The world, as we know it, is full of the places where one finds the sights, larger than life. Then there are places that give you the glimpse of life itself. Georgia! A lively country located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe has a lot to offer to the people from around the world with an empty cup in their hand and willing to fill it drop by drop. Georgia has the potential to fill this cup at once. A country so rich in culture and heritage that the thirst is not quenched by a single visit.
Being the capital and the largest city of Georgia, Tbilisi is still referred to as, by some, as its pre-1936 name Tiflis. Being a home to around one and a half million people, Tbilisi welcomes hundreds of thousand of tourists every year. One can feel God protecting the city at the Jvari Monastery. Mother Georgia is always there to bless all its children. Abanotubani heals not only the body but the soul to the innermost as well. Saint Nicholas Church would get right into your soul through your eyes. The hidden waterfall in the botanical gardens pops up like a miracle. 150 meter long Bridge of Peace gives a message of love to the world. With all these old and classy places, the city is loaded with the new and classy structures like Hotels and Preference and the Spice Lounge that add to the beauty of the city.
A sixth century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta; known to all as Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountaintop at the rendezvous of two rivers: Mtkvari and Argavi. This Church overlooks the town of Mtskheta which used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia. The building of the church was built around the year 600, making its way to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The church was fortified in the late middle ages with a stone wall and a gate, the remains of which still exist. It is the location of the monastery that makes it look like God himself is protecting the whole town, nourishing, and blessing it.
Erected on the Sololaki hill, there stand the statue of Kartlis Deda, known as Mother Georgia. Designed and placed in 1958 when Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary, the 20 meter tall aluminum statue is the most famous woman of Georgia. Standing in its traditional Georgian dress, Mother Georgia holds a sword in one hand to fight off those who come as an enemy and a cup of wine in the other hand to treat those who come as a friend. Standing on a strategically important place, Kartlis Deda looks over the whole city, protecting like a true mother. The place itself gives the most stunning view of the city.The discovery of hot sulfur springs in 5th century eventually ended up with Tbilisi becoming the capital of Georgia. The sulfur bath is famous for curing a number of skin issues. The classical dooms of the sulfur bath building still cast a spell on those who put their eyes on them.
There stands St. Nichlolas Church calmly on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. The church was originally built in the 13th century. After it was destroyed in a fire, it was rebuilt in 1857, and then it was restored to its original shape in 1997. The church, besides being a part of important history, serves as an amazing piece of art to the visitors from all around the world. This classical church has an entrance from three sides. Near the botanical gardens of Tbilisi, this is a place worth seeing.
A little walk from the sulfur baths will take you to the hidden Waterfall in Botanical Gardens which is a small yet mesmerizing sight. The patterned water makes a beautiful way from up the hill and rushes down a stream. The metallic railing on the small bridge of the stream has been made heavier by hundreds of locks put there by the loved ones to promise their life long loyalty. Due to the weight, now it is banned to put a lock there; but love always finds a way.
Connecting the old city from the new city, the 150-meter-long magnificent metallic bridge of peace is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Tbilisi. As the name itself suggest, this bridge is a symbol of peace that Georgia presents to the world. Being one of the safest destinations in the world to explore freely, the bridge symbolizes what the whole country offers.The landmark Metekhi Church graces the city above the Metekhi Bridge. This was the first church at this place, when Tbilisi was made the capital in the 5th century. The existing church was built in 1278, and has been reconstructed many times since; and the renovation work is still in progress.
In the classical city, there stands a master piece of modern art named Hotels and Preference at Hauling. The place is not only a personification of state of art contemporary structure but also the best business category hotel in the country. Serving the guests with world class services, Hotels and Preference is loaded with the most-friendly staff who will do anything to make the stay memorable.
Traditional food of Gerogia is a must try and it becomes even batter with an amalgamation of Indian food. Spice Lounge is a restaurant that provides you with art and food. The amazing Indian and Muslim art on its walls, the arrangements, and the smell of food and wine take you to another world. The best place to sit and have your dinner with a glass of the finest Georgian wine.
The Ski-Resort Gudauri is located on the south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. At a height of 7200 feet above the sea level, Gudauri is not only a heavenly place but even traveling to it is itself a deal of great pleasure. Crossing the Zhinvali Reservoir and Anauri Fortress, it is a two hours drive from Tbilisi to Gudauri.
Built in 1986, Zhinvali Reservoir is a Hydroelectric reservoir at the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. Besides being important in terms of providing electric power, this reservoir has a promising view that looks like being on the gate of the heaven.Ananuri castle represents multifunctional architectural complex of the late feudal times in Georgia. Built on the right bank of Aragvi River in 16th Century, it still maintains its beauty. The castle, the bell tower, three churches and beautifully carved walls are the reasons the site is frequently visited.
