Imereti is a beatutiful historical region of Western Georgia. It seems as if everything here was created to please one′s eyes and soul. To the west it is bordered by Samegrelo and Guria, to the north by Svaneti and Racha-Lechkhumi and to the east by Shida Kartli. The geographical location, climatic environment (Imereti is located in humid subtropical region), abundance of historical and natural landmarks as well as rich tradition define the region′s uniqueness.
Imereti is adream come true with its colors and vivacity, its misty mountains and fabulous landscapes that look like they were painted by a magic brush, with its Ubisi, settled comfortably under the mountains and Modinakhe, hanging up in the sky; with its majestic and academic Gelati Monastery and amazing Katskhi Pillar, its salty-rusty Sairme waters and forests where deers run freely, its mystic caves, where one has an impression of going down to the center of the earth..
What you could not find anywhere else, try to find it here and… a little coral flower called Sapovnela will help you. `roads are running up and down` as the saying goes, and if you are stuborn enough, you will find some fabulous places and feel the breeze of Imereti on your face. Buy don’t be surprised if suddenly, in the midst of all that disorderly beauty, you meet Ocho-Kochi sitting by the fire. Imereti is a fairy tale.
Imereti Is a geographical and historical region today, but in broader sense the name is used to refer to the entirety of Western Georgia, just like in the case of Colchis, Egrisi or Apkhazeti (Abkhazia). Today, this region is divided into two parts – Higher and Lower Imereti. To the east it is bordered by Likhi range, to the west by Tskhenistskali River, to the nort by Caucasus Mountains and by Persati Range (also known as Meskheti Range) to the south. Imereti stends for `the land beyond (the Likhi Range)` in Georgian.
Starting with the antique period, this territory has always plaed an important role. A significant international trade route called Transcaucasian Old Trade and Transit route, or just Great Silk Route, passed thtough here, connecting Western countries with the East. After the fall of Colchis, the Kingdom of Egrisi became the place of Greak-Persian confrontation. In the beginning of the 8th century, A rab warlord Marwan II destroyed the capital of Egrisi, Tsikhe-Goji (todays Nokalakevi) and sacked Kutaisi as well. David and Constantine Mkheidze, dukes of Aragveti, were killed in the battle. The second part of the 8th century saw the Prince of Abkhazia Leon II rebel against the were Byzantine emperor and declare himself the king. Thus, Egrisi and Abkhazia were united. The new kingdom, which covered the whole of the western Georgia, was given a new name – the kingdom of the Abkhaz, and the capital was set up in Kutaisi.
In 1008, Kutaisi witnessed the coronation of the unified Georgias first king, Bagrat III (960-1014) AND IN 1089 that of the greatest Georgian king, David IV the Builder. Up to 1122 the residence of Georgian kings was in Kutaisi.
The rich historical past of Kutaisi is an important part of Georgian cultural heritage. The region in full of significant historical monuments. Actually, it Is safe to say that due to these monuments, Georgian culture is known throughout the world. Among the most important sites
are: the walled town of Kutaisi, Bagrati Church, Gelati Monastery, Geguti Fortress, Motsameta Monastery, Shorapani Fortress, the ancient town of Vani, Nunisi St. Mary Church, Vakhani Fortress and many others.
Apart from the historical heritage, Imereti stands out with its flora and fauna. The forests ocuppy more than 600 000 acres of its rather mountainous territory. There are deciduous and coniferous forests as well as mixed ones, while fauna is represented by animals typical of the Caucasus region: bears, boars, deers, roes, foxes, wolves and jackals. Ecologically clean and untouched nature is still preserved, particularly in the mountainous zones.
Today, the administrative territory of Imereti is divided into 12 municipalities: Kutaisi, Chiatura, Tkibuli, Tskaltubo, Bagdadi, Vani, Zestafoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Sachkhere, Kharagauli and Khoni. Each of them stands for its history and natural resources, cultural heritage and characteristic Imeretian zest.
Okatse
Location: Khoni municipality, surroundings of the village of Gordi, 520 m above sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 277 km, from Khoni – 12km, from Kutaisi -42 km.
