Belarus – The Mysterious Country with Forests and Wildlife

Belarus is an Eastern European landlocked country, with countries like Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine sharing the borders with it. More than 40% of the country is a forest area and accommodates a huge variety of wildlife. The mysterious nature of the country has always attracted the tourists to this place.

History:
Belarus is believed to borrow its name form a German term, White Rus. The country was known by various names in the past, including White Ruthenia, White Russia and Belorussia. It was in 1991 that the name Belarus was given to the independent republic. Slavic tribes settled in the region in the 6th century. The Kievan Rus' state was formed in the 9th century by the Slavic tribes and the Varangians. The region was integrated with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, after its split into principalities in the 13th century.

The Russians began invasions in the region during the 15th century and captured it by the end of the 18th century. During World War I, the region was captured by German forces, but after their defeat in the war, the region became independent as the Belarusian People's Republic. Again, the republic was captured and hugely destroyed by German forces during the World War II. Belarus was not able to get back to normal until 1970s and finally, it became the Republic of Belarus in 1991.

Popular Places:
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, while other important cities include Brest, Homel, Sharkovshchina and Mogilev. Belarus is known for accommodating as many as four World Heritage sites. The Mir Castle Complex is one of these sites and is well-known for its limestone portals, balconies, porches and plates. The Niasvizh Castle is the second heritage site with Corpus Christi Church and a landscape park as its main attractions.

Belaveskaya Pushcha is another heritage site accommodated by Belarus and shared by Poland. It is a famous forest area, with a biosphere reserve as its main attraction. Oak trees and animals like wisent are among main interests of the tourists visiting the place. The Struve Geodetic Arc is the forth heritage site of Belarus and it is shared by nine other countries. Khatyn Memorial, Mount of Glory, Pripyatsky National Park and Narac Lake are other attraction of the country.

Getting Around:
Belarus is a small country and thus, one can easily get around its important cities and regions. Trains are the most convenient modes for this, while one can consider car and taxi services as well. No matter how you travel a good guide is to keep some small notes handy to pay for your transportation.

Places of Entertainment:
Visit the restaurants to enjoy a wonderful gourmet meal. Vodka and rum can be enjoyed at different bars around the country. Minsk, the capital city, offers a fun-filled nightlife at various venues. A number of shopping destinations can also be visited 

Accommodation Options:
Hotel resorts and budget hotels for tourists with different star ratings are located in all parts of Belarus. You will also find. Youth hostels, bed & breakfast, guesthouse, motels and inns.

Currency:
Belarusian rubble is the currency used in the country. You can easily convert foreign currency into the local currency at various exchange kiosks located all around the country, check the news and internet for the latest exchange rates.

Belarus group accommodation | Cheap hostels and budget hotels