Makhuntseti waterfall and arched bridge near Batumi. Waterfalls in Georgia Excursions in Mountain Adjara
Travelers go to Sakartvelo (as Georgians call their country) to explore local churches and monasteries, stroll through the blossoming landscape, visit unique mountain villages, sunbathe on Black Sea beaches, conquer the slopes on alpine skis, get medical treatment in, and also visit incomparable waterfalls.
Makhuntseti
The location of the 20-meter Makhuntseti is in the mountainous region of Adjara. It is worth taking a swim in the waterfall waters, since the “natural soul” is credited with a rejuvenating effect (a stone bowl at the foot of the waterfall acts as a healing “bath”). In spring, Makhuntseti is an impenetrable wall of water, and in summer it is a fountain of spray. Nearby there is an open-air cafe where visitors are treated to national Georgian dishes.
On the way to the waterfall, travelers will be able to see the arched stone bridge Makhuntseti (there is an assumption that this is a building of the 12th century; it is periodically reconstructed) at an altitude of 6m above the water level (it is thrown over the mountain river Acharistskali).
Address: 30 km from Batumi.
Gveleti waterfall
This waterfall, falling from a 25-meter height (falling from a height, the water formed a deep font at the foot of the rock), is formed by the Gveletistskali River and is divided into 2 streams (in the upper part the width of the waterfall is 2 m, and in the lower part - 4 m). Leaving the car near the road connecting the villages of Gveleti and Gergeti, travelers need to go out onto a narrow mountain path and walk along it for about 1.5 km - the path will lead to the gorge in which the Gveleti waterfall is hidden (it is advisable to allocate at least 4 hours for the excursion). Important: since the flow of water carries with it stones, sometimes quite large, it is not recommended to approach the waterfall closely.
Address: near the village of Gveleti.
Gurgenian waterfall
The 40-meter waterfall is formed by the Ninos Khevi River, and its flow flows through a gorge that is overgrown with moss. It is recommended to start the path from the village of Gurgeniani, since the entrance to the reserve is located near it - a walking route along the river will begin from here (its duration is 5 km)
Important: on the way to the waterfall you must stick to the right bank, otherwise you will encounter a rock on the way and you will have to turn back (at the entrance it is advisable to take a map - there is a marked place where you need to turn once to the left bank). The most difficult part is the last 100-meter section of the path: it is important to stay on your feet so as not to fall down (at this point the soil and stones become slippery from the waterfall splashes).
Address: Lagodekhi Nature Reserve. An entrance ticket to the reserve will cost 10 GEL, a guide’s services will cost 45 GEL, a room for two in a hotel, the reserve will cost 50 GEL, and renting a tent will cost 15 GEL.
Kinchkha
It is a waterfall of 2 steps, 100 m high (located at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level) and 20 m, on the Okatse River. 150 m above the waterfall you can find old baths - buildings made of white stone (the princes used them as baths).
Today you will travel through incredibly beautiful corners of the country. We will tell you about the real treasures of Georgian nature - powerful, impressive, unique waterfalls. Don't miss these natural monuments during your trip!
Waterfalls in Georgia: Makhuntseti Waterfall
The mountainous region of Georgia, Adjara, is known for its magnificent nature and many natural monuments. If you decide to spend your summer holiday here, for example in Batumi, then be sure to travel around the surrounding area and enjoy the beauty. One of the must-see attractions is the Makhuntseti waterfall, which is located far from at 30 km. This is one of the highest waterfalls in Adjara - the real pride of the local residents. You can get to the waterfall from Batumi by any minibus that goes towards the village of Keda. The journey will take about 30 minutes, and then you will need to get off at the central highway. From here the waterfall is just a stone's throw away. By the way, when you get off at the right place, you will see two signs, one to the waterfall, and the other to the famous stone bridge, built during the reign of Queen Tamara. This is another attraction of this area. On the way to Makhuntseti you will hear the pleasant sound of approaching water. And in a few minutes an incredible sight awaits you. The water falls from a height of 20 meters and, breaking against the rocks, breaks up into many splashes. In summer you can swim in the bowl of the waterfall. They say the water here promotes rejuvenation. Nearby you can visit a cafe and taste it.