In the land of Imereti, within several kilometers from each other, are situated one of the tallest Karchkhi waterfalls in Georgia and the deepest Okatse kanyon. In the area surrounding the village of Zeda Gordi it sires 16-km-long canyon with the depth of 35-50 meters and width – mean 4 meters. In the environs of the village of Zemo Gordi the river gives birth to a wonderful natural monument – 2 km –long canyon, on the bottom of which natural bridges, caves and karst sources are placed.
Tskaltubo caves
Location: Tskaltubo municipality
Access road: distance from Tbilisi to the village of Kumistavi 245 km, from Tskaltubo – 7 km, from Kutaisi – 30 km.
Caves of Tskaltubo are part of the preserved territories of the Imereti province. Administrative office is stationed in the Sataplia reserve territory.
Territory of Sataplia reserve is the only place in the world where have been discovered up to 200 footprints of herbivorous and predator dinosaurs.
Total length of the cluster of caves in Sataplia amounts to 900 meters, depth – 10 meters, width – 12 meters. Its area is 330 ha. Reserve includes geological, paleontological, speleological, zoological and botanical benchmarks. 95 % of the territory is covered by Kolkhety-type of forest.
Infrastructure of the Sataplia Reserve includes the following: visitor center, conservation structure of dinosaurs footsteps, exhibition hall, glass panoramic observation spot, cafes, visitor-adjusted cave and marked walking paths.
Tsutskhvati cluster of caves
Location: Tkibuli municipality, to the south of the village of Tsutskhvati, hillock of Okriba-Argveti, 250-400 meters above sea level.
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 255 km, from Tkibuli – 30 km, from Kutaisi – 25 km.
Among the Tsutskhvati caves the tallest cave is on 60-70 meters above sea level.
Tsutskhvati cave under the cluster of caves with the height of 20-25 meters and width of 10-12 meters. The river Shabatagele continues its flow under the name of Chishura and joins river Kvirila near the village of Ajameti. The village has pine-tree grove and a spring of mineral water. Local population mentions this cluster cave system under the name of `Magara`.
Tskaltsitela gorge
Location: Tkibuli and Terjola municipalities; 130-200 meters above sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 230 km, from Kutaisi – 10 km.
River Tskaltsitela (Red Water) starts on the elevation of 1080 meters above sea level, on the slopes of mount Nakerala of the Racha range. In route, it flows across Tkibuli and Terjola municipality territories, from the east, it borders the city of Kutaisi. It was named after the Khresili war.
Natural monument of Tskaltsitela Gorge is canyon-type gorge standing out for its special breathtaking beauty covered by forest typical for Kolkheti.
Natural monument of Jiason′s cave lies in Kutaisi, in the utmost southern part of Tskaltsitela canyon, near the bridge of te village of Godogni, on the right bank of the river, on 135 meters above sea level.
Natural monument of Sakazhia cave is situated in Terjola municipality, on the outskirts of the village of Godogani. The cave outstanding for its archeological, paleo-botanical and paleo-zoological discoveries is located on 2014 meters above sea level.
Natural monument of Nagarevi cave is located in 15 km from the gorge of Tskaltsitela.
Mukhura waterfall
Location: Tkibuli municipality, environs of the village of Mukhuri, not far from the motor way Tkibuli-Mukhuri; 886 meters above sea level
Access road: the nearest relatively populated locality to the natural monument is the town of Tkibuli. Distance from Tbilisi – 244 km, from Kutaisi – 77 km, from Tkibuli to the natural monument of Mukhuri Waterfall is 8,5.
The Mukhuri 60-70 meter tall, three-step waterfall flows from the cave which lies on the slope of the eastern exposition. There is one small and one big lake in the cave. The banks of the of the waterfall are covered with mixed deciduous forest.
In nearly 1 km from the Mukhuri waterfall is located the village of Mukhura the center of which is situated on the height of 640 meters above sea level. There are also mineral water springs in the village.
Sairme pillar
Location: Baghdadi municipality, northern slope of Meskheti range, gorge of river Tsablistskali, 8000 meters above sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 240 km, from Bagdadi – 20 km, from Kutaisi – 40 km.
