The most beautiful places of Georgia in Tbilisi, Turtle Lake or Kus-ba, a favorite place for family holidays of tourists.
Turtle Lake is located on the northern slope of Mtatsminda Mountain in Tbilisi, one of the best places for family holidays in Georgia. Here you can rent a catamaran or a boat. There is Internet in local cafes. In the vicinity of the lake there are sights of Georgia that you can visit - Vake Park and the Tbilisi Ethnographic Museum is located to the west of Kusba.
On the Turtle Lake network in Tbilisi⬇️
There is an interesting natural attraction in Tbilisi – lake Kus–tba or Turtle, which tourists don't know much about yet.
But the residents of the capital love this lake and often choose its shores as a holiday destination on weekends. After all, there are not so many such outdoor recreation areas in a big city, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, this is a corner of wild nature, not spoiled by civilization, but quite well-maintained.
Turtle Lake is located on the northern slope Mtatsminda Mountains (687 m above sea level), in the southern part of the Vake-Saburtalo district.
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The picturesque nature park gives visitors clean mountain air and wonderful panoramic views. The water in the lake is replenished from the Varaziskhevi River through a channel.
Mostly people come here to rest. And some – in order to combine outdoor recreation and work. The cafe has Wi-Fi, so nothing interferes with remote work.
If you are a creative person, and inspiration comes to you in the bosom of nature, then this is the perfect place for you. It is pleasant to draw, write poetry, create other masterpieces in a beautiful cozy place.
Where did the name of the lake come from?
There are two options.
There is a legend that in the old days freshwater turtles lived here, and there were quite a lot of them. Probably, the natural conditions were suitable for these ancient animals. Gradually, the number of turtles decreased. Now you are unlikely to see them in the lake and its surroundings.
And the second version says that the lake resembles a turtle in its outlines.
It is difficult to say which option is correct. Title «Turtle Lake» it has taken root, sometimes it is popularly called a Turtle.
Favorite vacation spot of the townspeople
The surroundings of the lake are well landscaped, paths are laid, everything is illuminated in the evenings. There are bars, cafes and restaurants with summer terraces, you can drink coffee, taste Georgian cuisine and local wine. Although the prices here are slightly higher than in the city.
If you come here for the whole day, you can stock up on food for a picnic in the fresh air.
In summer, the lake shore is quite crowded. On hot days, you want to get out into nature, but not everyone can afford long trips, so many residents of Tbilisi like to relax here.
Mothers with children are walking. Playgrounds, play areas with attractions, swings and carousels are equipped for them.
There is a beautiful forest around the lake, so fresh and clean air is guaranteed. It doesn't matter if you are walking alone, with a child, with a family or in a friendly company, you will find a cozy corner here.
Supporters of active recreation choose the surroundings of the lake for jogging, cycling. The walking path around the lake has a length of about 1 km. Playgrounds with artificial turf and exercise equipment invite you to do sports.
For lovers of hiking and trekking on the mountain there are several trails that lead fromVake Park to the lake and beyond, to the top, as well as to residential areas nearby.
It is also a good place to relax by the water. There is a small pebble beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and changing cabins. There are different opinions about bathing. The bottom of the lake is muddy, so the water is cloudy and not very clean, there are various suspensions, so it is better to choose another body of water for swimming, for example, the Tbilisi Sea.
Although many people note that the water in the lake has a turquoise hue. And there are also enough people who want to swim here. The water in the lake is cool, it comes here, including from mountain springs.
There is a catamaran and boat rental point on the shore. You can take a water bike and slide on the water surface.
Even if you have only two or three hours of free time, you will have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In summer, it's a wonderful vacation, the water is cool, the trees cover from the scorching sun.
Sports competitions, various holidays and entertainment events are often held near the lake. There is a nice stage on a raft in the lake where concerts take place.
There is an observation deck nearby, from which the city is visible at a glance: and modern quarters, and historical buildings.
The development of the recreation area continues. There are plans to build a fitness center, an aquapark, a hotel and much more.
Gradually, the place becomes famous among the guests of the city. Tourists willingly visit Turtle Lake. There are two other attractions nearby – Vake Park and Ethnographic Museum of Tbilisi.
Парк Ваке
Located at the foot of Mtatsminda Mountains. The park was founded in 1946. It was originally called Victory Park. Here, at the top of the cascade staircase, there is a statue of Victory (height 28 m), made by Z. Tsereteli. The monument is dedicated to the memory of Georgians who died during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
It's nice to walk in the park. Alleys with flower beds are equipped, benches are installed.
Ethnographic Museum
On the slope of the mountain, to the west of the lake, there is Tbilisi Ethnographic Museum, opened in 1966. The museum area is 52 hectares. Walking in the fresh air, you will get acquainted with the history of the country.
Historical buildings, samples of folk architecture from different regions of Georgia are collected in the open air. The houses are mostly original, you can see the interior decoration – antique household items, real dishes, clothes, tools.
To complete the picture, take a look at the old stables, barns, wine cellars, bakeries.
What time of year to visit the lake?
In winter, the lake freezes, many cafes are closed. But nature is always beautiful. It's nice to take a walk in good weather, breathe clean mountain air.
The best time to walk on Turtle Lake is late spring, summer and autumn.
Everything blooms in spring. While walking, you enjoy the views and aromas of flowering trees, shrubs and birdsong.
On a hot summer day, you do not need to think for a long time about where to go to Tbilisi to have a nice rest in nature. The abundance of greenery that creates shade, fresh air and a cozy atmosphere will allow you to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and gain strength. In summer, there are especially many fun sports competitions and music festivals.
In early autumn, the colorful foliage on the trees gives a special charm to the cozy natural park.
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Как добраться
There is a highway leading to the lake, but public transport does not go. There is even parking, so many people come by car.
A taxi from any part of the city is a more comfortable way, but also the most expensive.
Cable car – the fastest (6-7 min.) option. The lower station is located in Vake Park, it is more convenient to approach from 76 Chavchavadze Avenue.
Coordinates: 41.71148, 44.75344.
This cable car is not as new as in rike Park. Few people know about it, it is not indicated in tourist guides. There are no seats in the old booths, the doors do not close automatically. The whole pleasure is worth 1 GEL, you have to pay with a Metromoney card (to pay for the metro). Along the way, you can admire the opening urban landscapes and Vake Park from a height.
And one more option. By bus route 61 to get to the cemetery Vake (Vake Cemetery), and then on foot – about 2.5 km. This is a good way to combine a walk with outdoor exercise. An additional bonus is the picturesque scenery around.
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К тому же озеро, как я поняла, находится недалеко от города. Добраться будет не проблема.