How to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. Direct flights to Kutaisi
A walk around Kutaisi turns the mind of a tourist. On the one hand, it is surrounded by architecture very similar to Cretan: white and pink stone, monastic complexes, domes and tiled roofs. On the other hand, the restored city center, diluted with modern concrete and glass buildings. On the third, there are old wooden low-rise houses above the bed of the Rioni River, dilapidated, with a slight hint of their former beauty. On the fourth, there are lush green hills, picturesque caves, and neighborhoods untouched by civilization since the time of dinosaurs. Kutaisi seems to be unable to decide in which era to live. And in the center of the city, recently, you can observe an "alien" from a parallel reality. A fabulous-looking fountain with gilded Colchian sculptures, lining of Kharagauli stone and enlarged copies of archaeological finds. Maybe it is in this diversity that the charm of Kutaisi lies?
Flights to Kutaisi
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How to get to Kutaisi
By plane
Moscow and Kutaisi are connected by direct flights. The flight will take about 2.5 hours. Flights to Kutaisi Ural Airlines, S7 Airlines, Georgian Airways. With a transfer, you can get through Kyiv or Minsk. Kutaisi Airport is located 14 km west of the city. Inside there is a tourist information center, an information hub and Wi-Fi. With food, duty free and ATMs, things are not so rosy. Therefore, it is better to always have at least a small amount of cash with you.
There is one bus that runs between the bus station and the airport. In addition to this bus, there are passing minibuses (half the price of a bus). You can also take a taxi (20-30 GEL). The network of transfers organized by hotels is actively used. You can order a separate transfer through a travel agency.
A plane flies to Kutaisi from Tbilisi. Georgian Airways makes a 30-minute flight for 40-100 GEL one way. In fact, almost once a week.
By train
There is no direct train from Moscow to Kutaisi. Railway communication has been established with the capital of Georgia. Up to four trains depart from Tbilisi daily, travel time is 5.5-6 hours. You can check the schedule on the page of the official website of the State Railways. You can also buy tickets online for 9-15 GEL one way.
By bus
Connects Moscow and Kutaisi bus route, which is served by at least two transport companies. Departure - from the Kazan station according to the schedule. Flights are made several times a week. Travel time will be more than 30 hours. The ticket price is over 4 thousand rubles.
From Tbilisi to Kutaisi by bus you can get from the central bus station (metro station Didube). A trip in an intercity fixed-route taxi will cost about 10 GEL, you will spend up to 4 hours on the road.
Kutaisi bus station is a spontaneous parking of buses, minibuses and minibuses. And no common terminal or at least capital construction. Cash desks are scattered in different places.
From the bus station to the city center can be reached by bus number 1, the corresponding minibus or taxi.
By car
Most convenient way to get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi - by car. A distance of 230 km can be covered in less than 3 hours. The main route is E60 (ს1).
Hotels in Kutaisi
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Hotels in Kutaisi do not differ in original design and special comfort conditions, so you can safely choose any hotel of the middle price category. The cost of a night in a three-star hotel, for example, B & B Europa Hotel, will cost less than 2 thousand rubles for two. If you need prestige, then only Hotel Monopoli 4 * is better - with the most expensive two-level suite for 6 thousand for two.
For national flavor and traditional cuisine, it is better to go to private sector. In the old town, there are many hostels and guesthouses where you can get an overnight stay for 700-800 rubles per night.
Shopping in Kutaisi
Be sure to visit the city market of Kutaisi, where you can find delicious (albeit sometimes perishable) souvenirs, and stalls with a standard tourist set. Of the products from Georgia, wines are usually brought. Best of all, the red Kakhetian wine survives transportation. It is better to buy in clay bottles. And it is better transported and looks like a gift. The famous churchkhela (nuts in grape or other juice) and tkhlapi (reminiscent of a pancake, made from the juice of plums, apples, peihua and others) can be bought for 1.5-2 lari.
Big shopping center"Grand Mall" is located on Chavchavadze Street. It has a small gift shop. A clay plate with views of Kutaisi or old Tbilisi costs 25-30 GEL, porcelain bells - 4 GEL, handmade clay ones are three or four times more expensive, magnets and decorations made of natural stones diverge among tourists with a bang.
Kutaisi-saurus and Kutaisi-underground
If the traveler has already reached Kutaisi, then most likely he will not be too lazy to explore its surroundings. Eco-tourists have a direct road to the Satapli Reserve. Located in the mountains, a natural monument, it has remained virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Their footprints are seen on the plateau next to the mountain cave. Bonus is the crater extinct volcano, 50 species of birds, 20 species of plants growing exclusively in this area, and observation platform overlooking the entire park.
Underground treasures are best explored in Prometheus Cave. Only a tenth part is open for tourists - but it will take about an hour to inspect it. This is the largest cave in Georgia. For 7 lari, the visitor gets the opportunity to see stalactites and stalagmites with multi-colored illumination, wild bats (if you are lucky to stumble upon them), underground lakes and rivers. For an additional fee and if the water level is sufficient, some of them can be taken by boat. In addition, all this is accompanied by classical music.