Balneological resort of Sairme, rich with curing mineral water springs, is surrounded by coniferous and deciduous forests sprawling to many hectares where there are numerous species of pines, fir, beech, lime and chestnut centennial trees.
In 3 km from the resort Sairme, is standing a rocky pillar of 30 meters consisting of the solid foundation, 5 boulders lying like tier after tier, and six wider one, on the top.. on this last boulder grows a fir-tree. There is natural monument is called Sairme Pillar. The size of a foundation is 12×10 m, height – 20 m, boulder thickness – 1-3 m. from South-East it is connected with the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
Kvasakdara pillar
Location: Baghdadi municipality, Northern slope of Meskheti mountain range, water divide of river Sairmisgeli and Kershaveti, near motor way Sairme-Abastumani, 2205 meters above sea level.
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 265 km, from Baghdadi – 45 km, from resort Sairme – 25 km, from Kutaisi – 65 km.
To the South-East from resort Sairme, in the basin of river Tsablara, on the elevation of 2205 meters above sea level, in the upper area of the locality `Tsitelmindori`, are lying a number of stone poles named by the locals `Kvasakdar`. The tourist site occupies the middle segment of the motor way Bahgdadi-Sairme-Abastumani-Akhaltsikhe. The gorge has interesting tourist attractiveness. There are ruins of historical monuments here.
Nunisi gorge
Location: Kharagauli municipality, northern slope of Meskheti range; 900 m above sea level
Access road: distance from Kharagauli – 35 km, from the nearest railway station Moliti – 15 km, from Tbilisi – 150 km, from Kutaisi – 95 km.
In the gorge of river Nunisi, waterfall is within territory of Borjomi-Haragauli National Park. In 1 km from the waterfall starts marching route –path of a pristine grove – the shortest trail crossing National Park. Duration of the route is 6 hours and overall it means coverage of 12-13 km.
The gorge of Nunisistskali is outstanding for its mineral (balneological) waters treatment qualities. At the 750 meters above sea level situated famous balneological resort of Samta Nunisi. Nunisi water before was used by the population for curing skin disease mange. That is why the village was called Munisi. David Agmashenebeli liked the village and directed ti build a church there.
The church bears the name of Mother Mary. Within the distance of 2 km from the church, in the depth of the forest, lies a place called `Monks Cliff`. This complex consists of three caves distinctive in the cliff.
Katskhi pillar
Location: Chiatura municipality, gorge of river Katskhura, the village of Katskhi. River Katskhura gorge, the village of Katskhi, 585 meters above sea level.
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 190 km, from Chiatura – 10 km, from Kutaisi – 65 km.
Amongst the villages of Upper Imereti, village of Katskhi is one of the oldest and most beautiful with rich and interesting history. The term `Katskhi` from the Svan means `peak`. This is proved also by geographic location of the village.
On the territory of Katskhi is standing natural limestone pillar – rocky mass. The pillar is approximately 40-45 meters high, while the space of its square top surface is nearly 150 sq. m. the Pillar stands upright.. there is a church of modest size.
Near the Katskhi Pillar, in the basin of river Katskhura, there are several karst caves: Katskhi I, Katskhi II, Chalisklde and Korbouliklde caves. On this territory there is a Chalisklde well, too.
Kvakuntia of Khreiti
Location: Chiatura municipality, village of Khreiti, southern slope of Racha mountain range, outset of river Buji, 1280 meters above sea level
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 200 km, from Chiatura – 22km, from Kutaisi – 92 km
Village of Khreiti being one of the highest in terms of hypsometry settlements in Chiatura, borders Racha.
On the territory of the village, in 6 km from its center, is a special natural beauty – swinging boulder called by the locals `Kvakuntia `. The weight of the boulder is approximately 7-8 tons and its size is 1,5×1,3 m.
Dzudzuana cave
Location: River Kvirila gorge, Chiatura municipality, village of Mgvimevi
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 180 km, from Chiatura – 5 km, from Kutaisi – 76 km.
Dzudzuana cave which is located in 2 km from the village of Mgvimevi to the east, in the gorge of river Nekrisi, is well known in the worlds scientic circles.
