dragon tree travel

Deals of the Week   Best of the Best   Up to 50% OFF

All China Tours from The Dragon Trip

6 the dragon trip trips through china.

Discover China in 26 Days: The Ultimate Adventure Loop

"At lot to see. Really liked Xi´an and would have liked to stay longer there. A great first look at China." Marcel, traveled in June 2023

• 5% deposit on some dates

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

"I was very impressed with the accounting for optional activities." ColleenGellein, traveled in March 2018

14-Day Panda Volunteering trip from Chengdu to Beijing

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

"I will use tourrader again." sam, traveled in May 2019

Shanghai to Shanghai Epic Quest: 22 Days of China's Best-Kept Secrets

"The tour was incredible it far passed expection. All the guides couldn't be more helpful and everything was organised perfectly." Gideon, traveled in October 2019

China Unveiled: 17-Day Journey from Hong Kong to Beijing

"Fantastic. Guides went overboard to help." Guy, traveled in October 2019

• China Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Discover TourRadar

• African Safari
• Scottish Highlands Tours
• Mount Fuji tours
• 10 Best Northern Lights Tours in November
• Philippines Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Do I need a guide to hike in Scottish Highlands?
• Best January 2024 Travel Deals

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Where in Russia does the only Slavic dragon live?

If you ask a Russian where he is going, you might hear the answer: “to Kudykina Gora (literally “Wherever Mountain”) to steal some tomatoes.” What does this mean? Traditionally, this phrase is used when a person doesn’t want to reveal his plans.

In fact, no one has ever seen this legendary mountain and no one believes it exists. Well, we found this place, and the fairy tale comes true not far from Moscow.

The way to the secret mountain is not easy. Kudykina Gora is located 260 miles south of Moscow, in the Lipetsk region, and it’s a mountain surrounded by hills and ravines, hidden among small abandoned villages and forests on the bank of the Don River. The nearest town, Zadonsk, is 10 miles away, while the regional capital, Lipetsk, is 45 miles away.

There is a lack of cell towers, and without coverage mobile phones turn into useless pieces of plastic. GPS navigators operate, but with interruptions. Only the most determined make it here, and the locals know what strangers are looking for and kindly show the way. The next big surprise: this mountain is not empty, and each weekend thousands come here to escape reality. 

Fantastic Slavic dragon and his wards

Kudykina Gora is a free amusement park created in 2007 by local agricultural businessmen on what was once empty fields. If anyone expects to see something similar to Disneyland or Port Aventura he will be wrong. The huge territory of 500 hectares has neither Russian roller coasters nor Ferries wheels, and not even a house of mirrors. Nevertheless, here you have the feeling of magic all around. 

The first thing you notice when entering the park is the giant three-headed dragon on the hill top . Russians call him Zmey Gorynych (literally “A dragon from the mountain”). According to Slavic folklore, the dragon guards Kalinov Bridge that symbolizes the border between life and death. Unlike Daenerys Targaryen’s children, a Russian dragon can speak with humans. He usually has three heads and is so enormous that he blocks out the sun when flying. He is terrifying and can spew sparks, smoke and fire. 

Many Russian fairy tales describe how bogatyrs , Russian heroes, vanquish the dragon who tries to kill them with his fiery breath. But it’s not the same in the park, where Zmey Gorynych is the favorite attraction. Every weekend at 6.30 p.m. you may see the mythical Russian dragon at his best while breathing fire with all his threats. You don’t even need to cut off his head.

Who lives in the park?

The dragon is the host and guardian of the other inhabitants: Various breeds of horses, lamas , alpacas, camels, deer and even kangaroos and ostriches. The exotic animals live here in their own corrals and can walk freely in this safari type of park. Actually, it’s hard to imagine how an alpaca plays tag with a lama, but it’s a common thing here. 

There is even a horse riding school for teenagers who learn not only riding, but how to take care of the animals. Baby animals accompany their parents during training, treating it as a game and getting acquainted with people. 

Miracle of water

'The spring of wisdom.'

Besides the exotic animals, the Slavic dragon guards nearby natural springs. Many Russians believe in their healing power, and according to folklore, water is an inexhaustible source of life. Any springs that formed following natural disasters were immediately praised as holy sites . You can check the healing power of the springs yourself! 