The choice of the Kutaisi-Batumi route is the most popular among vacationers, as it connects the ancient capital with the coastal port city. Today we will tell you how best to use all the currently existing methods of travel, check the facts.
By plane
Let's consider air lines between given points of Kutaisi and Batumi. The length of this line is 112 km, on the ground - 148 km. It is known that the average speed of an aircraft is 800 km/h. To cover a distance of 112 km, an airliner will have to fly for about 15 minutes. Does it make sense to accelerate, take off, fly, descend and land? Taking into account the inertial course, this will take almost an hour. Expensive equipment is more economical to use for longer distances. For this reason, planes simply do not fly between these geographical points. But there is a Tbilisi-Kutaisi flight, and it will be possible to get to Batumi by other transport. The distance from Tbilisi to Kutaisi is 220 km.
Kopitnari International Airport is located just 22 km from Kutaisi. Every traveler first of all dreams of visiting the capital, so the Tbilisi flight is in high demand. Airplanes usually arrive late and there are two options for solving problems: stay overnight here or continue on to Batumi. Those who wish to stay can go to the hotel. By taxi, this "pleasure" will cost 10-15 GEL. For those who chose the second option, we advise you to use another mode of transport. Minibuses, buses and taxis run between Kopitnari airport and railway stations (railway and car). The most reliable way to get there, combined with economy, is by bus.
By bus
At Kopitnari Airport, go to the Georgian Bus (Georgian bus) desk. Here you can buy tickets for a comfortable bus, which will take you to a place of rest or travel for only 15-20 GEL.
When departing from the bus station, the fare will be lower. Soft comfortable seats, air conditioning, the opportunity to communicate with other travelers on the way, get valuable recommendations, and the cost of travel are just some of the reasons in favor of choosing this particular type of travel. The Batumi-Kutaisi bus runs safely in both directions. It will be possible to get there without being particularly attached to the schedule, there are many flights.
For those who are going to go to Kutaisi for the first time, we advise you, if possible, to coincide with your stay on the Day of the City. It has been celebrated annually on May 2 for over a century. The Kutaisi holiday is special and unforgettable, the train of May and roses blows from the city.
By train (train)
Arriving from Tbilisi to Kutaisi, you get to Batumi by purchasing travel tickets online via the Internet or through the railway station ticket office. Trains run daily. You can see the timetable on electronic scoreboards or advertising stands located at railway stations. In 4 hours, in fairly comfortable conditions, you will reach "the very blue sea", which, for greater persuasiveness, was called the Black Sea. In financial terms, such a trip will cost you 330 rubles or a little more. Try to inquire about the timetable in advance, as there is only one train in this direction. Departs from Batumi at 18:45 and arrives at the terminal station at 21:30. True, there are still passing trains long distance, but buying tickets for them at the height of the holiday season can be problematic.
By taxi
The most popular type of message is fixed-route taxis. A passenger traveling on this route should take into account that they go on a flight only after completing the entire cabin. Its average capacity is 14-16 people. It happens that drivers pick up passengers on the highway, although this is prohibited. For only 10-15 lari, admiring the picturesque landscapes outside the window, in 2.5 hours you will be in the capital of Adjara. Usually everything bus stops scheduled and strictly regulated in time. The minibus in comparison with the bus will allow you to avoid forced downtime at stops and save time.
Whether it is in Batumi or at the final stop Kutaisi minibus arrives every hour. Having laid out a harmless amount for a wallet of 260 rubles, you will reach the goal.
By taxi
You can afford it - it's a great choice. By ordering a taxi directly to the hotel where you are staying, you will avoid all traffic problems. All responsibility for safe transportation falls on the shoulders of the driver, you will only have to enjoy the passing landscapes that just ask for canvases.
There are many benefits to this route:
- comfortable and convenient interior with freshly blown air conditioning;
- a driver who instantly retrained as a tour guide;
- the opportunity to calmly enjoy the changing landscapes;
- quickly, the distance will decrease significantly, and you will not notice how you will overcome the chosen trajectory.
Although you will have to pay a much larger amount - about 50-60 euros, but the pleasure, believe me, is worth it: how many legends, parables and stories you will hear for the same money along the way. As a result, fold your own, but about Georgian taxi drivers.
By car
You can overcome the given route on your own, on your own or rented car. If you are not here for the first time and know the local roads well or your permanent “road prompter” (navigator) is with you, feel free to go. You will cover the distance from Kutaisi to Batumi or back in 148 km in an average of 2.5 hours, and having spent about 15 liters of gasoline, you will more than meet 1 thousand rubles. It is a completely justified idea, especially if the interior of your car is full of friends or family members. Traveling long distances has cemented more than one alliance.
Those who are used to traveling around cities and villages in their car understand how pleasant it is to avoid the bustle of the bus station. In addition, you can drive and stay in any area you like for at least a couple of days. Go further, exploring all the surroundings, seeing popular sights, tasting the aroma of rampant color or silent snow - what could be more beautiful.
We hope that the information provided will be useful to you, and you will be happy to discover another corner of our vast country.