Lake Devi
Location: Sachkhere municipality, to the north-west from the village of Mokhvi, on the southern slope of Racha range, on the territory of a forest, 1370 meters above sea level.
Access road: distance from Tbilisi – 194 km, from Sachkhere – 20 km, from Kutaisi – 100 km.
Lake Devi is one of the important karst lakes in Georgia. It shore length runs up to nearly 550 meters, width – 80 meters, the deepest point – 10, 7 meters.
Walking tourist route leading to the lake starts to the North from the village of Mokhvi, on the elevation of 1050 meters above sea level. From April until August the cavity of the lake is filled with water, and from September the level of water in the lake goes down by approximately 1,5-2 meters, and entrance to the cave of the lake is easy.
Imereti Caves
There are numerous karst caves on the territory of Imerteti. In order to protect them and preserve natural environment, in 2007 Imereti Cave Preserve Territory was set up. It includes one preserve, one managed nature reserve and 18 natural monuments, including: Sataplia reserve 330 (ha), Tetra Mgvime, Prometheus, Khomli, Gliana, Satsurblia, Solkota, didgele, Melouri and Bgeri natural monuments of caves; Navenakhevi, Nagarevi, Iazon and Sakhashia natural monuments of caves; natural monuments of Tskaltsitela gorge; natural monument of Tsutskhvati cave.
Prometheus cave (Tskhaltubo district, village of Kumistavi) was discovered on June 15, 1984, by expedition of speleologists from Tbilisi Vakhushti Bagrationi institute of Geofgraphy. In 17 halls of the cave there ara a lot of Beautiful cold lapped shapes of stalactities and stalagmites, helictites, pisolites, `waterfalls in stone`, `stone curtains`. There are a 1050-meter-long track in the cave. However, it is supposed that owerall length of the cave exceeds 20 000 m. climate of the cave is wholesome for people suffering from asthma.
`Sataplia` cave was discovered by the curator of Kutaisi museum, Petre Chabukiani, in 1925. Gigantic dinosaurs stationed in the managed national reserve of Sataplia around the cave millions of years ago. Sataplia was the first karst cave in Georgia where tourist infrastructure was arranged.
Tsqaltybo cave, nicknamed `Tetra`, is a karst cave in the environs of the village of Khomuli. High background of aerial ionization and natural radioactivity, ideal purity of air, existence of pathologenic microbes and allergens, stability of basic meteorologicakl elements (air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure) create faroble conditions for treatment of chronic asthma and cardiovascular system diseases. Environment of the cave is also good for treatment of hypertensive, chronic pneumonia and neurosis diseases.
General length of the 4-hall karst cave in Terjola municipality, on the territory of the village of Navenakhevi, is 210 m, maximum height – 18 m, there are 120 stalagmites in the cave that exceed stalagmites available in caves of Sataplia and Akhali Atoni.
Resort area of Gordi
Location: Askhi mountain range, gorge of river Okatse, 20 km from Khoni
Distance: 13 km from from Khoni, 38 km from from Kutaisi, 273 km from Tbilisi
Sea level:800 m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: subtropical, winter mild, summe warm, moderately humid, mean annual temperature 14 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation:1790 mm
Average comparative annual humidity:85%
Duration of annual sunny light:2000-2100 h.
Natural treatment factors: climate of lowland mountains
Types of therapy: climate therapy, walking.
Diseases for treatment: cardiovascular and nervous system.
Thanks to sound climate and wonderful scenery, in the last century Gordi was enlisted in the catalogue of Georgia′s resorts.
Khoni municipality is bordered by Lechkhumi (Tsageri) in North-West and Samegrelo (Martvili). This is exactly the line where one of the largest mountain summit massifs called Askhi (400km2) lies within the zone of limestone of Kavkasioni mountains. The height of its peak, Gadrekili, is 2520 m. there are more than eighty karst cavities with the area of more than 24 thousand sq. m. there are 42 caves, many brooks, rivers and lakes underground. Some caves are natural refrigerators, at the bottom of some of them flow torrents of underground waters forming the most beautiful waterfalls at the outlet. Caves are connected with each other by complex system of tunnels which have length of roughly more than 15 km. Stations of Stone Age humans, various tools and remnants of ancient animals were discovered in some karst caves of the range. In later periods natural a men-made caves played the role of shelters and fortresses. At present the range of Askhi is the tourist destination both for Imereti and Samegrelo provinces.
