If you're looking for an outdoor adventure in Tbilisi, you're in luck. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves that offer hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Here's a guide to some of the best nature reserves in and around Tbilisi.
Vake Park
Vake Park is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The park is located in the Vake district of Tbilisi and covers an area of 135 hectares. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air. The park is home to a variety of plants and trees, including chestnut and oak trees. You can also spot some wildlife, such as hedgehogs and squirrels.
One of the highlights of Vake Park is the Vake Park Lake, a small lake in the middle of the park. You can rent a paddleboat and explore the lake, or simply sit by the shore and enjoy the view. The park also has a playground for kids and a few cafes where you can grab a snack or a drink.
Mtatsminda Park
Mtatsminda Park is located on top of the Mtatsminda Mountain and offers breathtaking views of Tbilisi. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a water slide. It's a great place to visit with kids.
One of the most popular attractions in Mtatsminda Park is the Funicular, a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain. The ride itself is an experience, as you get to see the city from above. Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted with stunning views of Tbilisi. You can also visit the Mtatsminda Pantheon, a cemetery where some of Georgia's most famous writers, poets, and artists are buried.
Tbilisi Botanical Garden
The Tbilisi Botanical Garden is located on the southern foothills of the Sololaki Range and covers an area of 128 hectares. The garden is home to a variety of plant species, including rare and endangered ones. It's a great place to go for a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The garden is divided into several sections, each with its own theme. You can visit the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, or the Mediterranean Garden, among others. The garden also has a waterfall and a small lake where you can see some fish. If you're lucky, you might even spot some peacocks roaming around.
National Botanical Garden of Georgia
The National Botanical Garden of Georgia is located in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge and covers an area of 161 hectares. The garden is home to a variety of plant species, including medicinal plants and rare and endangered ones. It's a great place to learn about the flora of Georgia.
The garden has several trails that you can follow, each with its own highlights. You can visit the Rhododendron Trail and see some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden, or the Bamboo Trail and admire the tall bamboo trees. The garden also has a greenhouse where you can see some exotic plants.
Vashlovani National Park
Vashlovani National Park is located in the eastern part of Georgia and covers an area of 84,000 hectares. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, wolves, and bears. It's a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the beauty of nature.
One of the most popular hikes in Vashlovani National Park is the Eagle Canyon Trail. The trail takes you through a canyon where you can see some impressive rock formations. You might also spot some eagles flying above you. The park also has several campsites where you can spend the night.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is located in the Borjomi and Kharagauli districts of Georgia and covers an area of 85,000 hectares. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, lynx, and wolves. It's a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The park has several trails that you can follow, each with its own difficulty level. You can visit the Likani Trail and see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park, or the Marelisi Trail and admire the tall trees. The park also has several campsites and guesthouses where you can spend the night.
Tusheti National Park
Tusheti National Park is located in the northeastern part of Georgia and covers an area of 83,000 hectares. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and eagles. It's a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the beauty of nature.
One of the most popular hikes in Tusheti National Park is the Omalo Trail. The trail takes you through several villages where you can see some traditional Georgian architecture. You might also spot some sheep and cows grazing in the meadows. The park also has several guesthouses where you can spend the night.
Ananuri Fortress
Ananuri Fortress is located on the Aragvi River and is a great place to visit for history buffs. The fortress was built in the 17th century and served as the residence of the Dukes of Aragvi. It's a great place to explore and learn about the history of Georgia.
The fortress has several towers and walls that you can climb. You can also visit the Ananuri Church, a small church located inside the fortress. The church is decorated with some beautiful frescoes.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's nature reserves offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to birdwatching. Whether you're looking for a quick escape from the city or a longer adventure, there's something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the beauty of Tbilisi's nature reserves.