Kutaisi - calm cozy city Georgia, stretching along the banks of the Rioni River. Founded in the 6th-5th centuries. BC was the capital of the Kingdom of Colchis (Colchians - ancient Georgians), and from the VIII to the XIII centuries. - Abkhazian Kingdom. Now it is called the unofficial "second capital" of Georgia, and since 2012 also its parliamentary capital. Indeed, a luxurious parliament building has been erected here, and the current parliament has already moved there from Tbilisi. There is something to see here. Two monuments world heritage UNESCO: Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral. We advise you to visit the Gegut Palace.
Batumi, previously known as the capital of ancient Adjara, is now the main tourist centre Georgia since amazing skyscrapers. It is located on the Black Sea coast and along two more local rivers. Medea with the Golden Fleece, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are the main attractions of the city. Having visited the expanses of Batumi archaeological museum you will come into contact with antiquity and perhaps you will begin to appreciate the present more. Having visited the Kobuleti reserve, you will plunge into the mysterious natural area. How many emotions and unforgettable impressions are waiting for you ahead!
After beautiful and majestic Tbilisi, we continued our journey through Georgia. And here it is, one of the oldest cities in the country - Kutaisi. How we got there and where we stopped, I will tell below.
general information
Kutaisi, the city is calm, cozy, kind of homely. Administrative center Imereti region and the second largest city in the country. The last statement is now being disputed with Batumi.
Kutaisi was founded in the 6th-5th centuries BC, which makes it one of the most ancient cities in the world. At one time, Kutaisi was the capital of the Imeretian kingdom and the Abkhazian kingdom. Now he has regained this title, though only as the parliamentary capital of Georgia.
The city is located on two banks of the Rioni River. The name of the city is translated from Georgian as "stony". And the terrain there is really rocky.
The city has two railway stations (Kutaisi-1 and Kutaisi-2) and one bus station.
How to get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi, Batumi and other cities
Minibuses. The fastest, cheapest and most convenient way to get to Kutaisi is by minibus. We made use of them. Minibuses depart from Tbilisi from Didube station from 8 am to 7 pm. Minibuses stand right at the exit of the subway. According to the schedule, they run every hour, but if the minibus is recruited earlier, then it does not wait for its time, but leaves immediately. This method is also the most popular among the locals. Travel time is approximately 3 hours. Arrival at the bus station, which is located a little away from the historical center.
From Batumi, the minibus departs from the bus station on the street. Mayakovsky, d.1. Departure every hour from 7 am to 8 pm. On the way 2-2.5 hours.
Buses. A more comfortable option than minibuses, respectively, and more expensive. But there is a clear schedule and the ability to purchase tickets online.
The buses have air conditioning and wi-fi. Georgian Bus buses will take you to Kutaisi Airport from the cities of Batumi, Tbilisi, Ureki, Kobuleti, Khashuri, Gori.
Train. Kutaisi can be reached by rail. There are day and night trains and electric trains. From the cities of Batumi, Tbilisi, Zugdidi, trains arrive at the Kutaisi-1 railway station, located near the center.
Travel time from cities:
- Tbilisi train travels 5.5 hours
- Batumi about 3.5 hours.
- Zugdidi also 3.5 hours
5 kilometers from the city railroad station Rioni. More passing trains pass through it, including from the cities of Batumi, Zugdidi, Poti, Ozurgeti, and it will not be difficult to get to Kutaisi. Taxis to the center of Kutaisi will cost you a penny.
The schedule and cost can be checked on the Georgian Railways website. And you can buy tickets there. There is a Russian version of the site.
Automobile. As I wrote earlier (Georgia. General info), Georgia is the country where it is most convenient to travel by car. Having a car will greatly simplify your trip around Imereti. Many significant sights are located in the vicinity of Kutaisi. It is not difficult to get to Kutaisi by car, whether it is a rented car or you use the blablacar website to search for fellow travelers.
How to get from Kutaisi Airport to the city center
Same way locals offer for rent their housing in the form of apartments and rooms. You can see the option you need on the Airbnb website (when registering via the link, there is a promotion of 1,500 rubles for the first trip as a gift).
Nowhere else have I seen so many high ratings for hotels, guest houses, apartments as in Kutaisi. This is what it means to be hospitable. And about the best of them is known to all tourists.
Here we met many people and had a great time. And then we met one couple in Batumi. Already like family. Walking around the sights, we met a lot of people. And the first questions we asked each other were what and where we ate and where we stopped. Many complained that they wanted to book our guest house, but all the rooms were already occupied.
If you are traveling on your own, then in most guest houses, you will be offered to drive around the surroundings for a fee. Be sure to take advantage of this. It's cheaper than transfers or taxis. And much more convenient than public transport.
As already mentioned, Kutaisi is the main city of the Imereti region. Imereti cuisine seems to be similar in dishes to the well-known Georgian cuisine, but at the same time it has its own zest. Where, if not here, to try real Imeretian khachapuri and khinkali according to a special recipe, with the addition of cheese.
