Martvili canyon
Martvili Canyon is a picturesque landmark of water and rocks, located 50km west of Kutaisi. Carved out by the Abasha river, the 2.4-kilometre gorge has 50 to 70-metre-high rock walls and several cascading waterfalls. In 2016, the canyon’s tourist infrastructure was improved: new paths and bridges were built, and the boats that take tourists down the river were upgraded. Visitors explore the area – 700-metre walking trail and on a short 15-20 minute ride in an inflatable boat. Visitors can enjoy exploring rivers, waterfalls, taking photos or just take a boat ride.
This natural landmark attracts many tourists who want to experience the contrast between the tranquil river and the dynamic waterfalls. In the middle of the canyon there is a large 12 m waterfall, from which tons of water fall every second.
The main highlight of the Martvili Canyon is boating to the waterfalls. Inflatable boats, life jackets and helmets at the pier hint at white water rafting, but boating the canyon is a pleasant, easy trip, and the equipment is just a safety precaution. The length of the route the boats take along the river is about 1 km, and the trip takes about 15-20 minutes (including photo stops). Atmosphere is quiet and very pleasant and the river between canyons is breathtaking.
Okatse canyon
Okatse Canyon is one of the most picturesque sights in the Kutaisi area. Okatse Canyon Natural Monument is a 2 kilometers segment of a 14 kilometers long Okatse River. Erosion of river valley created a 3–6 meters wide canyon, in some places 15–20 meters wide. The canyon depth varies from 20 to 100 meters.
The footpath to the canyon passes through a beautiful forest area where you can see the ruins of the 18th century palace of the Dadiani princes. The walk is very pleasant, as the path is mainly descending – but on the way back, you should be prepared for a constant ascent. Alternatively, you can take a taxi (jeep) between the visitor center and the canyon. Taxis are available in both locations.
Main highlight of the Okatse canyon is a long staircase down, followed by a narrow steel walkway that runs along the walls of the canyon, hanging above canyon and providing panoramic view. This is visitors favorite spot for bird watching and taking selfies. This platform offers the best view of the surrounding nature and the Okatse River below, which flows along the bottom of the canyon.
Prometheus Cave
Prometheus Cave is a world-renowned site of natural beauty in Georgia. A visit to the cave, which is decorated with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, is a journey into a fabulous underground world. Prometheus Cave formed in Sataphlia-Tskaltubo karst massif.[2] The total length of the cave is about 11 km, of which 1060 m are open to visitors. The cave has a total of 22 halls, six of which are currently open to tourists.
The cave was discovered and studied by Georgian speleologists (consisted of the leader Mr. Jumber Jishkariani and the members: Tamaz Kobulashvili, Amiran Jamrishvili, Vakhtang Kapanadze, Kote Nizharadze) in the early 1980s. It is part of a large cave system, united by one underground river. Currently, about 30 km of the river has been investigated, which is about half the length of the entire cave system. In 1985 the conversion of the cave into a sightseeing tourist destination began. By 1989, a pedestrian route was laid in the cave for about 1 kilometer, stairs and paths were built, and a 150-meter tunnel was punched out at the exit and the construction of ground-floor buildings began. The cave was equipped with temporary lighting, and small groups of tourists started to visit. Nowadays Prometheus caves underground world attracts lots of visitors and it is one of the most popular touristical places in Georgia.