Waterfalls in Georgia: Gveleti Falls
Another waterfall of incredible beauty is located in the Kazbegi region near the small village of Gveleti. If you vacation in these places, do not forget to include this waterfall in your list of must-see places. The path to the waterfall should start from the semi-abandoned village of Gveleti. You will walk through a picturesque area and along a narrow path climb to. Next you need to go around the cliff where . You will need to allocate at least four hours for the excursion. The water here falls from the deep gorge of Mount Kazbek from a height of 25 meters and breaks into two streams. The width of the upper part is 2 m, and the lower part is 4 m. This place is considered one of the most favorite among tourists. Visit it too!
Waterfalls in Georgia: Gurgenian Falls
One of the most powerful, the Gurgenian waterfall, is located in Kakheti and is the pearl of the Lagodekhi nature reserve. The water here comes from the Ninos Khevi River and falls from a height of 40 meters - a powerful sight! The path to the waterfall is not easy - you will need to make your way through rocky terrain. First you need to get to the village of Gurgeniani, next to which the entrance to the reserve is located. Next begins the hike to the waterfall. The length of the route is 5 km. After overcoming a long path and many difficulties, a real reward will await you - a magnificent, highest waterfall, from which it is difficult to take your eyes off. The atmosphere around gives peace and tranquility. Here's some information to note: entrance to the reserve costs 10 GEL, and guide services cost 45 GEL. You can also rent a tent for 15 GEL or stay in a double room in a hotel for 50 GEL.
Waterfalls in Georgia: Kinchkha Waterfall
Kinchkha Waterfall is a famous landmark of Western Georgia, Imereti region. And it is located in a particularly attractive, wild and uncivilized place in the Khoni municipality. Kinchkha is a cascade of waterfalls consisting of two steps. The first stage of the cascade is a 100-meter-high waterfall located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. The first stage water forms a small lake where it falls, and from there the second stage is formed. This waterfall is smaller and weaker and has a height of 20 meters. The waterfall itself delights with its beauty and power, and its surroundings attract tourists thanks to where it seems that no human has ever set foot.
from Tour Operator MyGeoand enjoy a wonderful and unforgettable vacation!
Batumi is an ancient Georgian city located on the Black Sea coast. In addition, it is the main tourist center of the country. Sights of Batumi - Makhuntseti waterfall, arched bridge and a large number of ancient and modern works of architecture.
basic information
Batumi is a small settlement. Just over 150 thousand people live here. Nevertheless, the legendary Georgian city has many ancient buildings and modern skyscrapers. Every year it is visited by a huge number of tourists who want to get acquainted with local attractions. The main part of Batumi is adjacent to the bay of the same name.
The population is multinational. Georgians also live here, of course. In total, local residents include representatives of more than twenty nationalities. Most of them are, of course, Orthodox. By the way, one of the city’s attractions is the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Why is the population of this city so diverse? In what century did Batumi appear? And what does its name mean?
Story
Aristotle was one of the first to write about Batumi. That is, this city is truly ancient. Its name may be translated as "stone". However, one of the ancient authors in his work mentioned a port with a Greek name - Βαθύς, which means “deep”.
In the early Middle Ages, Batumi belonged to the kingdom of Lazika. Later it became part of the unified Georgian state. In the middle of the 16th century, Batumi was occupied by the Ottomans, who left the city only three hundred years after its conquest. This happened after the conclusion of the Berlin Peace Treaty. United Russian-Georgian troops liberated the city from the Turks, and it became part of Russia. For eight years, Batumi was a free port, which had a positive impact on its development.
