Being the largest country in the world, it comes as no surprise that Russia offers a wide array of fascinating travel destinations. From the world-famous Red Square and the kaleidoscopic domes of St Basil’s Cathedral to the glacier-capped mountains along the shoreline of Earth’s oldest lake, Russia is indeed teeming with picturesque sceneries to admire—with most of it still awaiting to be explored by wanderlust-filled travelers.

With easing travel restrictions post-pandemic, global travel is once again accelerating, and tourists are flocking left and right to popular vacation spots. While this hustle and bustle could certainly be lively, it takes away the serenity and tranquility that comes with just admiring the picturesque scenery. If squeezing through thick crowds of visitors is not on your bucket list, pack up your bags and escape the usual tourist traps by opting for lesser-known yet equally mesmerizing destinations which you must add in your Russia guided tour list.

1. Terem Palace

The Moscow Kremlin has been and still remains to be the center of the political, spiritual, and cultural affairs of Russia. However, despite its popularity among tourists, some–if not most—of its parts remain largely unexplored. One of the hidden gems it houses is the magnificent Terem Palace.

The Terem Palace was built in 1636 for Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich, the grandfather of Peter I. What’s so mesmerizing about it is that it dons a traditional Russian architectural style called Uzorochye, which is well-known for its complex style of architecture embellished with ornate decorations, along with its incredibly picturesque skylines. After all, its root word “uzor” literally translates to “ornament” or “pattern”.

The lavish interior of the Terem Palace is indeed reminiscent of a well-adorned jewelry box. The moment you set foot in it, you will find yourself surrounded by a set of beautifully decorated rooms filled with rich, elaborate frescoes and gilded carvings, which reminds us of a distant but bright and dignified past.

2. Lake Elton, Volgograd

Lake Elton is a salt lake located in Volgograd Oblast, near the border of Kazakhstan. Aside from holding the record of being the largest and sole mineral lake in Europe, it is also among the most mineral-dense lakes in the world. In the summer, it has a higher concentration of salts than the Dead sea. Because of this, the lake has been home to a spa resort since 1904, and its water is believed to have healing properties.

Another fascinating thing about Lake Elton that makes it a sight to behold is the combination of snow-white salt formations surrounding the lake along with a wide stretch of seaweeds that bestows the lake a wide array of colors—from gold to pink and even bright indigo. This is also the reason why it is so called the “Golden Bottom.”

The lake is so shallow that you can literally walk on it since the average depth in summer is only 5 cm. This makes it an excellent place to take beautiful reflective photos, which create the illusion of walking across the sky. Alternatively, you can just relax and enjoy watching flocks of cranes and waders, and if you’re lucky, you can even catch the flowering of the rare Schrenk tulips.

3. Dargavs, The City Of The Dead

Top three on our list is the mysterious forgotten Russian city of Dargavs, dubbed as the City of the Dead. It is located in North Ossetia, surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains, which protects the region from wind and clouds, thereby creating a unique dry microclimate.

The remarkable thing about Dargavs is that this was one of the oldest populated settlements in Europe, which dates back to as far as the Bronze Age. However, the city of Dargavs was founded around the 15th century when it became the center of Tagaurian Society, during the insurgency in Ossetia in the 1830s. Many people passed, even more, when the Plague epidemic ravaged it during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Dargavs still now doesn’t have any residents and is therefore dubbed “The City of the Dead.” Yet,

This doesn’t represent there’s nothing to view in Dargavs. On the contrary, since it was the center of Tagaurian society for years, you will find some of the most impressive architecture you can’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Dargavs also features 98 graveyards which are shrouded with local myths, one of them being the story that anyone who dared to go into the crypts is never coming out alive. This might be why locals only dare to go to the city of the dead after sunset. If you are an adventurous soul and a fan of mysterious places, you must definitely add Dargavs to your list of must-visit places in Russia.

4. Sukko Lake

This enchanting fiery red forest atop the Sukko lake is proof that Russia isn’t all snow and mountains. Sometimes referred to as Cypress Lake, the Sukko Lake, located in the Sukko Valley of Southern Russia, is entirely man-made. Almost a hundred years ago, cypress seedlings were brought to the Soviet Union from North America in the hopes of developing this species in Russia. The seedlings accepted root and became one of the most picture-perfect spots in Russia.

The best time to visit the lake is hours before sunrise. This is when the lake is peaceful and quiet. The sun is just rising from the horizon and is not scorching hot yet. There is nothing more breathtaking than seeing the cypresses enveloped in the soft glow of the rising sun, along with a light haze rising from the water.

When you’re done watching the sunrise and taking Instagram-worthy photos in this enchanting lake, you can also visit the nearby Sukko Valley, which turned into a local amusement park. Fill up with boats, catamarans, canoes,s, and SUPs to rent. And in an African show, this place is addressed by the term African Village.’ Knight tournaments, paintball, and laser tag games are also held there.

5. Orda Cave

The top hidden gem in Russia on our list is none other than the mesmerizing Orda Cave, the largest underwater gypsum-made crystal cave in the world. It is found beneath the western Ural Mountains, near the city of Perm. It extends more than 3 miles (5km) in length and is known as the longest gypsum cave on the planet. Apart from this, the other caves are mostly underwater.

The mineral-rich area surrounding the cave filters the water and makes it very clear. The crystal clear, turquoise waters are surrounded by rock formations. Divers have a visibility of over 50 yards (46 m), making it an ideal location for photographic expeditions or even just leisurely cave diving and exploration.

In 2013, Natalia Avseenkoa, a former free diving champion, posed for a photographic series designed to illustrate the legend of “Lady of the Orda Cave.” Local myth tells the tale of the “Lady of the Orda Cave,” who is said to be a beautiful spirit that embodies the beauty that surrounds her. It is communicated while she watches over the divers who are entering the cave and ensures their safe return to the land above, and they have pure intentions.

If you are a diving enthusiast, this underwater gem should be at the top of your list too.

Secluded Spots for Your Serendipitous Getaway in Russia

Bottomline:

Russia is undeniably home to various immensely beautiful landscapes, as well as culturally rich heritage sites, which makes it among the best destinations worth a visit for travelers of all kinds. Whether you simply like to sightsee, take pictures, or engage in various activities the place has to offer, these scenic, serene spots in Russia will surely satisfy your wanderlust. The best thing about it is that there is no need to mind busy crowds or wait in line for long hours. These lesser-known hidden gems will seemingly be only for your eyes to see, so you can take your time admiring them to your heart’s content!

Abdul Aziz Mondal