Elista www.kalm.ru is the capital of Kalmykia.
Overview
The city was founded in 1865, and has a population of just over 100,000.
Getting There
By plane
Flights from Moscow are a few times a week on Rusline. There are more regular flights to Volgograd and Rostov, with transfer to Elista by bus or train respectively.
By train
The Moscow-Elista train route goes through Stavropol. However, the most convenient way is travel to Volgograd by train then on to Elista by express minivan, which are relatively cheap.
By bus
Several private companies operate a daily bus service between Moscow and Elista. The pickup point in Moscow is Luzhniki Stadium. A one-way ticket costs about 1350RUR.
Getting Around
Mini-buses ply routes around the city.
Sights
- The Golden Temple - a large, modern Buddhist monastery
- The Museum of Kalmyk Buddhist Art - recommended
- The Museum of Local Lore
- The Museum of Buddhist History
- The Gallery of Fine Arts
- The Kazansky Cathedral
Activities
- Drama Theater
- Puppet Theater
- Play Chess
Money & Shopping
- Kalmyk puzzle nyarn shandzh (нярн шандж)
Eating
- Uralan (Уралан)
- Khan's Hunt (Ханская Охота)
- Restaurant Concord (Конкорд)
- Cafe Kalmyk Cuisine (Калмыцкая Кухня)
Splurge
- Restaurant White Lotus (Белый Лотос)
Drinking
You can drink Kalmyk tea
Hotels & Accommodation
Budget
- Hotel Elista, 1 Gorodovikova ul. Tel:+7 84722 62316
Mid range
- Hotel City Chess, Uralan district. Tel:+7 84722 58405
- White Lotus Hotel, Khoninova Str., 7
Nearby Destinations
- Khurul Monastery - about 6 km from the city.