'Eye’s spring.'

The Don River, one of the largest in Russia, is famous for its springs. Two are located at Kudykina Gora, and are pure and considered beneficial due to the high concentration of silver. “The spring of wisdom” behind Zmey Gorynych is even equipped with a covered bathhouse. On the “Eye’s spring” under the giant wooden Trojan horse you can wash your face with the icy water and take some in a bottle. Both springs are carefully preserved by locals and park workers; like everything else here. 

More action!

If you're a fan of traditional activities and come in summer and meet the artisans from “the city of Russian folk craftsmen,” and participate in different festivals and interactive performances. When the hills are covered with soft white snow, it’s time for winter activities: tubing, winter banana and challenge yourself in zorbing.

Also, don’t forget to climb the highest point in the park and see the sculpture of seven angels which enjoys a magnificent view while holding hands.

Check our video to find more inspiring moments from the Kudykina Gora park!

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What’s the best way to see Russia: By car, train or plane?
• Who is Zmey Gorynych, the Russian son of Daenerys Targaryen?
• Quiz: Where should your next adventure be in Russia?
• Time to plan summer holidays: 7 fantastic Russian getaways
• 5 must-see places in Uglich, the newborn pearl of Russia’s Golden Ring

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

The huge new £3bn megaproject in centre of Russia set to be world's tallest 'island'

T his vast futuristic mega-structure is set to be one of the tallest the world has seen - enclosing the largest volume will create a spectacular new symbol in the Russian capital of Moscow's skyline.

Crystal Island is planned to have a vast total floor area of 2.5 million square metres, four times the size of the Pentagon in Washington DC, according to Inhabitat in 2007.

Added to the designed height of 450 metres - 1,476 feet - upon completion, it would be the largest structure by floor space in the world.

Many at the time of the building's announcement described it as the "Christmas Tree" of Moscow. It was also deemed reminiscent of the X-Seed 4000, the concept for a megatall skyscraper in Tokyo which was proposed to have 700 floors.

The projected cost of the mega-project was $4 billion - or just over £3 billion. It would be located on the Nagatino Peninsula, edged by the Moscow River, it is located only 4.6 miles from the Kremlin .

Enclosure panels on a dynamic geometry are slotted into the structural framing to allow daylight to reach deep inside the building. The "tent-like" structure would form a breathable "second skin" and thermal buffer for the main building, shielding the interior from Moscow's weather.

During the winter the skin could be sealed to minimise heat loss and opened in the summer to naturally cool the interior. It was deemed to be the "world's first arcology" - a merger of architecture and ecology to create a self-contained human habitat, according to Artforum .

Inside, it is expected to house many different services, including retail and office space, cinemas, a theatre, a sports complex, 300 hotel rooms, 900 apartments and an international school for 500 students. There would also be a 16,500 space underground car park.

There would also be two viewing platforms, one at 150 metres and another at 300 metres, according to Deezen in 2008.

The building is set to be powered by built-in solar panels and wind turbines and would also feature on-site renewable and low-carbon energy generation, according to the British architectural firm behind the design, Foster and Partners .

The building would also be integrated into a new park, which would provide a range of activities throughout the year, including ice skating in the winter.

Due to the global economic crisis, the financial backing for the project was lost in 2009. Construction of the project was postponed, with Moscow's mayor at the time, Yuri Luzhkov desperately seeking for a new investor, but was unsuccessful. There has been no development since.

At the time, Lord Norman Foster, founder of the architecture firm, said: "Crystal Island is one of the world's most ambitious building projects and it represents a milestone in the 40-year history of the practice.

"It is the largest single building in the world, creating a year-round destination for Moscow and a sustainable, dynamic new urban quarter. It is a paradigm of compact, mixed-use, sustainable city planning, with an innovative energy strategy and 'smart' skin which buffers against climate extremes."

If the structure is ever realised, it will change the landscape of Moscow and set a benchmark for future infrastructure designs.