Resort of Zekari
Location: Northern slope of Meskheti mountain range, gorge of the river Khanistskali
Distance: 25 km from Bagdadi, 55 km from Kutaisi, 255 km from Tbilisi
Sea level:750-780m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: humid, subtropical, winter mild, nearly without snow, mean temperature in January 10 degree centigrade; summer warm, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 21 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation:1800-1900 mm
Average comparative annual humidity:77%
Duration of annual sunny light:1300-1400h.
Natural treatment factors: climate of low mountain and slightly sulpuric-hidro-carbonate-cloride, sodium mineral waters with general mineralization of 1,5 g/dm3
Types of therapy: mineral water baths, inhalation and passive climate therapy.
Diseases for treatment: chronic arthritis, nephritis, neuralgia, radiculitis and functional diseases of nervous system, rheumatism.
Baghdadi municipality is located in the South of Imereti, in the gorge of river Khanistskali. This territory is predominantly mountainous and is covered with forests of oak, walnut, chesnut, fir, ash and other precious species of trees. From the South Baghdadi is accompanied by the (Adjara-Imereti) slope of a range of Lesser Kavkasioni mountaionous across which is running a road on the Zekari pass linking the area with Samtskhe-Javakheti, namely, Adigheni. This road was used from the times immemorial for caravan traffic. Not far from the pass is the outlet of river Kershaveti where in the gorge is located a spa resort of Zekari. Sulpuric thermal waters here are used primarily for curing rheumatic diseases. The resort has germane infrastructure: solid building, cottages and a dining room.
Baghdadi is wine-producing area. From grapes varieties of Imereti Krakhuna of Sviri, Tsolikauri of Obchuri and Tsitska of Kvaliti are well-known. Krakhuna is one of the noted Georgian varieties of grapes used in production of white wine. Irrespective of the fact that Krakhuna is distributed in Racha, Lechkhumi, Guria and Samegrelo, this variety displays the best of qualities in Imereti. The grapes of Krakhuna variety a s arule is used for production of table wine of Imeretian and classical Europian type.
A distinguished entrepreneur, Alexandr Ananov, lived in Baghdadi village of Vartsikhe, in the second half of XIX century, 20 hectares of his estate were used for cultivation of grapes. Ananov built a factory in Vartsikhe managed by specialists invited from France. Other than his own grapes, the entrepreneur processed at his factory also grapes, the bought from his neighbor peasants vineyards and prodused 200-300 lt. of wine, 30-40 thousand bottles of champagne and 60 thosand bottles of brandy.
Nowadays a juvenile camp is located in the estate of Ananov, while various types of products from Imereti grapes are prodused at Vartsikhe factory.
Resort of Zvare
Location:frontline of the Likhi (Surami) range
Distance: 25 km from Kharagauli, 805 km from Kutaisi, 205 km from Tbilisi
Sea level: 750-800 m
Landscape:mountaionous
Climate: subtropical, winter mild, nearly without snow, mean temperature in Jenuary 0,3 degrees centigrade, summer warm, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 21 degrees centigrade
Average annual prescipitation:1150-1200mm
Average comperative annual humidity:73%
Duration of annual sunny light:2200-2300 h.
Natural treatment factors: subtropical climate of low mountains, and nitrogen, methane, sulfide, silicon, chloride-hydro-carbonate, sodium mineral waters with general mineralization 0,2-0,4 g/dm3
Types of therapy: mineral water baths, passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: gall bladder and digestion system diseases (chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, stomach, chronic hepatitis and cholecystitis.
Municipality of Kharagauli is situated in the ultimate Eastern part of Imereti. Its mountainous territory hypsometrically lies on the height of 285-2642 m. historically Kharagauli was part of Argveti Saeristavo and ancient transit Great Silk Road. On the territory of dydays Kharagauli was discovered a place where caravans took a recess on rote to their destinations. During rest time big amounts of victuals were collected in the gorge. Sobriquet of `khoragauli` comes from this word which later changed its form and became Kharagauli`.
