Kvakantsalia Rock in Georgia, silver lakes of Tobavarchkhili, mirror lakes in the mountains of Georgia

Limestone rock of Kvakantsalia "planted" on an elevated "pedestal" in a vacant lot. The weight of the rock reaches 11-12 tons. Its dimensions are 18 x 2 x 1.6 m. The surface of the rock is turned by water. This natural monument is amazing in that it is worth pressing your finger on one of the edges of the stone cube, as the rock comes in motion, making a knock at the same time. The rock has four anchor points, one of which hangs in the air, which calls for movement.

There are many legends associated with this swinging rock. According to one of them, many centuries ago, in the vicinity of the Egrisi Mountains, where the clear rivers Tsisquilara, Chanistskali, Incra and Ice Cream flowed, there lived a giant ogre terrifying the locals. Once a month he visited villages and abducted boys and girls. Soon people found out that an all-powerful young man named Aramkhutu lives in the valley, who will be able to defeat the ogre. Residents appealed to Aramkhut with a request to help them. After a while, an ogre appeared on Mount Queer. After a tedious struggle, the valiant young man picked up a huge rectangular block and threw it with all his might at the giant. The block, having overcome the airspace,

flew to the ogre standing proudly on the mountain, cut the ogre's head and fell on a green field, where a huge pit was formed. Jubilant people carried the hero in their arms to the mountain, where Aramkhutu took a block and placed it so that it swayed from touch. So Kvakantsalia became a symbol of the victory of good over evil.

Most of the rocking rocks are formed in igneous volcanic rocks. And the rock of Kvakantsala is of limestone origin. It is located between the valleys of the Magana and Chanistskali rivers, on the karst massif of Mount Kviri, the top of which is located at an altitude of 2,038 meters above sea level. Several caves have been discovered here. The deepest of them is the karst abyss (77 m) — named after the national Georgian hero Tsotne Dadiani.

As you know, the ancient Kolkhas during the pagan period built prayer houses in impassable mountain places, where they worshiped their idols. It is likely that a small cave erected near the lake on the massive rocks of the Tsashikibuli Mountain was once a cult room.

The Egrisi Ridge (length 62 km, width 37 km) stretches across the territories of the municipalities of Mestia, Tsalenjikha, Chhorotsku, Meartvili, Lentekhi and Tsageri. The highest point of the ridge is Lakumurashdudi peak (3,255 m). In its southern strip there are several karst massifs: Tsulishi, Kvira, Migaria, Askhi. There are also several lakes of glacial origin. Of these, Didi Tobavarchkhili Lake is distinguished by its beauty, space and location. The mirror surface of the lake is 0.21 km2, the maximum depth is 35 m. The water in the lake is fresh. The Magana River flows out of the lake, the length of which is 34 km.

Tobavarchkhili - "silver lake" is a common name for transparent mountain lakes. There are 6 more lakes with this name in the Alpine zone. In particular: at the mountains of Tsashikibuli, Chitagwala, Lakumurashdudi, Dira. All these lakes are of glacial origin. Although, in all likelihood, tectonic processes also played a big role in their formation. This is evidenced by the depth of the lakes. A real phenomenon is the mirror image of lakes, which is created thanks to crystal clear water. Probably because of the unusual reflection, in the old days the local population considered these lakes holy.