Places to Visit in Armenia: Top Tourist Attractions

You will be surprised to know that Armenia is home to the world’s oldest known winery! Yes, archaeologists discovered a wine production site in an Armenian cave, dating back to around 4100 BCE, which means more than 6,000 years ago! (Source:Wikipedia) They found grape seeds, fermentation vats, and wine-stained pottery. It proved that Armenians were making wine long before many other civilisations. So, when you sip Armenian wine today, you are tasting 6,000 years of history!

If you are planning to visit the Country of Stones, plan your journey well by reading this guide and do not forget to get yourself insured with Bajaj International Travel Insurance policy.

The Geographical Map of Armenia

Armenia is a small country, roughly the size of India’s Kerala, located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, where Europe meets Asia. It is surrounded by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran.

• Landscape and Terrain: Armenia is a mountainous country because 90% of the land is at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level. There are many volcanic mountains like Mount Aragats, which are covered with snow most of the time.
• Lakes and Rivers: Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world, is in Armenia. It’s a popular tourist spot where you can go on day trips, swim, and try fresh trout or whitefish.
• Climate: In Armenia, the summers (June-August) are dry and the winters (December-February) are cold and snowy. The Autumn season from September-October can be the best time to visit and explore the country.

Since Armenia is a mountainous country, there are a lot of winding roads and scenic views. Also, the air is fresh due to the high altitude, but you may feel tired if you are not used to living on hills.

Places to Visit in Armenia

When you visit Armenia, these are the top tourist attractions.

Yerevan

Armenia’s capital city is Yerevan, where the international airport is located. Therefore, this will be your first stop. In Yerevan, the Republic Square is a cultural hub which is surrounded by beautiful buildings made of pink volcanic tuff stone. There is a History Museum, National Gallery, and Government House in the vicinity. In the evening, water, lights, and music create a magical singing fountain show.

Another attraction is the Cascade Complex and Cafesjian Center for the Arts. The Cascade is a building complex, where if you go on the top, you will get a panoramic view of the city. The Cafesjian Center has glasswork and outdoor sculptures which are very impressive. If you want to shop for authentic Armenian products, go to the Vernissage Market to buy hand-woven carpets, wooden carvings, jewellery, paintings, traditional musical instruments, and Soviet-era antiques.

Zorats Karer

This ancient site is made up of huge stones arranged in patterns across a plateau and is 7,000 years old. It was used as an astronomical observatory and is one of the oldest megalithic structures in the world. You can walk around the stones, learn about their alignments, and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

Diljan

Diljan, also called ‘Little Switzerland’ is famous for green forests, mountain views, herbal teas, natural honey, and fresh dairy products. The Diljan National Park is full of forests, meadows, and streams, and air is very fresh and clean. In Diljan, you can visit the Haghartsin Monastery, which has stone churches and courtyards. The environment and setting are peaceful, which will make you feel spiritual and calm.

Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor which means ‘Valley of Flowers’ is a small resort town in Armenia, famous as a ski resort in winter. You can experience skiing and snowboarding here. You can also take a ropeway cable car ride to reach up to Mount Teghenis and enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains and valleys.

Gyumri

Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia after Yerevan. It has a cultural vibe along with historical architecture. In Gyumri, the Black Fortress or Sev Berd is an abandoned Russian fortress which was part of Armenia’s defensive system. Mother Armenia statue located in this area, is a female personification of Armenia and reminds everyone of the females who fought with Turkish and Kurdish troops to save their country.

Jermuk

After wandering through the natural beauty and historical marvels of Armenia, you can head to Jermuk. Jermuk is famous for mermaid hair waterfalls, and hot springs and mineral water. The waterfall is called as mermaid’ hair because of the way water flows, it depicts silver strands. You can visit local spa resorts for hot mineral baths.

What Should You Remember When You Visit Armenia?

When you visit Armenia, some points that you should remember are:

• Armenia is famous for aromatic mountain honey, but the flavour can vary depending on the region. So, before you purchase honey, ask for a small taste as some flavours are strong or floral, which may be different from Indian honey.
• When you are at mountain springs, check with locals before tasting natural spring water, as all springs are not drinkable.
• Restaurants in Yerevan and Gyumri serve hearty portions. So, you can share a main dish and try multiple items. The dishes that you must try are: lavash (traditional flatbread), khorovats (flavourful barbecue), dolma, and fresh apricot-based desserts.
• Armenian carpets and handicrafts are precious and shops offer a demo of weaving. But, before you touch their delicate items, always ask shopkeepers.
• If you are in Armenia when the local festivals like Easter and Vardavar (water festival) are going on, the area will be crowded. So, plan accordingly to experience these festivals and buy travel insurance online for enjoying your trip without disruption.

Conclusion

Armenia, a country with ancient history, natural wonders, and cultural richness, should definitely be on top of your must visit places list. It is emerging as an attractive offbeat destination.

But, remember, before you travel to Armenia, purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, and protection against lost passport/baggage and trip cancellations.

FAQs

Which language do Armenians speak?

In major cities, hotels, restaurants, and shops, people speak basic English, but in smaller towns, they speak Russian or Armenian.

What is the local currency of Armenia?

The local currency of Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD).

What are the special things I can purchase from Armenia?

Armenian handwoven carpets, Khachkars (cross-stones), apricot products, and Duduk (traditional flute) music instruments can be bought from Armenia.

Are there vegetarian food options in Armenia?

Yes! Traditional dishes like lavash bread, salads, eggplant dishes, and cheeses are vegetarian dishes available. However, meat is the staple food, so ask about the ingredients before you order anything.

Can I use Wi-Fi in Armenia?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in hotels and restaurants in major towns like Yerevan. But, if you visit rural areas, internet access may be limited.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.