Since 1872 Kharagauli became one of the stations on Poti-Tbilisi railway line. In the course of railway track construction works a lot of structures were built. Among them was railway tunnel Tsipi and a bridge across river Zvarula.
24 km away from Kharagauli, on the border of villages of Zvare and Chrdili, is located climatic and spa resort of Zvare. Discovery of muineral water is linked with an animal. Residents also got interested and in the 30-ies of the XX century research works were conducted which proved that Zvare water had medicinal properties. In 1980, at the Olimpic Games held in Moskow, it was given status of an official drink for the sportsmen.
Resort of Nunisi
Location:frontline of the Likhi (Surami) range
Distance: 30 km from Kharagauli, 85 km from Kutaisi, 210 km from Tbilisi
Sea level: mountaionous
Climate: subtropical, winter mild, nearly without snow, mean temperature in Jenuary 0,3 degrees centigrade, summer warm, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 21 degrees centigrade
Average comperative annual humidity:73%
Average annual prescipitation:1150-1200mm
Duration of annual sunny light:2200-2300 H.
Natural treatment factors:subtropical climate of low mountains,, and nitrogen, methane, sulfide, silicon, chloride-hydro-carbonate, sodium mineral waters with general mineralization 0,2-0,4 g/dm3
Types of therapy: mineral water baths, passive climate therapy
Diseases for treatment: psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema, neuralgia, neuritis, radiculitis and others.
On the territory of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, in the gorge of river Nunisistskali, is situated climatic spa resort of Nunusi, 27 km away from Kharagauli. The name of the village is connected with therapeutic water curing skin disease of itching.
Unique microclimate of Nunisi is shaped up by mingied, deciduous and coniferous forest. Natural treatment factors – climate and highly moisturized water – are especially good for those who suffer from skin and nervous disorders. Water deeply penetrates tissues and facilitates dissolution of affected layers of skin.
According to the popular hearsay, applicationof Nunisi water for therapeutic purposes was started many times ago, back in the first half of IX century. When people noticed that domestic animals with the help of mineral water were cured from itching, thwy tried to use it themselves and were successful. Step by step curing qualities of Nunisi water became known in the whole country of Georgia and hamlet of Nunisi and Nunisi water were mentioned by Vakhushti Batonishvili as very pleasing and useful.
There is also a legend about discovery of Nunisi water linked with great Georgian king, David Agmashenebeli (the builder). As the rumor goes, David was returning from battle. Horses were tried after marching and their skin was stripped off and covered with ulcers. When they plunged into Nunisi waters their skin was healed. The king was happy and he made donation to the local church of the village. Even today the Church of St. Mary dating to IX-X cc. in Nunisi is operating.
Resort of Sairme
Location: northen slope of Meskheti mountain range, gorge of the river Tsablistskali
Distance: 25 km from Bagdadi, 55 km from Tbilisi
Sea level:1100m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: forest zone middle mountain subtropical belt climate, winter moderately cold, with little snow, mean temperature in January 3 degree centigrade; summer moderately warm, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 17,8 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation:1000-1100 mm
Average comparative annual humidity:80%
Duration of annual sunny light:1273-1459h.
Natural treatment factors: climate of midlle mountain belt; carbonate silicon, boric, ferrous mineral waters with general mineralization of 3,7-9,9 g/dm3, and carbonate hydro-carbon, calcium-magnezium, boric, ferrous mineral waters with general mineralization of 1,4-3,3g/dm3
Types of therapy: mineral water baths, inhalation and application (drinking), passive climate therapy.
Diseases for treatment: diseases gynecological and urological profile, diseases of kidneys, alimentary tract and liver, chronic and inflammatory disease of liver and bile tract of different etiology, hepatitis, cholecystitis, diseases of metabolism.
Balneological resort of Sairme, rich with curing mineral water springs, is surrounded by coniferous and deciduous forests sprawling to many hectares where there are numerous species of pines, fir, beech, lime and chestnut centennial trees.