After the defeat in the war with Russia, the Ottoman Empire had to give up Georgian lands as indemnity, including the territory of modern Batumi. In the 19th century, the city acquired considerable economic importance. The Batumi district was created, which included Artvinsky, Batumi and Adjara districts. Thanks to the status of porto-franco (free port), the city grew, taking on the appearance of a European settlement. True, at the same time the situation of local residents worsened and cases of smuggling became more frequent. Porto Franco was liquidated in 1886.
Batumi in the 20th century
At the beginning of the century, unrest began in the city. Employees of Batumi enterprises increasingly and more openly expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions. Here, in the first decades of the 20th century, as in other cities of Georgia, lawlessness and anarchy were observed. By the beginning of the First World War, there was no Caucasian Front as such. The Ottoman Empire again occupied a significant In 1918, Batumi was annexed by the Turks. By the end of the war, this territory had already become a zone of British occupation. Still, in the early twenties, after a series of events, the city of Batumi became Soviet. Such a diverse and rich history of the city, of course, could not help but leave a mark on its architecture.
Attractions
What to see in Batumi? The question is quite complex, because even if you name the most famous attractions, you will get a list consisting of more than 25 points. Let's name a few of them. Even for those who plan to spend only two or three days in the city, the information presented below will be useful, and the question of what to see in Batumi will hardly arise. So, in the main resort town of Georgia The following attractions are available:
- Sculpture "Ali and Nino". The eight-meter statues depict characters from an ancient Georgian legend. The sculptural composition was opened in 2011.
- Seaside Park. The attraction was opened in the eighties of the 19th century. There are also sports grounds in the park.
- Cable car "Argo". Its height is 250 meters, width - 2.6 kilometers. There is no longer or wider road in any European city.
- Piazza. This attraction of Batumi is often compared to the square located in Venice. Various events, celebrations and concerts are regularly held here.
- Chacha Tower. The tower is located near the maritime terminal. Its height is 25 meters.
- Arched Bridge of Queen Tamara. Quite a large structure, created about 900 years ago.
- Europe Square. Located in the very center, it is considered the most romantic place in the city.
- Makhuntseti waterfall. In Batumi, one of the most beautiful cities in the Caucasus, there are no more picturesque landscapes than those that can be seen on the way to this natural monument. The waterfall itself is described in more detail below.
While relaxing at the Georgian resort, it is also worth visiting the Tower of the Georgian Alphabet, the 6th of May Park, the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, the Colosseum and the Armenian Church, built in the 19th century. A rather unusual building, made in a modern architectural style, is the House of Justice.
On the way to the waterfall
Batumi is a city with developed infrastructure. And beyond its borders you can see the real pristine nature of the Caucasus. Makhuntseti waterfall is located 30 kilometers from Batumi. The tourist route to the arched bridge and this natural monument is quite popular among city guests. How to get to Makhuntseti?
You need to drive along the Trans-Ajar highway, past Khelvachauri. A few kilometers after the Adjarian winery there will be a sign. Guide to the most famous waterfall in Batumi serves as an arched bridge. Makhuntseti is located opposite it, but on the other side of the road. You can get there not only by your own car, but also by minibus. Public transport goes to these places regularly. You will have to spend 3-4 lari on the road.
Makhuntseti
Just the trip to the waterfall will bring aesthetic pleasure. Mountains, diversity of vegetation, small houses in the distance - all this creates a unique landscape that cannot be spoiled even by bad weather. Makhuntseti waterfall is located near the road, a 5-minute walk from it. The beauty of these places cannot be overestimated.