Foster and Partners is also behind the planned huge new airport - costing £23 billion - in King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia. It is set to have four more runways than Heathrow and will take the crown of being the world's largest airport from King Fahd International Airport .

More From Forbes

How and where to see komodo dragons in the wild.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Captivated by the new season of HBO’s House of the Dragon and want to see some actual dragons for yourself? Indonesia is the only place to see the real-life versions—Komodo dragons—in the wild. Here’s how, including the ideal hotel to stay at: AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach.

Komodo dragon, Rinca Island, Indonesia.

Komodo Dragons: Varanus komodoensis

Dragons dance and duel on HBO’s House of the Dragon and while real-life Komodo dragons can’t fly, they are formidable. Only about 3,000 of the endangered animals remain in the wild, all in Indonesia. Tourists can see them within Komodo National Park , usually on a day trip to either Komodo or Rinca island. When visiting Komodo dragons, you’ll want to follow park rangers’ instructions precisely and avoid any chance of being near the world’s largest lizards when they duel with each other (especially in mating season).

Komodo dragons in battle, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.

Visiting Komodo dragons means walking amongst a dozen or so of the largest lizards on earth. The Latin name of this monitor lizard, Varanus komodoensis , sounds as if they’re part of the Targaryen family’s brood. Though not as large as the Westerosi version, Komodo dragons can grow to 10 feet long and even reach 300 pounds. Their serrated teeth are right at the level of a human’s calf and their venom causes massive bleeding.

Komodo dragons are usually fairly lethargic—they tend to lie in a bit of a stupor while digesting—but they can easily beat you in a sprint if they choose. During mating season—primarily June and July—males wrestle for dominance and perform mating dances featuring vomiting, defecating, licking, biting and scratching. It might please the Komodo dragon ladies, but is best avoided by tourists.

Tip: In the unlikely event of a Komodo dragon chasing you, climb—high—in a tree or run in a zigzag pattern (though, just as with Rickon in the original Game of Thrones , it might not work against a skilled predator).

Bitcoin Price Suddenly Soars Over $60,000 After Trump Assassination Attempt Sends His Odds Of Victory To All-Time High

Why richard simmons rejected pauly shore’s idea for a biopic, ufc denver results: highlights, finishes and scorecards, visiting komodo dragons on rinca island.

The largest population of Komodo dragons lives on Rinca Island. It’s faster and easier to reach Rinca than Komodo Island from the the main island of Flores and ocean conditions are less affected by weather. A visit to Rinca provides an excellent chance of seeing several large males and many smaller but more active adolescent and female dragons.

Komodo dragons look slow and lazy, until they decide not to be.

The best way to see the prehistoric-looking carnivore-cannibals (yes, they’re both, just like some of the fictional flying ones) is via a day trip aboard one of the boats at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Resort . You’ll also likely stop for a snorkel at a starfish-strewn reef and at Pulau Kelor for a swim from the white sand beach or a hike. There’s a chance of seeing dolphins and other marine life on the way too.

When you first arrive on Rinca Island, you’ll dock beneath a massive sculpture of two Komodo dragons up on their hind legs in battle. After paying your national park entrance fee, you’ll walk on a curving boardwalk above the mangroves and sand to get to a treed area that’s popular with the dragons. On the way, you may see a dragon or two basking in the sun or seeking some shade. From up on the boardwalk, Komodo dragons don’t seem too intimidating (though Timor deer, monkeys, and other resident animals all keep a watchful eye out for them so they don’t become lunch).

Komodo dragon claws, Rinca Island, Indonesia.

You’ll next visit a small museum to learn more about the dragons and get up close to a few large skeletons with their massive claws and teeth. After a safety briefing, a national park ranger opens a gate to a partially-fenced enclosure and ushers you into an area with perhaps a dozen Komodo dragons hanging out.

Follow Guides’ Dragon Instructions Closely

Now, these dragons are used to tourists coming into their enclosure and the larger, male dragons are more likely to sit still than the smaller females and adolescents. However, you will want to follow park rangers’ instructions to the letter, including ensuring your group stays together.