Be sure to go to the restaurant Palaty. Cozy, tasty and sincere. What else do you need for a great time? The restaurant is located on Pushkin street, 1.
In the very center, near the fountain of Colchis, there is a cafe El Paso. Although the menu is not so diverse, but it contains exactly what you need to try in Georgia. Plus reasonable prices. The institution is located at the address: Agmashenebeli street, house 2.
(Visited 466 times, 1 visits today)
I was driving to Kutaisi, the capital of the Imereti region, knowing only that it was the second largest city in Georgia. Acquaintance turned out to be quite rapid, but this made it even more vivid.
It is worth coming to Kutaisi to remember the legend of the Argonauts, see the most expensive fountain in Georgia, walk along the stone riverbed, cross the wooden bridge of the 19th century and go to cable car to drink coffee.
How to get there
Kutaisi is well located - in the very center of Georgia. Therefore, when planning your trip to Sakartvelo (I really like to call Georgia exactly as the locals do), consider starting from Kutaisi.
By plane
Kutaisi Airport is called Kopitnari and is located just 14 kilometers from the city. It opened in 2012, but in a few years managed to become one of the most important transport hubs in Georgia.
Often, flights to Kutaisi are cheaper than to Tbilisi, moreover, you will immediately find yourself in the heart of the country, and cities such as Tbilisi or will be equidistant from you. In addition, from here it is much closer to Svaneti, a wonderful mountainous region, while the journey to Svaneti from Tbilisi will take up to 9 hours by minibus.
From Kopitnari airport to the center of Kutaisi can be reached by a regular bus for a couple of dollars or by taxi for about $10-15. In addition, from Kutaisi airport you can go to other major cities: Tbilisi, Zugdidi.
By train
Railway communication between Russia and Kutaisi on this moment does not exist. There used to be a wonderful train - Batumi. However, he still did not pass Kutaisi, but he could get off at any coastal station and get to Kutaisi by bus.
Now the train to Kutaisi runs from Tbilisi (travel time is about 2-3 hours, ticket price is from $5).
By bus
In summer, a bus route is launched - Batumi, which runs through the heart of Imereti. Departure from the Shchelkovsky bus station in Moscow, travel time - 48 hours, costs from $ 70. Journey for the strong in spirit and body. Check with the ticket office of the station for details.
By car
For overland travelers, there is only one way to get to Kutaisi. If you are coming from Russia, then you will not miss Vladikavkaz and the Upper Lars border checkpoint.
Be careful when choosing this route. For example, in June 2016, the Terek overflowed its banks and destroyed the roadbed, as a result of which the border was closed and people got into an unpleasant situation. This is the weather, and it is almost impossible to predict its behavior.
In a favorable scenario, you will cross the border of Georgia, drive along the Georgian Military Highway, bypass Tbilisi and move to the west of the country. There you will meet with Kutaisi.
Previously, it was much more convenient to pass through Abkhazia (from the side), but now this path cannot be used. If you cross the border of Abkhazia, the Georgians will consider you a border violator (because this republic is not recognized by them) and, at best, will forever prohibit entry into Sakartvelo. At worst, you will be fined and arrested.
Clue:
Kutaisi - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow - 1
Kazan - 1
Samara 0
Yekaterinburg 1
Novosibirsk 3
Vladivostok 6
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Kutaisi lies among the hills and mountains, in the Imereti lowland, so it is quite humid here throughout the year. When choosing a month to travel around Georgia in general or Kutaisi in particular, remember that the value velvet season nobody canceled. You can navigate the prices for tours in Kutaisi in different seasons.
Kutaisi in summer
In July, the warmest month of the year, average temperature is +23 °C. But because of the high humidity, it may seem to you that it is much hotter outside. In the summer of 2016, the air temperature in Kutaisi reached +37–40 °C, and walking around the city became a test.
If your hotel does not have air conditioning, then do not neglect the nets on the windows, as I did: ignoring the instructions of the hostess of the guesthouse not to open the balcony door, I let mosquitoes into the room and slept under the buzz and bites. In summer, the city is frankly stuffy.
Kutaisi in autumn
The sweetest time to travel to Kutaisi (as well as almost anywhere in Georgia), in my opinion, is October.
The summer heat is coming to naught, the leaves are twitching with bright colors, young wine appears (by the way, not far from Kutaisi is the wonderful mountain region of Racha, where the rare and expensive Khvanchkara wine is made), the air becomes cooler and cleaner.
Kutaisi in spring
Spring is perhaps the most changeable time in terms of weather. In March, there are long rains, the sky is covered with gray low clouds, and the city looks rather dull. In April, strong winds are not uncommon, which bring coolness from the mountain ranges. In May, summer is about to begin in Kutaisi, and it is better to try to catch the beginning of the month, when the city is dry and warm, but there is still no heat.
Kutaisi in winter
Winter is mild, there is a slight minus, and then snow falls. Perhaps, the beauty of winter Kutaisi will easily give odds to summer.