According to reviews from tourists, it is advisable to visit the waterfall during the hot season. Below there is a small pit in which you can swim. There are no prohibitory signs here, however, the stones are quite slippery, and therefore you can get injured. The rocks next to the waterfall have a rather interesting topography. And just a few meters away there is a small cafe. Prices in this establishment are the same as in Batumi. Here, not far from the waterfall, there is an ancient
Queen Tamara
There are many legends about this historical figure. The queen ruled Georgia in the second half of the 12th century. In the history of the country, this time is called the “Golden Age”. According to one legend, she did not die at all, but slept in a golden cradle. Someday the voice of human sorrow will reach her, and she will wake up. According to the Georgian mountaineers, Tamara had the gift of a healer and could cure any ailment. In Georgia, many objects (both ancient and modern) are named after the legendary ruler, including the airport near the village of Mestia. It is not surprising that one of the oldest bridges in Adjara bears her name.
Arch bridge
The stone structure is located 500 meters from the waterfall described above. The bridge was built around the 12th century. Its length is 29 meters. The bridge does not have railings, and therefore walking on it may seem unsafe. But this is a wrong impression. In summer, many people swim here; the river is shallow. In autumn there is usually not a soul on the bridge, and the cafe located nearby and so popular among tourists is closed at this time.
Makhuntseti waterfall is perhaps one of most popular places in Adjara. It's all due to its convenient location - .
Makhuntseti is called the highest waterfall of the region. Water flows in a beautiful cascade in a stone bowl from a height of about 30 m.
A 30-meter beautiful waterfall, visible and audible long before it was completely discovered by tourists.
Different periods of the year have their own impact on the grandeur and power of the waterfall. In spring it will delight you with its power and width of its jets. In summer, it can appear as a modest stream of water, although quite noisy. Undeniable plus visiting the waterfall in the warm season is its refreshing coolness.
During the season near Makhuntseti there are quite crowded. Tourists are not averse to cooling off on hot summer days, even despite the invigorating coolness of the water. Many believe that by swimming in the bowl of the waterfall they will regain youth and strength of soul and body. During our first stay, there were only three men willing to cheer up.
On the way to Makhuntseti, all tourists, without exception, pass by stalls with various local sweets: honey, churchkhela, marshmallow, jam. From experience I can say that the prices for these “delicacies” they do not differ from their cost in . Therefore, if you have a desire to enjoy the same churchkhela, you can safely take it on the spot. And if you get hungry, he will come to the rescue small cafe, located nearby.
Despite the fact that Makhuntseti waterfall is not the most impressive in the city, we believe that it is still worth a visit. Ways get to him quite a bit of. All you need is desire, good mood and a camera.
Map with route: from Batumi to the waterfall
Since we went to the Makhuntseti waterfall as part of, with a visit to another mountain waterfall - and Gvar, and an observation deck, the route was indicated on the map accordingly.
Thanks to the mapped points, namely the bus station and the waterfall itself, you can easily find your way on the road.
How to get there? Various options for traveling to the waterfall
Getting to Makhuntseti waterfall from is not difficult, even if you don't have transport(yours or). All you have to do is come to the bus station and find the desired minibus, preferably at number 77. This is the only bus on which you can disassemble name of the village Keda, located on the way further. Usually he stands on the right, the most remote parts of the bus station.
Most likely, people drive past the waterfall and other minibuses, but without outside help you will not be able to find out which ones exactly (all inscriptions regarding the direction of movement are indicated in Georgian).
To be honest, the old Batumi bus station is not the most pleasant place for tourist walks around the city. But the cheapest option to get to the waterfall is by bus. The bus follows along Chavchavadze street usually already clogged, so you shouldn’t count on being able to get hooked along the way. At best you you have to stand.
Duration of the trip- approximately 40 minutes. It's best to just ask the driver to stop. near Makhuntseti waterfall or . Next you will have to cross the road and walk a little, literally 3 minutes. It's hard to get lost here: right next to the road there is a special pointer and tourists walking in the same direction.
Fare in a minibus is 1.5 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
1.5 lari = 0.5 euro;
1.5 lari = 0.57 dollars;
1.5 lari = 37.83 rubles;
1.5 lari = 15.96 hryvnia;
1.5 lari = 1.28 Belarusian rubles.
