Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Ararat, Armenia

Ararat town is the capital of an Armenian province of the same name. The town, as well as the province, derive their name from the biblically significant mountain, Mount Ararat, which is located in Turkey. It is said in the Bible that Mount Ararat was the first sign of land to be seen after the flood. This story from the Book of Genesis is the source of great reverence for the mountain and regions around it, including Ararat.

There are not many places to visit in Ararat are few and located at quite a distance from one another. As a tourist attraction, it is quite bleak. The most popular attraction associated with the town is not even in the town. The Khor Virab or Khor Virap Monastery is located about 17 km away from Ararat in the town of Poor Vedi. It is one of the most popular things to see in Ararat province as well. The monastery is located very close to the border of Turkey. It is a very important pilgrimage among all places to visit in Ararat. This church is where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was said to be imprisoned by King Tiridates the third. This church is an Ararat attraction not only from tourists but for pilgrimage travellers as well.

Besides the monastery, there are two house museums among places to visit in Ararat. First is the house-museum of the revolutionary national leader Vazgen Sargsyan, located in the leader’s hometown of Ararat itself. The museum features artefacts from the life of Vazgen Sargsyan and the history of his struggles. The second house museum is dedicated to the famous Armenian poet Paruyr Sevak located in his home-town of Zangakatun. You will have to travel south from Ararat to reach there. The museum exhibits various artefacts belonging to the writer telling the story of his life and his work. You can also consider visiting Paruyr Sevak House Museum on Ararat travel as it is fairly close to Hell’s Canyon.

Hell’s Canyon is a popular place to visit for hiking, trekking, camping, and nature explorations among things to do in Ararat. There are a few hiking trails you can explore in the canyon for sightseeing of nature. Another popular nature destination closer to Ararat town is the Urts Ridge. The Ridge is a sequence of mountains and valleys. You can enjoy exploratory and adventurous things to do in Ararat here as well. The same is true for Goravan Sands State Sanctuary and the Salt Marshes near the town of Ararat.

Things to do in Ararat, Armenia

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Ararat, Armenia

1. Paruyr Sevak House Museum
2. Vazgen Sargsyan House-Museum
3. Khor Virap Monastery

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Ararat, Armenia

1. Salt Marsh
2. Goravan Sands State Sanctuary
3. Hell Canyon
4. Urts Ridge

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Ararat, Armenia

1. Ararat City Park

Shopping in Ararat, Armenia

1. G. Njdeh Street

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to do in Ararat, Armenia

1. Hell Canyon Hiking Trail

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Ararat, Armenia

1. Lunchi.am
2. Arminashogh
3. Fairy Tea House

How to Reach Ararat, Armenia?

By Air

The nearest airport you can use for Ararat travel is the Zvartnots International Airport located in the national capital city of Yerevan. Yerevan is not very far from the town, so you won’t have to travel much to reach the places to visit in Ararat. You can also get public and private transport options from the capital city of Yerevan to reach Ararat tourist attractions.

By Road

The fastest route for Ararat travel by road is Armenia’s railway network. You can easily get a train to Ararat Railway Station from all major cities in Armenia. You might have to get connecting trains from some cities for things to do in Ararat. Your second option is to travel by bus to enjoy things to see in Ararat by road. There are public and private buses which run between the capital city of Yerevan and Ararat town. You can also connect to other towns in Ararat province like Artashat, Masis, and Vedi. The bus is also a reliable option to visit Ararat attractions outside the town.

The most convenient option is, of course, hired a car with a driver or a rented car to drive yourself for Ararat sightseeing. The town lies on Route H8, which runs across the north-west south-east axis of the town. It is the most direct route you can take to visit Ararat and other tourist attractions on the way and beyond.

By Water

Armenia itself is a land-locked country and the same is true for towns and cities of the nation. You won’t get any means of transport by water for Ararat travel. If by some miracle you do figure out a water route to enjoy sightseeing of this town, do let us know.