But, when going to Kutaisi in winter, it is important to remember one thing: there is no central heating in the houses, and everyone warms the house as best they can. Someone installs heaters, someone puts batteries. As soon as the owners decide to save money, the house begins to freeze. Therefore, clarify this question in advance, choosing where to stay.
Kutaisi - monthly weather
Clue:
Kutaisi - monthly weather
Districts. Where is the best place to live
The rocky and muddy-white river Rioni divides Kutaisi into two main parts: the left bank and the right bank.
Left Coast
On the left bank is history Center cities: Opera theatre, Central Market, Colchis Fountain, Park of Lovers, cable car station.
Housing here is more expensive and, in my opinion, this overpayment makes little sense: from the right bank you can easily walk to the heart of Kutaisi by jumping over one of the bridges over Rioni.
Tsereteli Street, located near David the Builder Square (David Agmashenebeli), will be of interest to those who plan to leave Kutaisi by car for the sake of. The railway station is also located on the left bank, so if you arrive in Kutaisi by train, it makes sense to settle somewhere nearby.
right bank
In the north of the city rises the famous Bagrati temple. This place is called Ukemerion Hill, and it is believed that the first settlements arose here. To the south follows the strategically important Rustaveli Avenue: along it you can get to the Central Bus Station.
In general, this part of the city is less elegant. Rather, it is a residential part of Kutaisi, but this only makes it more attractive: there is an opportunity to observe the life of ordinary citizens with all this colorful linen on the ropes, hot khachapuri in kiosks and everyday scenes.
Jewish Quarter
It is located on the left bank of the Rioni, almost opposite the Bagrat temple.
A very interesting part of the city. As many as three synagogues have been preserved here, which remind of the times when Kutaisi was a multinational city, and this quarter was full of small craft shops.
The so-called Georgian Jews lived here: they spoke the Georgian language, had Jewish roots and were mainly engaged in trade. The main place of settlement was Shaumyan street. Old-timers recall Jewish weddings with delight, when songs thundered throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.
What are the prices for holidays
Kutaisi is the second largest city of Georgia, its parliamentary capital (in 2012 a modern glass building was built here on the outskirts of the city and the Parliament was moved to it).
Prices for housing, food and transport are comparable to prices in Tbilisi and other major cities.
Housing
The average cost of one night in a cozy guesthouse in a single room with a shared shower starts from $10 (20 GEL, Georgian lari). I usually look for guesthouses and hotels on booking () and check if there are more favorable price, can . If you prefer to live in direct contact with the locals, you can rent an apartment or an apartment - options for.
It is not necessary to settle in the very heart of the city, although this, of course, suits those who plan to walk around Kutaisi, rarely going to the suburbs.
I lived on the other side of the Rioni, closer to the bus station (which was also convenient, given that I traveled to the suburbs almost every day), and the walk to the center took 30 minutes, not the fastest step. Housing prices in this area were lower, besides, I received a bonus walking tour along Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Of course, in Kutaisi it is not as lush and catchy as in Tbilisi, but it is also quite curious.
Food
Lunch or dinner cost me about 8–10 $ (15–20 GEL), but these were real feasts, after which I dreamed of getting home and was not able to wander around the sights of Kutaisi.
Of course, if you are traveling alone or with a group, you can save money: order several different dishes for everyone. Taking into account the traditionally large Georgian portions, everyone will try a little bit of everything, will be full and satisfied. Needless to say, taking a whole bottle of wine also turns out to be more profitable than one glass.
Taxi
If you are lucky, then you will agree with the owner of your hotel / guesthouse, and he will take you around the area. It will cost less than a regular taxi. For $40 (80 GEL) you can be taken to Sataplia Park, to Prometheus Cave, and to Gelati and Motsameta monasteries.
In addition, you will have a free tour on the road and a bright Georgian speech. If you, like me, travel on a budget, then you can get to all these places by minibuses, you just need to find out the schedule and adjust to it.
Main attractions. What to watch
Frankly speaking, Kutaisi can be quite thoughtfully examined in a couple of days at a leisurely pace. Several temples significant for the Christian world, a fountain referring to the era of the Kingdom of Colchis, bridges across the Rioni. Be sure to leave time for the suburbs of Kutaisi. They are, in my opinion, the most interesting.
Colchis fountain
You will most likely start from the center. The heart of the city is easily recognized by the magnificent Colchis Fountain. Among the streams of water, 30 gilded figurines flaunt (which is why the Georgians joke that this is the most expensive fountain in Sakartvelo), exact copies of the images of Colchis culture bronze age. Basically there are figurines of deer, lambs and horses.
The fountain is new, it was installed in 2011, and the statue of King David the Builder, which stood on the square before, was moved to the railway station. Important: try to plan a route around the city so that you can see the fountain both during the day and in the evening. At night, it is beautifully illuminated. And read the legend about the Argonauts, because it was here, in the capital of the then Colchis kingdom, that they sailed for the Golden Fleece.
How to get there
The fountain is located on David the Builder Square (David Agmashenebeli will be written on the map). It can be reached by bus number 1, which runs from the Kutaisi bus station to railway station driving through the city center.
