Imereti

Imereti

The Imereti region is located in the western part of Georgia, in the basin of the famous Rioni River. Imereti has a unique and extremely rich history and culture. It is here that the most beautiful and amazing mountain systems are located, the real wonders of nature and the spirit of true Georgia, as we can see it only in pictures.

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Photos of Imereti

Imereti on the map

Information about the region

Includes 11 municipalities, 1 city

Administrative center of Kutaisi

Governor Zviad Shalamberidze

Date of formation 1995

The official language is Georgian

Area km2 6 552.3

The population is 507,038 people . 

Nationalities Georgians (99.32%), Russians (0.26%), Armenians (0.13%)

Orthodox denominations

Geography and climate

Imereti is a historical region and an entire region in the western region of Georgia. The boundaries of the region were outlined by nature itself. The isolation of this part of Georgia is explained precisely by its geographical location. The east of Imereti is the Likhi Ridge, and it is the only continuous ridge between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The west of Imereti is the Tskheniskali River, the length or rather the length of the river is one hundred and seventy—six kilometers. The northern border of Imereti is the well—known Caucasian Ridge, and the southern edge is the Meskhetian Mountains.

The territory of Imereti is also interesting because all landscape belts have been marked here. There are subtropical zones and zones of high-altitude zone: forest-alpine meadow.

The administrative state is located in Kutaisi. There are twelve municipalities in the region:

  1. Kutaisi (population 135.201 people)
  2. Bagdatsky, Bagdati (19.830 people)
  3. Vansky, Vani (22.790 people)
  4. Zestafonsky, Zestafoni (56.532 people)
  5. Samtredsky, Samtredia (45.907 people)
  6. Sachkhersky, Sachkhere (36.312 people)
  7. Terzholsky, Terzhola (33.329 people)
  8. Tkibulsky, Tkibuli (19.348 people)
  9. Kharagauli, Kharagauli (19.098 people)
  10. Khoni, Khoni (22.234 people)
  11. Tskaltuba, Tskaltubo (51.425 people)
  12. Chiatura, Chiatura (39.272 people)

Imereti are divided into three microzones of winemaking: upper Imereti — Zemo, middle Imereti — Shua, lower Imereti — Kvemo. Moreover, the wine is really different everywhere, this is due to climatic conditions and the structure of the soil cover.

Imereti is located in the center of Georgia, this territory borders with many districts. On the western side of Guria and Megrelia. From the east — Gori, and from the south — Samtskhe and Tori. Imereti shares its northern borders with Lechkhumi and Racha.

Passes connecting with external neighbors inside Georgia. Nakerala is a pass with a height of 1,218 meters.The most popular and convenient, a small length of ten kilometers and the serpentine is repaired and paved. Around the deciduous forest and rocky cliffs. Rikotsky is a thousand meters high, here, under the pass — the main highway that maintains a connection between the east and west of Georgia. The lowest pass is 950 meters on the Suram or Likh mountain range. There is a tunnel under the Suram Pass, it is considered an outstanding transport structure of the nineteenth century. The northernmost one is the Zekar Pass. The height is 2.180 meters, passes through the Meskheti ridge.

The Imereti region is quite distinctive and unique, there are deposits of manganese (Mn). In numbers, this is forty percent of the total wealth of the Earth, there are no such deposits anywhere.

The Rioni River basin is the location of Imereti.

The rivers of Georgia originate in the basins of the Black and Caspian Seas. Rioni feeds from the Black Sea. Imereti is rich in mineral and thermal water sources.

The Imereti lowland is part of the Colchis lowland, hence the subtropical climate with high humidity. 1.200 - 2.700 mm of precipitation per year. Winters are practically frost—free, the January average temperature is 3-6 °C. Summer is hot, in July 23 - 24 °C.

Nature of Imereti

Вани в регионе Имерети

A rich land, nature is infinitely beautiful and diverse. Landscapes, flora and fauna of Imereti amaze with extraordinary landscapes and specimens. Forests are located in most of the territory, about two hundred and fifty thousand hectares. It is based on deciduous forests, but there are also coniferous and mixed types.

A large number of plant species, among which 120 are tree species. Relict, specific to the Caucasus — Pitsunda pine, rhododendrons, boxwood, zelkva, etc. forests of the Colchian type — evergreen undergrowth.

The combination of Mediterranean and Central Asian fauna elements is impressive. Unfortunately, in the twentieth century, the tiger, leopard and hyena completely disappeared.

The territory of Imereti is one of the best preserved ecological integrity and health. It is here that the largest number of nature reserves. The most popular and largest is Borjomi—Kharagauli, with an area of about thirty hectares.

At an altitude of one hundred to one and a half thousand meters above sea level, many small lakes of Imereti are located. There are also large water protection zones — Shaorskoye, Tkibulskoye. Recreation areas are located on their territories, travelers quite often visit these places.

What to see on the way to Kutaisi

How to get to Imereti from Tbilisi and Batumi

There are practically no hard-to-reach areas in Imereti. Minibuses will be delivered to any point. The Kutaisi railway station is the gathering place for these minibuses. The passage of intercity trains through Imereti about once a day. There are trailer cars and trains from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. You need to focus on the schedule.