As the legend wide-spread among the people circulates Sairme Springs were discovered by hunters chasing wounded deer. In the place where deer herds often gathered, spring water was flowing on the stones red with rust while around the place everything was white with salt. Within the distance of approximately 5 km. from deer spring, sheperds noticed one more unusual place were grass was always green, snow melted very fast while ground after rain quickly dried. The reason for this miracle was thermal, nitrogen-methane, slightly sulpuric mineral water that geologists discovered in 1920-ies and called the venue Udabno.
First written data on Sairme can be found in the historical sources of 90-ies in the XIX century while the first scientific attempt to review all the materials belongs to doctor Kelenjeradze. Back in 1912 while still a student, Kelenjeradze carried specimens taken in Sairme to St. Petersburg for research. It turned out that this water by its curing effect was not inferior to then already well-known other mineral waters. In 30-ies of the XX century Sairme was officially assigned the status of a resort. Health centers were constructed and resort infrastructure put in order, automobile road made which linked the resort with Baghdadi. In this period (1945) started bottling of Sairme water in the factory.
Resort of Samtredia
Location: Imereti lowlands, between rivers Rioni and Tskhenistskali
Distance: 30 km from Kutaisi, 250 km from Tbilisi
Sea level:25 m
Landscape: plain, lowland
Climate: sea humid subtropical, winter mild, without snow, mean temperature in January 4,3 degree centigrade; summer hot, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 23 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation:1530 mm
Average comparative annual humidity:85%
Duration of annual sunny light:2000-2100 h.
Natural treatment factors: hyper thermal, sulpuric-cloride-sodium-calcium mineral waters with general mineralization of 2,5 -3 g/dm3
Types of therapy: mineral water baths.
Diseases for treatment: musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular peripheral nervous system, skin and gynecolological profile diseases.
The town of Samtredia was developed to the west of Kutaisi, on the right bank of river Rioni. Due to convenient geographic location it became too largest transit hub in Western Georgia and one of the most important joints in the Europe-Asia transit passageway. Transit torrent starting in the east of the nation is divided here and proceeds in the direction of Poti, Zugdidi, Batumi or Sukhumi. The origin of the town is linked to the construction of the first railway backbone in Georgia.
The spring of Samtredia hyper-thermal mineral water was accidentally discovered by geologists who had expected to find here oil deposits. During drilling works from the depts. Of 1450 meters, thermal sulpuric water gushed out. Waters were studied and it was decided that a resort should be built here. Today the resort operates with smaller capacity.
Hyper-thermal waters everywhere in the world belong to fuel and energy resources. In Georgia Hyper-thermal waters except Samtredia, are also available in Abkhazia, Samegrelo, Tbilisi and are used primarily in balneology and in a restricted amount.
Resort of Sulori
Location: South-Eastern part of the Kolkheti lowland
Distance: 30 km from Kutaisi, 250 km from Tbilisi
Sea level:180-200m
Landscape: mountainous
Climate: humid, subtropical, winter mild, without snow, mean temperature in January 5 degree centigrade; summer very hot, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 23 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation:1350 mm
Average comparative annual humidity:74%
Duration of annual sunny light:2000-2100h.
Natural treatment factors: nitrogen, sulfide, silicon, sulfado-hydro-carbonate sodium mineral waters with general mineralization of 0,3-0,6 g/dm3, and carbonate hydro-carbon, calcium-magnezium, boric, ferrous mineral waters with general mineralization of 1,4-3,3g/dm3
Types of therapy: mineral water baths.
Diseases for treatment: musculoskeletal system, pheriperial nervous system, cardiovascular, skin and gynecological profile diseases, diseases of metabolism.
Spa resort of Sulori is located in the Vani municipality, 11 km away from the center, on the banks of river Sulori. This small rivr of 15 km has only two tributaries wherefrom comes its name – `Sul Ori` (only two in Georgian). The resort has the same name as the river.
