White Russia) in the past. Like the Amazon this country is home to exotic jungles, about one third of the country is heavily forested. Amazon has been the favorite for studying the wildlife but Belarus remains as an untouched beauty in the list of tropical forests. Apart from exotic forests its history and culture is a worthy attraction. Nature lovers can make the most of this place with amazing wide plains, monasteries, dense jungles, marvelous landscapes and picturesque villages. The deer, wild boars, beavers, lynx, European bison, voles, otters and elks are the show stoppers here with distinct natural reserves, although the Belovezhskaya Forest and the Pripet Nature Reserve are famous for their sheer size and animal kingdom. Since Belarus has been inhabited from the Stone Age times when humans sheltered in caves and made complex tools; cultural tourists can look for Neolithic communities remains preserved in the museum. With few traditional attractions at hand for the tourists Belarus is a country for sampling the countryside beauty. Some parts offer a lovable scene of the birch groves interspersed with wooden villages. Scarcely populated only Minsk is the city in Belarus fallen towards modernity. Pastoral countryside that is peaceful with spec clean meandering roads and mountainous landscapes distributed all over the land covered by lush green forests, lakes and rivers.
CULTURE
Though influenced by strong history in the past, over a decade the people of Belarus have undergone rapid changes. Belarus people lead a similar lifestyle that of other Europeans. Modern Minsk is different from rest of the cities in Belarus that are steps away from industrial development. Scanning through the historical pages of Belarus you will come to know that the west and east have influenced social, political and ideological development in the country. Both Catholicism and Orthodoxy existed here and towards the end of 20th century the Belarusian culture gained new importance. Amazing for all the travelers to this country is the Banya somewhere similar to our bathhouses or saunas, great joint to make friends. Look for special discounts and communal banya; the prilka in banya that is the steam room is meant for making Finnish saunas whereas those who want to plunge through cool waters can opt for pool outside the steam room.
GEOGRAPHY
Bordered by Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland, Russia, and Latvia the total area of Belarus is approximately 80155 square miles. Basically flat physically its land is shared by over 3000 streams and 4000 lakes that contribute to the beauty of the place. Landscapes here are distinguished as uplands and lowlands that were created during the ice age. River valleys of Belarus flow into these uplands guarded by the Belarusian ridge. The highest mount is Dzyarzhynskaya measuring 346 meters located in the southwest of Minsk. The largest river is Dnieper running through southwards to east of Belarus. The country is categorized into six different regions, knowingly Minsk, Vitebsk, Moghilev, Grodno, Brest and Gomel. Minsk being the capital city is popular and the center of any communication.
BEST TIME TO GO
Baltic Sea in Belarus makes climate remain moderately continental that experiences mild winters and warm summers. The wet season starts from June continue through August and the snowfall generally starts from December and continues all through April. Snow being the important feature in Belarus as the period lasts a minimum of 75 days to 125 days depending upon the region. The average temperatures during this time are between -4°C and -8° C. If one likes warm weather the best time to visit Belarus is July when the temperatures reach a maximum of 30° C followed by wet season in August. Also the snowy winters can be great time to experience the snowfall and sunny days in between. For visiting the capital city Minsk which is one of the top attraction in Belarus is best visited in warm summers. This is the time when roadside walkways and bistros have no place left to sit and streets are full to its extent. As most of the time you will be spending covering all the history of the country with you eyes and camera at the safer side one should opt for summer season travel. Not to forget more then a place to romance it’s a place to checkout the historical data, the socialist way of life or just something different from the routine European tours.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Slowing gaining pace in the tourism industry Belarus is slightly different from the rest of the Europe. If you travel with an expectation follow the brochures, flyers and leaflets like other places of Europe then you would be at loss. The tourism department has still to develop in terms of marketing and public relations; hence first hand information from books, friends and web is all the very important. With this knowledge one can explore the unique cities the fully reflect the turbulent history. Being selective is the smartest planning as it’s impossible to see all the places in one go. Guided travel of the city is advisable to discover or experience as much as possible. The art and folklore of Minsk, Dudutki, Vitebsk, Minsk and Khatyn are the main attractions here.
Minsk
Concentrated by the Soviet times, Minsk is the must see attraction in Belarus. A getaway from the hustle and bustle of speedy capitals/metros, Minsk is known for total relaxation. As per statistics there are over 3000 sporting facilities, 16 museums, 139 libraries that are available in the town. Not miss are the Cathedral of Holy Ghost, the Museum of Great Patriotic War and Museum of culture and history. The Cathedral of Holy Ghost stands in Minsk from the early 16th century, damaged in an accidental fire in 1741 it was turned to a monastery and then closed for everybody by the Bolsheviks. Now open for tourism it has become one of the main attractions. Get a glimpse of Icons from the Moscow Academic School that includes the Mother of God Icon. The other cathedrals that are popular are the Saint Simon and Helena, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and the Maryinsky Cathedral. The Chelyuskinites Park is way to escape the boredom after long hours of travel, an amusement park offering Ferris wheel, roller-coaster and remote operated games. If you are looking for romantic stroll with your partner then just feel free to check the botanical garden alongside the park. To gain the practical knowledge of the torture and horror of World War II head the Patriotic war museum with collections showcased from the Nazi concentration camp and Belarusian movement.
Brest
Located to the southwestern corner of Belarus, this city shares its borders with Ukraine and Poland. Brest is closer from the city Warsaw than Minsk so save your miles with this piece of information while planning. Its geographical position made it possible for the amalgamation of different culture forming a new one. The main sight of attraction here is the Brest Fortress that needs all together four to five hours to finish. If you are travelling on your own then enquire for the hourly bus service from the city center to the fortress. Standing between the Bug and Mukhavyets the fortress occupies a huge area around one kilometer in diameter. It was built in four year period from 1830-1842 and as purpose of defense for the Russian Empire. Then there’s a lovely Byzantine Church of Saint Nikolai that was damaged in the war of 1941 but the still the attractions inside the church are centrally placed golden chandelier. Other significant attractions are the Museums out of which the Beryestye Architectural Museum that’s located across the river from the fortress. Not to wonder the 40000 artifacts in 14 halls make it must see attraction.
Grodno
In the northwest of Belarus and 278 km away from Minsk this city borders Poland and Lithuania. Known for thousands of Roman Catholic worshippers, the city is dominated by catholic architectural heritage. Witness this heritage in the 17th century Roman Catholic Jestuit Farny Cathedral sitting at the top of Sovyetskaya Square. In addition to this famous cathedral there are several others that contribute to the popularity of the city like the Eastern Orthodox Pokrovsky Cathedral, Kolozhshkaya Church of saints Boris and Hleb, Church of saint Christmas and the Blessed Virgin, and the Bernadino Church and Seminary. The old and new castles of the Stari Zamak and Novi Zamak are located at the site the fortress.
GETTING THERE
Major International Airport in Belarus is the National Airport of Minsk. It’s located at 30 Km from the capital city of Minsk. From the airport those you are on their own can basically opt for one out of three options available taxi, bus and rented car. The national airlines are called Belavia operate direct flights to Moscow, Paris, Riga, Warsaw, London, Vienna and Kiev. All people on European trip can take the rail route operating between Minsk and every other city of Europe. Some of the tourist who own cars love long drives can take the roadways provided they register their visas.
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