Imereti

Imereti is located in the eastern part of western Georgia, covering the Rioni River basin and its tributaries. The region is bordered by the Lycian Range to the east, the Tskhenistskali River to the west, the Caucasian Range to the north and the Parvati or Meskhetian Mountains to the south. The administrative center of Imereti is Kutaisi. The region includes the municipalities of Kutaisi, Baghdati, Vani, Zestafoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Sachkhere, Tkibuli, Tskaltubo, Chiatura, Kharagauli and Khoni. The region is divided into Upper and Lower Imereti, each of which has its own natural features. Upper Imereti is characterized by a high-altitude climate, while Lower Imereti is located in a subtropical zone with mild winters and hot summers.

Imereti is characterized by a variety of climatic conditions. Lower Imereti, with its subtropical humid climate, is convenient to visit at any time of the year, as it has mild winters and warm summers. Upper Imereti, located in a mountainous area, has cool summer months and long winters, so it is best to visit it in summer, when the weather is most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities.

Imeretian cuisine is rich in vegetable dishes and greens. Kutaisi, the center of the region, is dominated by dishes that emphasize the fresh and simple flavors of local ingredients. Here are a few dishes worth trying:

• Imeretian khachapuri: a round pie made of thin dough, completely covered with salted suluguni cheese. It is lighter in consistency than Adjarian khachapuri.
• Phali: an appetizer of chopped nuts and vegetables, often seasoned with spices and herbs.
• Mchadi: Corn bread that goes well with phali or meat dishes.
• Imeretian cheese: soft cheese made from cow's milk, popular in the region and often served on tasting boards.
• Tkemali: spicy plum sauce, ideal for meat and potato dishes.

Imereti, a region full of cultural and natural attractions, is a real treasure of Georgia. Start your journey with the majestic Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece of the Middle Ages immerses in the atmosphere of antiquity and spirituality.

Then go to Kutaisi, where you will be greeted by the Bagrat Cathedral, a symbol of the Georgian Renaissance and national unity. Its majestic walls keep centuries-old secrets and legends.

Continue your journey to the caves of Prometheus, where you will find an amazing underground world with bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. Lighting effects and the echo of underground rivers create an atmosphere of a fairy kingdom.

The nature of Imereti is no less impressive. Okatse Canyon is a place where majestic cliffs and stormy waterfalls make the heart beat faster. A walk along the suspension bridges over the abyss will leave an indelible impression.

Do not miss the Kincha Waterfall, which gives coolness and tranquility with its multi-stage water fall. And in Sataplia you will find dinosaur tracks and unique karst caves where you can see authentic traces of the oldest inhabitants of the planet.

End your trip with a visit to the monasteries of Motsameta and Ubisa, surrounded by the greenery of mountain forests. Their quiet abodes and picturesque surroundings will be a great place for reflection and relaxation.

Imereti is a region that fascinates with its diversity and wealth. Each corner of it keeps its secrets and legends, inviting you to become a part of its fascinating history.