Gratifying Armenia
Armenia has an ancient history, complex and laced with tragedy. It is the only country that exists from 3,000 year old maps of Anatolia. It was established as the world’s first Christian country more than 1,700 years ago in 301 AD. Armenia has Turkey on its west, Georgia on the north, Iran on the south, and Azerbaijan on the east. Armenia is picturesque as it lies in the highlands surrounding the mountains of Ararat, which happens to be the highest mountain in the region. The country proudly boasts of a rich and ancient culture. The capital and largest city of Armenia, Yerevan, is also one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. A notable landmark is the Erebuni Fortress, which is the birthplace of the city. The Katoghike Tsiranavor church is the oldest surviving church of Yerevan and Saint Gregory Cathedral is the largest Armenian cathedral in the world. The Matenadaran repository is one of the largest depositories of ancient books and manuscripts in the world. Premier tourist attractions of the country are countless monasteries to remind you of the world’s first official Christian country. Tatev, Noravank, Haghartsin, Haghpat and Geghard, are home to monasteries built in incredible natural beauty.
Armenia has markedly highland continental climate. Summers are hot, dry and sunny, from June to mid-September. Springs are short, autumns are long and beautifully vibrant. Winters are cold with snow. The best time to visit is the beginning and ending of summer, in late May-early June or late September-early October. The currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD or դր) which equals INR 0.12-0.18(fluctuates).