. True, sometimes drivers profit from inexperienced tourists and call a different price - 2 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
2 lari = 0.66 euro;
2 lari = 0.76 dollars;
2 lari = 50.44 rubles;
2 lari = 21.28 hryvnia;
2 lari = 1.7 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate.. Anyway, trip to the waterfall by minibus is economical option. But at the same time, apart from the waterfall and the Queen Tamara Bridge across the road, you won’t see anything else.
Might be useful: Where is the Batumi bus station located, schedule, fares.
sit down preferably on the right side, if in addition to the road you want to see beautiful mountain landscapes and rivers outside the window.
The roads in Georgia can be called ideal. There are no holes on the road surface, the asphalt is of high quality, and in most cases the drivers are cultured. You can (or go on your own) and see, in addition to the Makhuntseti waterfall, lots of great places located in the vicinity of Batumi without being tied to the regular bus schedule. The roads in Georgia are quite good, but local drivers are not very attentive to traffic rules, often violating them. True, even despite this, driving around Georgia is quite comfortable, you quickly get used to the surrounding horsemen, almost without noticing them (I had my own experience of renting a car in Georgia). A huge plus is the fact that dangerous There are no serpentines here. The duration of the route does not exceed a total of 30 minutes.
Read our separate article.
Another option to see the Makhuntseti waterfall is to rent a car with a Russian-speaking driver. As in the previous case, in addition to the waterfall, you can explore several more interesting places along the route. The car will cost from 60 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
60 lari = 19.86 euros;
60 lari = 22.8 dollars;
60 lari = 1513.2 rubles;
60 lari = 638.4 hryvnia;
60 lari = 51 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate.. So you avoid some inconvenience, ensuring your comfort and guarantee of fast and timely delivery back to your hotel or apartment.
Georgia is a country with a unique landscape and picturesque nature. On its territory, washed by the salty water of the Black Sea, there are mountains, numerous forests, natural monuments, muddy rivers and clear lakes. There are about 15 waterfalls in the country, which are not always possible to reach due to their location in places inaccessible to a person without training. The waterfalls of Georgia are a breathtaking and stunning spectacle that has captivated the hearts of travelers for many years.
Gveleti
It is located in the very north of Georgia near the small village of Gveleti. Streams are falling from the deep gorge of Georgia’s most famous mountain, Kazbek. Its height is 25 m, and its width in some places reaches 4 m.
The pedestrian path starts from the semi-abandoned village of Gleveti, which many Georgians left long ago, having gone to work in big cities, and after one and a half kilometers it leads to a gorge, bypassing which tourists find themselves right at the foot of the waterfall. You can’t get close to it - shale rocks often break off, carrying stones down along with stormy streams.
A bright part of the Lagodekhi Nature Reserve, located on the territory of Kakheti, in the village of the same name. The road to the waterfall runs past the most picturesque and beautiful places that will not leave any lover of pristine, untouched nature indifferent.
Its 40 meter height is formed by the flows of the Ninos Hevi River. The road to the attraction lies through mountainous terrain.
You can get to it by your own car, a minibus, or by purchasing a sightseeing tour. The last 5 km, along the river through the gorge, involve walking. Be sure to walk on the right side. If you go on the left, you will have to return; the path will lead to a blind, impassable rock.
An atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility reigns around the waterfall. There you can see wild animals such as bears, deer, roe deer, wild boars, as well as a variety of birds of prey. The entire area is densely covered with bright green ivy leaves.
Note! The last 100 meters of the road, on the way to the waterfall, are the most dangerous and extreme. Stones covered with splashes of supply water are very slippery, so it is strongly recommended to wear comfortable, well-fixed and non-slip shoes.
It is the main attraction of the famous resort of Gagra. The height of the waterfall is 530 m above sea level. Due to the peculiarities of the local climate, visiting the waterfall is allowed from May to November; in the remaining months there is impassable snow. The Geg waterfall is always icy.