The teeth of a resting Komodo dragon are at calf height

During our visit, our group of six inadvertently split into two clusters of three just as one of the smaller but quick dragons decided to cross the main path. Humans and dragon alike—perhaps most of all our park ranger—each had many seconds of alarm as the perturbed Komodo debated charging through each group. Trying to predict where she wanted to go by her movements, we humans did a little dance of stepping forward and backward in hopes of getting out of her way. The park ranger that escorts each group through the dragons carries a Y-shaped wooden stick that can be used to stop or pin down a dragon—but you need to be close enough for him to save you.

After you’re done admiring the dragons near the museum, you can hike up a hilltop for spectacular views over Rinca’s national park harbor. Still, don’t wander far from the park ranger. His eyes are much better than yours at spotting any dragons along the way—and be forewarned that there’s often a big one enjoying the shade under the pergoda on the hilltop.

Dragons are Dangerous

The only thing Komodo dragons can't digest are large skulls and horns. Rinca Island, Indonesia.

Human deaths and injuries by Komodo dragons are very rare, but not unknown. A dragon attacked and killed a boy on Komodo Island in 2007 and The Smithsonian reports the 2009 death of a man who supposedly fell from a sugar apple tree under which two Komodo dragons were waiting. In 2008, SCUBA divers were swept onto Rinca Island and faced two days of attacks by dragons while waiting for rescue. Also on Rinca in 2009, a Komodo dragon sneaked into the national park staff office and a park ranger received severe injuries to his arm and leg. In 2017, a tourist watching Komodo dragons without a park ranger got too close while they were eating and was severely bitten. In March 2024, two dueling dragons at a zoo in Ohio injured a worker.

Komodo dragons’ usual prey is deer, wild pigs, goats, and water buffalo, in addition to the occasional fellow Komodo dragon. Hungry Komodo dragons can eat 80 percent of their body weight in one sitting and they eat almost the entire animal—in the national park, you’ll see the evidence of dusty white piles of dragon poo bleached by the calcium of their prey’s bones. The skulls and horns of deer and water buffalo are the only things they can’t digest. Several of these bleached-white skulls decorate the dragon area behind the Rinca museum.

Where to Stay to See Komodo Dragons

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach from the water.

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach is the ideal—and dragony—resort for seeing Komodo dragons. The five-star beachfront hotel is on the coast of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, just a 10-minute drive from the airport (which is also decked out in dragon decor). Get there via a 90-minute flight from Bali.

AYANA Komodo has odes to the nearby Komodo dragons throughout the property. You’ll find artwork depicting the giant lizards throughout the resort, including in the open-air lobby lounge that welcomes with its bright white furniture and views out to the islands below. The hotel’s swooping wooden jetty—with its over-water Naga bar and plenty of places for lounging and jumping into the sea—even resembles the body and tail of a Komodo dragon from above.

AYANA Komodo's lobby.

All of AYANA Komodo’s 205 spacious rooms are oceanfront. The decor is in serene whites, creams and grays, with beachy artwork reminding you of your surroundings. The soothing rooms contrast with the vivid greens of the garden landscaping and the private island below your balcony and with the blues of the beachfront swimming pool and the sea beyond. Choose from seven dining locations, including HonZEN for Japanese, RINCA for international selections, and KISIK for beachfront seafood. The sunset views from UNIQUE Bar on the rooftop can’t be beat. The AYANA Lako Sae boat can take you out for a sunset dinner cruise.

AYANA Komodo guestroom.

Visit Komodo National Park and see the dragons via one of AYANA Komodo’s boats on a day trip. Or, for more extensive explorations of the Komodo archipelago, choose the seven-cabin luxury Phinisi yacht AYANA Lako di’a , a traditional two-masted, seven-sail yacht that’s significant to the Bugi and Makassar peoples.

Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Indonesia.

With a stay at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, there’s plenty to see and do beyond Komodo dragons. If the seas are calm enough, you can visit Pink Beach—one of only a handful of true pink beaches on the planet—or take a dip in turquoise Rangko Cave. An evening boat trip provides the opportunity to see thousands of fruit bats in flight from a nearby island. Or ask AYANA’s concierge to arrange a trip into town and learn about traditional tenun weaving from the Sumba community at the Rumah Tenun Baku Peduli weaving center.