In 2012, the David the Builder International airport in Kutaisi appeared.

Train

Fast train No. 18

Daily. Boarding at 8:50 arrival at 14:40

Seats of the sitting type — everything, the cost is 9 lari ($ 3 or 220 rubles)

On the way 5 h 50 min.

The relevance of schedules and prices on the railway website.ge or biletebi.ge .

Bus

Travel can be carried out with one of the companies: Metro Georgia and Georgian Bus.

The cost is 20 lari ($6.50 or 481 rubles)

The journey takes 4 - 4.5 hours.

Metro Georgia offers more comfortable conditions, modern technologies allow you to watch movies, listen to music, play. Wi-fi is available. On the road, water, tea and coffee are free. Departure from Tbilisi — Ortachala Bus Station (Gulia str., 1).

Georgian Bus offers transportation by minibus from Freedom Square, this is the central part of Tbilisi.

Minibus

From the Didube bus station in Kutaisi there is a minibus every hour, the cost is 10 ari ($ 3.25 or 241 rubles). The first trip is at 8:00, and the last at 20:00.

The journey takes 3.5 hours. One disadvantage is bulky luggage.

Arrival at the bus station square of Kutaisi.

Car

There is a good road, along the way there is a service station at Gori. Here you can refuel, eat, drink coffee. It is better to plan a departure in the early morning, then you will not have to go behind the trucks. The highway begins from Zestafoni. The journey takes 3 hours. About 57 - 81 lari will be spent on fuel ( $ 18.5 - $ 26.3 or in rubles 1350 - 1950)

What to see, where to go

Fortresses, temples, monasteries, national parks, nature reserves and waterfalls. There is no time to be bored here and there is no need, because there are so many interesting things around.

Fortresses. A little, about ten: Shorapani, Thmeli, ruins in Vartsikhe, palace in Geghuti, Skanda, Animals. Vakhani and Chheri castles.

Temples. A lot, it's worth starting with the beautiful Bagrat Cathedral, visit the Nikortsminda temple. It is interesting in the Katskhi Cathedral, it stands out for its structure and non-triviality.

Monasteries. Gelati is one of the most popular, next to Motsameta.

National parks, nature reserves, canyons, waterfalls.

Many are not cultivated. but that's the beauty of them. The Ajametsky Nature reserves and part of the Borjomi National Park, Sataplia are very close to Kutaisi, 7-10 kilometers away. Dinosaur prints and basalt, sinter caves.

Tskaltubo has a huge grotto of Kumistavi (or Prometheus). In the north-western direction, Angel Kincha and Okatse gorge, there is infrastructure here.

An inexpensive, very convenient resort in the low mountains of Sairme, it is not hot in summer and the fresh, forest air is good at any time of the year.

How long does it take to travel?

There is an opportunity to meet in two days. On the first day, take a walk around Kutaisi, studying its antiquities and visiting the nearest monasteries. The second day should be devoted to the so-called big ring of Imereti. These included Motsameta, Gelati monasteries in Kutaisi, Sataplia National Park, Prometheus Grotto, Okatse Gorge, Angel Kincha and the Martvil Gorge and the Martvili Skete.

What must be done in Imereti

TOP 10

Imereti Cuisine

Local Georgians themselves admit that Imeretian dishes are the most delicious among the Georgian variety. The capital of Imereti — Kutaisi in ancient times was located on the approach of the Silk Road, this played a significant role. The spices used in the preparation are unique, and the taste is unforgettable. An abundance of greens, vegetables, nuts and various herbs.

Features of Imeretian cuisine

The rocky soil and landscape arrangement led to some peculiarities in the cuisine of the Imereti people.

Грузинское национальное блюдо пхали

For example, a phali snack consists of surrounding vegetation. Add chopped radish tops, beets to it. Spinach, cabbage and nettle leaves plus nut dressing with garlic and herbs.

Соус из сливы Ткемали

Sauces for meat smell so fragrant that fried, stewed, boiled chicken acquires an incredible taste. The sauce was made from a certain type of plum, from the collected nuts — baghe. Blackberry berries and unripe grapes are mixed, it turns out iskrim-makwali. Almost all sauces are prepared with a certain kind of greens.

Хачапури по-имеретински рядом с лимоном

Khachapuri according to the recipe of Imereti people from yeast dough can be closed or open, inside with cheese filling. Moreover, young and slightly salted cheeses are used, for example, chkinti-kveli. Khachapuri from ketsi has a special taste.

Грузинское лобио

Lobio, which you have tried a large number of times in Imereti, will surprise you with the novelty of taste. There are many recipes, bean cultures are used completely: pods, dry beans, etc. Lobio ask in an unglazed clay pot has excellent taste!

Wines of Imereti

Wines of Imereti

The wines of this region are something mysterious and mysterious. Although the fame of Imereti is not so great in comparison with Kakheti, but the taste is excellent! Traditional winemaking has been living here since the birth of Colchis. Their recipes and technologies have been developed for centuries.