Temple of Bagrat
The most famous temple of Kutaisi, which you will see in all the photographs and guidebooks, is the Bagrat Cathedral. It is really worth a walk to it (it is on a high hill, it can be seen from anywhere in the city). It was rebuilt in 2012. Prior to that, it had stood in a dilapidated state for several centuries.
The history, like that of most Georgian churches, is broken and complex. There were raids, destruction, seizures, not only from the Turkish side, but also from neighboring territories (for a long time it consisted of separate disparate kingdoms).
Now Bagrat Cathedral is listed cultural heritage UNESCO. Strictly speaking, it has been listed there since 1974, and the organization opposed its restoration under the proposed project. However, in August 2012, a cross flashed on the dome, and Kutaisi again had a symbol of the city.
It is worth climbing here at least for the view of the capital of Imereti. And in the spring, if you are lucky and the weather is clear, you will see the glaciers of the Racha Range.
How to get there
On foot from anywhere in the city in 20 minutes. If you are too lazy, take a taxi for $ 2 (5 GEL).
What to see in the surroundings
I fell in love with the suburbs of Kutaisi with all my heart.
Gelati. Gelati monastery
It is worth driving ten kilometers east of Kutaisi, and you find yourself in a monastery complex made of light stone (by the way, the word Kutaisi comes from the Georgian “stone”). The monastery was built by David the Builder (David managed to build a lot of things on the territory of modern Georgia during his 33 years of life) at the beginning of the 12th century. The temple was founded in honor of the accession of Kakheti (now it is the famous wine region of the country) to the Georgian state and the victory over the Seljuk Turks.
At the monastery, Akamedia was created, unique in its kind for that period of time. They say that Queen Tamara is buried here. And definitely there is the tomb of King David the Builder. He asked to be buried right under the arch of the main gate, thus showing humility in front of ordinary parishioners.
How to get there
The easiest way is by taxi. The cost of the trip will be approximately $ 10 (20 GEL). If you want to save money, take a minibus, it starts from 8:00 to 18:00 every 2 hours from Mari Bosse Street behind the Meskhishvili Drama Theatre. This theater is located on David Aghmashenebeli Square, in the same place as the famous gilded fountain. The fare is $ 0.5 (1 GEL).
Prometheus cave
Be prepared for the fact that you, like me, will be advised by everyone you meet to go to the cave of Prometheus.
Yes, it is really huge, there is beautiful illumination and unusual cave formations of stalactites and stalagmites. But there is also a crowd of tourists and an entrance fee: $ 3 (7 GEL).
How to get there
If you decide to go, then go first to the city of Tskaltubo. From Kutaisi, it can be reached by minibus number 30, which starts from the Red Bridge. The fare will cost $0.5 (1 GEL). By bus you will reach market square.
As you go around the bazaar, you will see a bus station, from there minibuses go to the cave for $ 0.8 (1.5 GEL). Please note that there are only 4 of them per day: at 07:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30. As an option, you can bargain with the local drivers (it’s only 5 kilometers to go, so don’t give more than $ 5 (10 GEL).
I wanted to be alone, so I chose the Martvili Canyon and the city of Baghdati (by the way, if you still go to Prometheus, take warm clothes: the air temperature inside the cave is around +14 ° C all year round).
Martvili. Martvili canyon
It's also Dinosaur Canyon.
Previously, Martvili was open at any time, delighting guests wild cliffs and free entry. Now it has been improved: the entrance costs about $ 2 (5 GEL). On Mondays, like a real museum, the canyon is not accessible.
They say that there are traces of dinosaurs imprinted in the rocks. Whether this is true, everyone decides for himself. But what can I say for sure, be sure to ride a boat or a catamaran: from the water you will see a lot beautiful places, clear emerald water, purest waterfalls (you can take a dip in summer), rocky gorges.
After that, you can wander around the neighborhood and admire the waterfalls already from the ground. Nearby there is a small cafe, where you can relax before the return journey.
How to get there
An hour by minibus from the central bus station of Kutaisi (you need to look for it in the simplest and most effective way in Georgia - ask people, or take bus number 1) to the town of Martvili, and you are almost there. To determine the right minibus, again, just ask people: they will help. I was not only escorted, but even paid for my travel. This, get used to hospitality.
In the center of the city of Martvili you will see a cable car with pretty yellow cabins that look absolutely Soviet. Do not rush to jump out, you have to drive another 10 minutes, not forgetting to remind the driver that you need a canyon.
When you are dropped off the minibus, cross the paved road and continue down the dirt road. You will probably be met by a pack of dogs there. Try not to react, but rather get to the canyon as soon as possible.
Baghdati. Mayakovsky House
Where exactly you should go for your portion of gastronomic joy is the famous Kutaisi market. First, he is handsome.
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Second, hold on tight. Aromas of spicy spices, wet bunches of outlandish greens, cheeses (salty, fresh, soft, porous), fresh bread, invitingly sparkling with a golden crust, can knock you out of habit.
It is better to come in the morning, at 9 o'clock. Bargain with passion (the main commandment of Georgian trade), and victory will be yours.