Heavenly earth has blessed the mankind with many treasures; and Gudauri Ski resort of one of those. Clean snow creates the most magnificent scenes that make one feel like being in a dream. Already lot above the sea level, a chair lift takes you even higher and you can enjoy the larger than life views with a cup of coffee on the café up the hill.So this place indeed is a full package and you will have a lot to remember for the rest of your life. The beauty, the sun, the feeling and the views; all in a single cup.
If you are a true adventurer and have a spark for finding out the never seen places, Chitaura is what you are looking for. A place of lush greens and amazing villages. The meadows on the roadsides would make anyone forget his problems.A three hours drive from Tbilisi will take you to your destination, the place that we are talking about is one of the calmest places on this planet. And the beauty of the journey is a a bonus. And once you reach there, you are already in the lap of peace; then you know: This is Katskhi Pillar!
The father’s Monestry at the Katskhi Pillar is a calm place at the top of a high limestone pillar that is naturally shaped like a cross. This place has been undocumented and unexplored and was first mentioned in a document in the 18 th century. The original church dates back to 13th century and has been vacant for centuries till a local monk started living there, reviving the tradition of his ancestors. The church at the top of the pillar was then restored by the supporters of the Monk and an iron ladder was built to the top. Due to its out of the world shape, there are a lot of legends associated with the Katskhi pillar. It takes 20 minutes to reach the top of the pillar and the monk says when he gets too frail to use the ladder, he will live there to his death without coming down. The place is a true symbol of the Christian legacy in the country.
Being the second biggest city in Georgia, Batumi is another place worth seeing. A five hour amazing train ride will take you this city from Tbilisi. The stunning sea view from the botanical gardens, the spirits living in the castle of devils, the mighty sculpture of Neptunes, the lovely city at night and the hospitable Hotel Intourist will take you to another world.The lush clean water at the sea view from the Batumi botanical garden is what you don’t see everywhere. The calm waves touching the land like a lover’s kiss is something that will not get off your minds for days. And if you want to feel it eternally, you can stand on the little ramp made for getting a little inside the sea.
Petra Fortress has retained its function for many years. It was believed to be an impregnable castle and hence in the Middle Ages it was given the name: the Castle of Devils. Its amazingly crafted walls with greenery give a stunning view and haunt the souls of the watchers. Located at the sea side, this is a perfect mixture of green and blue.The village sides of Batumi are filled with quite and wonderful places and this small river is a living proof of it. A perfect place for writing a book of philosophy, poetry, fiction, or even the script for your upcoming blockbuster feature film.
The Stature of Neptune was placed in front of the Batumi Drama Theater in 2010. With the five fragments structure, in the center, there stands the statue of Neptune on a pedestal. The fountain encircling the statue represents four figures of mermaids. This stunning statue was gold plated in 2011As cool in the day time, Batumi is as calm at night. The classically built city becomes a city from the fairy tales at night. The light from the city seems to be coming from the stars and there’s a sky on earth that it makes.
They say it and it is so true: “Step into the lobby and feel the hearty welcome as the hotel is a true away from home. The Hotel Intourist Palace will turn your stay in Batumi a nice and unforgettable moments.” Being one of the classiest hotels in Georgia, Hotel Intourist meets the best standards of hospitality and service. It really makes you feel at home.Gonio Fortress is the oldest fortress in Georgia, dating back to the 7th century BC. A 5th century cemetery was established, south of the castle, by the Colchic kingdom. With the 900 meter walls, its small museum is a huge attraction for the tourists.
Adjarian Wine House was established in 2010. It is a small winery with at a beautiful location 15 minute-drive from Batumi. It was built on the ruins of an 18th century historical winery in Adjara. Winery restored the historical winemaking traditions of Adjara and re-introduced some old, unique wines such as “Chkhaveri” that are characteristic to this region. The classy building of this wine house makes it a piece of art.The pretty large Mahuntesti Bridge holds together on the natural rock stones and lime. The bridge is located above Acharistskali river. Its arched shape and sight of river make you want to jump inside and have a refreshing bath.
Makhuntseti waterfall is located near this bridge, at 335 meters above sea level. The thick water falling from the mountain maintains its beauty while touching the ground.A small and cozy guesthouse run by a local family welcomes their guests as their own family. The lovely people running this place are a real personification of the love and hospitality of Georgia. Their affection, love, tender and virtue makes this place a real special one.
“Ali and Nino” is an 8-meter-tall moving steel sculpture by Georgian sculptor Tamara. Located in the seaside city of Batumi, Georgia, the two figures represent a Muslim boy, Ali, and a Georgian princess, Nino, from a famous 1937 novel by an Azerbaijani author Kurban Said. The tragic story ends with the lovers separated by the invasion of Soviet Russia. But this sculptor still makes them alive in our hearts.
Marriages in Georgia are simple yet colorful and elegant. If you happen to be invited to such an event, you will love it. And of course, the lovely Georgian People make it even more cool.Georgia is a place full of goodness and magic. It has everything to take you to another world. I definitely felt it deep inside me. So the next time you plan your tour, all you have to do is: Dream Georgia!