Lounge on AYANA Komodo's jetty.

At the hotel, go for a snorkel off the jetty or help the in-house marine biologist with coral restoration. Kayak or stand-up paddleboard over the calm water. Take a quick cruise to the offshore private island. Practice yoga on the beach or the waterfront yoga deck. Admire the ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows from the gym, then take a steam sauna. Play in the kids’ pool and kids’ club. Wade into the sea from the beach. Watch the birds and boats during the day and gaze at the stars at night. Visit the spa for superb Balinese massages and other relaxing treatments. Or, be like a resting Komodo dragon and just hang out in the sun or in the shade under one of the umbrellas near the jetty bar or around AYANA Komodo Resort’s tiered swimming pool.

AYANA Komodo's pool.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• DTT RNAAT 86/2014

Nasza historia

<b>Dragon Tree Travel</b> powstało w 2014 roku z połączenia <b>pasji</b> z <b>pracą przewodnika</b> - my po prostu kochamy naszą wyspę i chcemy ją pokazywać klientom. Naszą pasją są podróże, przyroda, góry oraz dobre jedzenie. <b>Pokazujemy Maderę z perspektywy jej mieszkańców</b>, przemierzamy <b>stare malownicze drogi</b>, które jeszcze parę lat temu były jedynymi szlakami komunikacyjnymi.

Jeżdżąc <b>samochodami terenowymi</b>, docieramy w miejsca <b>niedostępne dla autokarów</b>, czy nawet samochodów osobowych, <b>z dala od tłumu turystów</b>. Przejeżdżamy przez lasy, góry i bezdroża, a <b>otwierane dachy</b> Land Roverów dają możliwość podziwiania <b>pięknych widoków</b> i doświadczania bliskiego kontaktu z naturą przez całą wycieczkę. Prowadzimy wyjazdy w <b>małych grupach</b>, dzięki czemu każdy uczestnik ma możliwość <b>odkrycia maderskich zakamarków</b> oraz <b>posmakowania lokalnych dań</b> i drinków w <b>przyjaznej atmosferze</b> i <b>bez pospiechu</b>.

Nasza zgrana ekipa

Julek - licencjonowany przewodnik po Maderze i właściciel DTT Polak mieszkający na wyspie od 2009 roku, a od 20 lat zajmujący się zawodowo turystyką. Interesuje się meteorologią, ornitologią, botaniką, nurkowaniem i fotografią.

Ania zajmuje się marketingiem, mediami społecznościowymi i sprzedażą, nieoficjalnie wszystkim

Ola Twój przewodnik podczas naszych ekscytujących wycieczek terenowych po Maderze, organizatorka eksploracji różnych wędrówek po wyspie. Masz pytania lub potrzebujesz więcej informacji? Ola jest osobą, od której możesz uzyskać wszelkie zapytania, niezależnie od tego, czy dotyczą szczegółów wycieczki, czy informacji ogólnych. Z sercem bijącym dla natury, duszą pragnącą wewnętrznego spokoju i pasją tworzenia znaczących relacji, Ola jest ucieleśnieniem naszego zaangażowania w dostarczanie niezapomnianych wrażeń w podróży po tej urzekającej wyspie!

Nasza flota

Nasza flota to 5 <b>Land Roverów Defender</b> oraz 1 <b>Land Rover Discovery</b>

Wszystkie samochody posiadają <b>panoramiczne dachy</b>, które otwieramy przy dobrej pogodzie. Land Rover to <b>legendarna marka samochodów terenowych</b>, która została stworzona do jazdy w <b>trudnych warunkach</b>. Samochody doskonale radzą sobie na krętych i stromych maderskich drogach.

W sekcji <b>Jak to działa</b> znajdziecie dokładny opis naszych samochodów.

My Subscriptions

Modi's Moscow Visit: 5 Takeaways For India-Russia Defence Ties

During pm modi's recent meeting with president putin in moscow, defence cooperation was emphasised, highlighting india's strategic autonomy and strengthening its military capabilities..

Top Headlines

Trending News

Photo Gallery

Trending Opinion

Personal Corner