Somewhere in this region, Gelati is produced, Argveti port wine is produced, Tsitska is made from white wines, etc. the strength of Imereti wines is slightly less than Kakheti, and the sour taste is more. Krahuna is the most local wine. Many grape varieties have gone into oblivion.

The name of the wine, as a rule, indicates the variety of grapes used.

  • Only in Imereti do white Krahuna grapes grow, they make good table wines, strong. The longer it is stored, the more interesting the taste becomes.
  • The white variety Tsolikauri is the most popular in the western part of Georgia.
  • From black grapes — Sapere otskhanuri, this is a very ancient variety.
  • A rare variety of dark grapes is fermented in Aladasturi.
  • Merlot is made from berries of black and blue grapes, the wine is obtained with a soft, pleasant berry-fruit shade.

See popular Imereti hotels

The best hotels in Imereti

Newport Hotel Kutaisi

Newport-kutaisi.jpg

Newport Hotel Kutaisi is located half a kilometer from the Kolchis Fountain. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, there is free parking for guests. The air-conditioned rooms feature a dining area with a refrigerator and a microwave.

A buffet breakfast is served, food, drinks and room service are available.

Free toiletries in the bathroom and showers in each room.

In walking distance from the Newport hotel Kutaisi, the sights of the city of Kutaisi Market, Bagrati Cathedral and Colchis Fountain.

Bars and restaurants Cafe Fleur, Cafe El Paso and Tea House Foe-Foe.


Hotel King David

king-david-hotel-02.jpg

Hotel King David is a family hotel in the city center, with cozy and comfortable rooms equipped with wi-fi. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a bathroom and shower with toiletries, satellite TV and a flat-screen TV.

The kitchenette in the room is equipped with a refrigerator, an electric kettle, a coffee maker.

On the territory of the King David Hotel in Kutaisi, you can exchange currency profitably.

Sights in the vicinity: Bagrat Temple and the White Bridge.

Cafes and restaurants Satsnakheli Wine Bar and Palaty.

A transfer from Kutaisi Airport is available for a fee.


Hotel History

Hotel History.jpg

The History Hotel Kutaisi is located in the very center, one might say, surrounded by the sights of the city. The rooms have a kitchenette with a fridge and kettles, a bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries, air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is included in the price.

Parking is available in the courtyard, there is a shuttle service to and from the airport for a fee. Room service is also available. Comfortable and cozy rooms for families with children can be booked in advance.

Imereti restaurants with national music

Millions of tourists come to Georgia to enjoy the national Georgian flavor: including listening to polyphonic singing, watching incendiary national dances.

It is not necessary to attend concerts for this. Many restaurants in Tbilisi entertain guests with live national music and dancing.


Hacker-Pschorr

Столики в Hacker-Pschorr Kutaisi

In Hacker-Pshorr in Kutaisi, you can order a variety of Georgian, European, vegetarian dishes, German beer, wine, drinks for breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Takeaway food is being prepared, reservations are provided, there is parking on the street, there is a TV. American Express, Mastercard, Visa, credit cards, electronic payments are accepted as payment.

Free Wi-Fi is available. Visitors are served by friendly staff. You can book a table in the fresh air.


Violino Complex

Скрипичный Комплекс Кутаиси

When visiting Tskaltubo National Park, everyone is obliged to visit this unique restaurant.

The assortment includes dishes of Italian, French, American, Georgian and even Turkish cuisine.

A huge selection of food presents an opportunity to choose something for yourself: a budget-friendly snack or taste the most unusual gastronomic delights.

Orders are served at the highest level, and the staff is always happy to help and speaks excellent English.

There is parking on site, free WI-FI, and the panoramic windows of the restaurant offer unforgettable views of the Georgian nature.


Grill Restaurant Rooftop

Гриль Ресторан Rooftop Кутаиси

Rooftop Restaurant in Kutaisi is located on the top floor of the Best Western Hotel. It offers an amazing view of the surrounding area.

A variety of delicious dishes from the international menu and various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, attentive staff will allow you to enjoy lunch or dinner in a cozy atmosphere.

The restaurant has a summer veranda where you can relax and eat in the fresh air. You can book tables in advance

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Hotline phones and useful information

Georgian Foreign

  • Ministry hotline: +995322945050 or +995595883812
  • shared numbers: + 995322945000
  • Department of International Law +995322945000 — ext.2004

Border Service and Customs

  • Georgian Border Police + 995322414242
  • Phone of the Upper Lars checkpoint (Russian side) 8(8672)252753 or 8(8672)595227 or 8(8672) 258342
  • Georgian Customs (hotline) + 995 (32) 229-92-99

The Interests Section of the Russian Federation at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi

  • + 995322912453 or + 995322912645

Airports

  • Tbilisi Airport + 995322310421
  • Kutaisi Airport + 995431237000
  • Batumi Airport + 995422235100

Health

  • Hotline of the Ministry of Health of Georgia 15-05 (around the clock)
  • Disease Control Agency Hotline 116001
  • Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital (address: Kazbegi Avenue 16) + 995322395729
  • Unified telephone number of dispatching ambulance services, police, fire and gas services 112

✔️ General reference on Georgia 144