Holidays
Kutaisi is called the city of May and roses. It is not entirely clear with roses, but with May it is easier: it is on May 2 that Kutaisoba or simply City Day is celebrated here.
On this day, many citizens and travelers flock to the center. The morning begins with a solemn bell ringing Cathedral of Bagrati, Kutaisi Metropolitan blesses the city and its people.
The symbol of Kutaisoba is an ordinary chamomile, they are sold on every corner that day, live and artificial. Fairs, dances, national colors and exhibitions - this is more than enough for you if you find yourself in Kutaisi on May 2.
Safety. What to watch out for
It wasn't me who said it, that's how it is sung in one thug song.
Perhaps earlier the city was considered the unofficial capital of thieves in law, but now the situation has changed. As you know, during the reign of Mikheil Saakashvili, numerous arrests were carried out (I suggest not to talk about their justice), and the level of security in the country has increased significantly.
I walked around Kutaisi at night alone, and the only adventure that happened to me was a meeting with a Spanish engineer who has been living in Kutaisi for a couple of years. We exchanged a couple of phrases in English, I asked him how he lives here without knowing Russian, and even more so Georgian, and we wished each other good luck and parted ways.
Nobody stopped me on the city streets anymore. Perhaps it is time to admit that - one of the most safe countries in the post-Soviet space. What is the reason, in the change of power or in the mentality of the inhabitants (kind, hospitable and a little lazy), one can only guess. And enjoy walks in the evening cities, not forgetting the elementary precautions that we follow anywhere in the world, including at home.
Remember: Georgians answer you with what you came to them with. Go in peace and kindness, get the same in return.
Things to do
And let my heart be given to another Georgian city (), I must admit that Kutaisi is also very good. It deserves to come here specially for a couple of days, or it can become an intermediate point on the way to the Batumi sea wave. Imereti is beautiful and hilly, but for active rest you will have to go to neighboring regions: Racha or Svaneti.
Fishing
If you like fishing, then take a ride to the Shaori or Tkibul reservoirs. The water in these reservoirs is clean, the scenery is beautiful.
Pike is caught in the Tkibuli reservoir, pike and perch are caught in the Shaori reservoir. There is a good trout farm in the Racha region.
How to get there
These places are close to each other. You need to get to the village of Shardometi, it is located near the town of Ambrolauri. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but you can also take minibuses.
A train consisting of one car runs to the city of Tkibuli from Kutaisi. It departs from the railway station (ticket price - $ 0.5 or 1 GEL). Specify the schedule directly on the spot, on the website of the Georgian Railways or. The schedule may change depending on the season.
River rafting
Rioni is one of the most beautiful rivers Georgia. It originates in the Racha glaciers and rushes down to Kutaisi. Rioni is rocky and stormy, so this adventure can be classified as extreme. Only experienced watermen are allowed on most sites.
Rafting begins high in the mountains, in the town of Utsera. The whole way to Kutaisi will take about 7 days (about 120 kilometers of rapids of varying difficulty will have to be overcome: from the 1st to the 6th category). Beginners can take the easy route of the 1st category in the area north of Kutaisi. Rafting on the Rioni in Kutaisi is coming to an end. There you will be able to recover and get ready for the journey ahead.
How to move around the city
The easiest way to get around Kutaisi is by buses and minibuses.
Buses are usually old, atmospheric. Sit closer to the first door to enjoy the view from the window, listen to music from the receiver and look at the cigarette smoke swirling beautifully around the driver. And if you don't smoke, go to the back of the salon.
The fare costs 30 tetri, Georgian kopecks, which is approximately equal to $0.15. The money is transferred to the driver when leaving the cabin. At first, Georgians were amazed at my attempts to shove money right at the entrance, as I used to do in Moscow minibuses.
The Kutaisi railway station and the city center can be easily reached by minibus number 1 from the central bus station (in fact, it is the only one in the city; the best landmark is McDonald's). The first route is circular, so if you missed your stop, you can circle around Kutaisi (the whole circle takes no more than 50 minutes). A taxi from the bus station to the center will cost approximately $3 (5 GEL).
Previously, there was a trolleybus network in Kutaisi (88 kilometers!), It lasted 50 years until 2009, then it was closed.
Intercity bus and shuttle service between Kutaisi and Zugdidi (the nearest city to Abkhazia) is well developed, but it is better to check the schedule in advance and arrive 30 minutes before departure so that there is definitely enough space for you and your luggage.
By the way, for freedom of movement, you can rent a car, and it’s convenient to see prices and models on aggregator sites, for example,.
Kutaisi - holidays with children
Kutaisi is not the most suitable city for families with children. But if you still ended up here with a child, then visit the places that I will discuss below. You can have fun in them.
Amusement park
The full name is the Park of Culture and Leisure named after Vissarion Gabashvili, Georgian poet of the 18th century. There are few attractions: a Ferris wheel (which can be interesting for adults as well), horses, cars. Tickets for all cost about the same: $ 0.5 (1 GEL).
There is a beautiful carousel, similar to those that stand nearby. eiffel tower in Paris. By the way, there is also a tower here.