The structure of the waterfall is original. If it is usually formed as a result of a threshold or a precipice in the path of a mountain stream, the Geg landmark hits directly through the rock, exactly in its middle.
Depending on the time of year, the height of the waterfall ranges from 50 to 70 m.
Lactic
Located just above Lake Ritsa, on steep mountain slopes. Its fast and raging waters, enriched with oxygen, form white foamy streams, giving the impression that a whole river of milk is pouring from the peaks.
The water in the waterfall is cool and drinkable. At the height of the tourist season, you can see whole groups of diving travelers who have come to admire the beauty of nature and saturate their bodies with useful minerals.
The waterfall is multi-cascade, the streams hit the stones with incredible force and turn into tiny parts of water, so there is always a cloud of wet suspension around the attraction.
Like any natural monument, at this waterfall in Abkhazia, there is a legend about an ugly girl, who was advised by fellow villagers to wash her face with fresh milk to give cute features to her face. She did not have money for such a product, so she washed her face every day with water from the Milk Falls and soon met her prince and love there. Since then, it has been called “Waterfall for Lovers.”
Another smaller, but no less impressive Bird Falls is located nearby.
One of the most powerful and highest falling water streams in Georgia, located in the canyon of the Okatse River, 40 km from the city of Kutaisi.
It is characterized by several cascades flowing into the river. The name is due to the proximity of several Georgian villages Zeda-Kinchkha and Kveda-Kinchkha. The first level reaches a height of 100 m and is located 1000 m above sea level. At the point of its fall, a small lake formed, from which the second stage of streams flows, about 20 m high.
The place attracts tourists not only with breathtaking views, but also with baths located in this place. They are located in the upper canyon and were used by famous princes, as evidenced by the white buildings nearby: 100-150 meters from the waterfall.
To get to Kinchkha you need to cover a distance of 7 km from the villages of Zeda-Kinchkha and Kveda-Kinchkha. The road there is unpaved and poorly equipped; you should either walk along it or hire an SUV; an ordinary passenger car will not pass there.
Makhuntseti
Makhuntseti Waterfall is located 30 kilometers from the tourist city of Batumi, located on the Black Sea coast, in the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. The streams that form it fall from a 20-meter cliff. At the site of the fall, a shallow lake appeared, in which you can cool off in the summer heat.
You can get to the waterfall by any minibus from , going to the village of Keda. The journey will take about half an hour and cost 3-4 lari. Public transport does not take you directly to the attraction. And he stops nearby, where everyone can see several signs with directions. One will point to the path to the waterfall, and the other will point towards the Queen Tamara bridge. The walk will take several minutes, during which the soothing melody of flowing water will be heard all the time.
Near the waterfall, a cafe was built where they serve delicious Georgian kebabs. And on the way back along the road next to the stadium, you will come across the Makhuntseti Ethnographic Museum, some of the exhibits of which are located outdoors, the other indoors.
Arch Bridge of Queen Tamara
The Queen Tamara Arch Bridge in Batumi is one of the largest Adjarian bridges created at that time. Its length reaches 25 m, width 4.5 m, and it is located at a height of 6 m. IN The structure is over 900 years old. It was erected from nearby rock fragments connected with lime mortar. This structure has survived more than one earthquake.
Under the bridge there is a cozy sandy beach where volleyball fans sunbathe and relax. Extreme sports enthusiasts jump straight from the bridge. In spring, the water level rises, and the area disappears under the cold streams of the river - the time comes for rafting and kayakers.
There is also a site with a small cafe with affordable prices nearby. Tables are placed directly above the surface of the lake or on an attached floating pier.
Georgia is rich in unique and unforgettable places for travelers. Nature has given several gifts in this area - in the form of beautiful mountain streams, the raging waters of which, in combination with the majestic mountain ranges, form waterfalls. One of the most famous and promoted in Adjara is the Batumi waterfall Makhuntseti, near the arched bridge of Queen Tamara.