The legend of Sulori mineral waters discovery came to us by means of a popular hearsay. It turns out that in wintertime when the surroundings here are covered with snow some hunters noticed vapor in a distance from the bank of the river. When they came closer they saw that at the toe of the rock, brook of warm water was flowing out. In spring they took to this place incapacitated young man and put him into the warm water. After several baths sick man could stand on his feet. The story of a miraculous healing engulfed the whole village.
In Soviet times Sulori was considered the resort of local importance that hosted hundreds of holiday makers each season. Even today healthcare hotel here is still under operation.
Near the venue of confluence of river Sulori with river Roini is located one of the most important monuments of ancient epoch – remnants of Vani settlement. In VIII-I centuries BC the town of Vani had close commercial and economic and cultural ties with the Greek world. On the first stage of existence Vani was the center and residence of the ruling circle of the Colchis kingdoms administrative entity. In the second stage (III-I cc. BC) it was a large temple center. As a result of archeological excavations religious and domestic structures, wall of the temple, round temple, seven-step altar, cult figurines, local and Greek ceramics, rich burials with unique specimens of goldsmith works were unearthed. Namely: diadems, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, heraldic images and cups;
Nowadays on the territory of ancient settlement ruins Vani Archeological Museum-Preserve is located. The territory includes approximately 8,5 hectares of land.
Resort of Tsqaltubo
Location: banks of river Tsqaltubo
Distance: 15 km from Kutaisi
Sea level:95-120m
Landscape: plain
Climate: subtropical, winter soft, without snow, mean temperature in January 5,3 degree centigrade; summer very warm, moderately humid, mean temperature in August 23,8 degrees centigrade
Average annual precipitation:1700-1800 mm
Average comparative annual humidity:73%
Duration of annual sunny light:2000-2050h.
Natural treatment factors: slightly radioactive, radon, nitrogen, chloride-hydro-carbonate-sulphuric, sodium-calcium-magnezium mineral waters with general mineralization of 0,7-0,9 g/dm2, temperature 35-37 degrees centigrade, karst caves. Water discharge;20 mil. 1/day
Types of therapy: mineral water baths, inhalation and speleotherapy.
Diseases for treatment: musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and gynecological diseases and endocrine system pathologies, etc.
One of the Georgia′s most popular spa – resorts – Tsqaltubo – is located in the central part of Western Georgia, 15 km away from Kutaisi. Active recreational season here coincides with summer period. However, natural therapeutic factors enable holiday makers to enjoy relevant services all around the year.
The spa resort′s thermal-radon mineral springs have unique therapeutic properties – they cure up to sixty diseases. Mild, transparent odorless water is naturally warm (33-35 degrees), therefore its usage is possible without preliminary heating. Treatment here is conducted in complexity: patients, as needed are prescribed mineral water baths, treatment work-outs, classical curing and underwater (hidro) massage, physiotherapy, electric therapy and other procedures. Tsqaltubo water is also beneficial for children suffering from rheumatism, poliomyelitis, cerebral paralysis.
Tsqaltubo as a venue for therapy was known back in XII –XIII centuries. In the 1245-1250 Deed of Gelati Monastery it was mentioned as `Bathouse located near Maglaki`. First information in European media on Tsqaltubo was published in 1782 in the digest of the works of Natural Science Society. Starting from the XIX century materials about miraculous mineral waters are intensively published in the media on Tsqaltubo is compared with famous Europian spa resorts of Wildbad (Germany) and Toeplitz (Czech Republic). In 1920 it became a state property and was officially awarded the status of a spa resort.
In course of the years many famous individuals spent time here. Among them are Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser (July, 1968); Soviet Leader, Joseph Stalin, had a personal room in Tsqaltubo, which he visited in 1931 and 1951.
Imeretian cuisine is famous for its fresh cheese and Khachapuri and Mchadi are prepared on Ketsi (a clay frying pan) in Imeretian cuisine they widely use greens and poultry. Greens are seasoned with walnuts and vinegar; grilled chicken are seasoned with garlic sauce. Delicious dish – Kuchmachi is made of poultry guts seasoned with spices and pomegranate seeds. Mashed beans is a traditional dish in Imereti. It is often seasoned with walnuts and Kvatsarakhi (promegranate sauce). Dishes made of from mushrooms is also popular here.