There are a lot of people in the park on weekends, so it is better to come on weekdays. In addition to attractions, the park attracts with an abundance of greenery, in the shade of which it is pleasant to hide from the summer heat. After that, you can climb to the Bagrat temple: from here it is within easy reach.
How to get there
You can get here by cable car (the cost in both directions is $ 0.5 or 1 GEL), the lower station of which is located near the White Bridge in the city center, or on foot. Top opens beautiful view to Kutaisi.
City square near the Colchis fountain
There is a small playground in the center of the park. Nearby they sell balls, cotton candy and other children's pleasures. This square can become a good transit point for a walk around the city.
Reserve "Sataplia"
Mount Sataplia is named so because of the bees that have chosen its slopes. Translated from Georgian, "satapli" means "honey mountain". This place will be interesting for teenagers and adults.
Here you can climb karst caves, climb to observation deck overlooking the green mountains and see dinosaur footprints discovered about a century ago by local historian Petr Chabukiani.
The park has mechanical figures of dinosaurs that inhabited our planet in ancient times. However, no dinosaur remains were found in the Kutaisi region, only traces.
How to get there
Drive from Kutaisi to natural park you can take a taxi (10 kilometers, they won’t take it expensive and can also wait) or take the minibus number 45 to the town of Tskaltubo for $ 1 (2 GEL).
Ski holidays
nearest ski resort to Kutaisi is Hatsvali. It is located in Upper Svaneti (capital). You can get there by minibus from the Kutaisi bus station. On the minibus it will be written "Mestia", however, in Georgian. Ask the drivers, they will point you to the right one. You will get there in 5 hours along the serpentine and $ 18 (35 GEL).
Hatsvali is enough new resort A: It was opened in 2011. There are trails for beginners and freeride. There is only one hotel in Hatsvali itself, so book in advance or stay in Mestia.
It is 8 kilometers from Hatsvali, which will have to be overcome twice a day by taxi. Taxi drivers often overcharge, so consider walking: the road goes up, but the slope is not strong, and 8 kilometers of the way can be overcome in 2-3 hours. Of course, this will only work if you rent equipment from upstairs.
A ski pass for a day costs $ 10 (20 GEL), ski or snowboard rental - $ 13 (25 GEL) per day. The upper station of the Hatsvali resort is located at an altitude of 2,347 meters, and you can imagine these mountain views, right?
Here, for example, is a view of Mount Ushba (I remember those "cat ears" of hers), one of the most dangerous in the region. Vissarion Khergiani, the father of the famous mountaineer Mikhail Khergiani (his museum is located in Mestia), was one of the first to conquer Ushba in 1937.
Have something to add?
Now we will answer one of the most popular questions about Georgia: how to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi? This route, perhaps, is one of the most popular in sunny Georgia, both for tourists and for the indigenous population. The official and parliamentary capitals of the state are separated by only 183 km by air and 226 km by highway. There are various ways to overcome this distance.
Plane Tbilisi - Kutaisi
In most cases, air travel is the fastest way to get where you need to go, but in our case, it's quite the opposite. There are no direct domestic flights between Tbilisi and Kutaisi, so you have to fly through neighboring states with transfers in Moscow, Kyiv, Minsk and other cities. In addition to wasted travel time (from 14 hours or more), you will also have to part with a significant amount of money. The cost of the flight varies within 400 GEL (Georgian lari).
Train Tbilisi - Kutaisi
Rail links between the two cities are well established. Every day, international trains, high-speed and passenger trains, night trains, as well as commuter trains. Travel time will take from 5 to 6 hours, the fare varies from 12 to 25 GEL (Lari). On the official website of the Georgian Railway, you can order tickets in advance by registering.Bus Tbilisi – Kutaisi
The next convenient way to get to Kutaisi from the capital is buses. Departure takes place from Didube station, the trip will take 4 hours and will cost around 10 GEL. Minibuses from Tbilisi to Kutaisi run every hour. Faster option - international buses long distance. They will take you to Kutaisi in just 2 hours, the ticket price is a bit more expensive - 15 GEL.
Taxi from Tbilisi to Kutaisi
It is hard to argue that this mode of transportation is quite fast and as convenient as possible. The road from Tbilisi to Kutaisi runs along the E60 highway connecting the east and west of Georgia. Travel time is about 3.5 hours. Separate sections of the road were reconstructed in 2011.
If you are going to travel further in Georgia and do not want to use a taxi, you can get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi by rented car. A car can be rented from local rental companies, having discussed the key points in advance (via the Internet) or right on the spot. As a rule, the latter option will cost a little more. Mandatory conditions in both cases will be the presence of an international driver's license, deposit and age - 21 years. It is worth considering that large rental companies accept for payment credit cards, small - most likely, will require cash.
Recently, the BlaBlaCar transportation service has been gaining popularity, where motorists and passengers are looking for fellow travelers. You can check in advance with the driver driving on desired route on the appointed date. Having discussed the conditions of the trip, you can comfortably get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi for a relatively low price.
