Waterfalls have always interested man and attracted his attention. Huge masses of water, tearing down from a great height, cause admiration. And even the cascades, which are very small in size and volume of falling water, enchant with an extraordinary play of colors in flying splashes.
Such huge, world-famous natural attractions, mainly located abroad. But this does not mean at all that most Russian tourists are not destined to enjoy such beauty. It is enough to go on vacation to Gelendzhik. The waterfalls on the Janet River are not as powerful as their famous counterparts, but they are no less beautiful. Today, this place attracts not only tourists, but also researchers of natural attractions. The valley of the Janet River waterfalls is a picturesque area with a unique atmosphere, a magnificent combination of bright colors and unique historical monuments.
Location
The Zhane River is located in the Krasnodar Territory, fifteen kilometers from the resort town of Gelendzhik, near the village of Renaissance. Numerous waterfalls and several ancient dolmens are located along its channel. It is interesting that when tourists are interested in local residents: “How many waterfalls are on the river Zhane?”, They, thinking for a second, answer: “A lot.” The exact number is unknown, but in this article we will introduce you to those that are located on the popular tourist route.
River valley
The Janet Valley is also famous for the fact that annually festivals of lovers of positive creativity are held here. And this place attracted admirers of spiritual practices. They claim that the Janet Valley is a "place of power." But one can argue with this statement, but the fact that this is the closest route for Russians to waterfalls, besides visiting dolmens, is quite obvious.
Locals believe that bathing in these wonderful natural springs, for example, in the Emerald, at Epiphany guarantees good health throughout the year. According to some reports, the name of the river means "dark-eyed."
Jane River Waterfalls
The tourist route begins in the village of Renaissance, which is located on the seventeenth kilometer of the Gelendzhik-Arkhipo-Osipovka highway. The first waterfall is located very close to the highway (100 m). There is a stone ledge from which the jets of a river come down with noise. It has a large bowl of water in which you can swim.
Entrance to the valley is paid - 250 rubles, but the first waterfall can be viewed for free without entering the territory. Further, the rolled road runs along the numerous bends of the river. Oak-hornbeam forest with vines in many areas comes to the very edge of the coast. Climbing up to the left of the trail, you can see the cliffs.
Emerald
After three and a half kilometers, you will find yourself at the second waterfall - the Emerald, which has another name - the Cup of Love. By tradition, the newlyweds bathe here so that their life together is long and happy.
Nearby is a whole chain of picturesque clearings where you can relax, play outdoor games or have a bite to eat. Here flysch rocks almost vertically emerge in layers to the surface. Like giant feathers on the back of an ancient brontosaurus, stone teeth block the river.
Before the confluence of the Kabaniy and Porozhisty streams, upstream, the river passes through a winding and very narrow canyon, in which there are many small waterfalls and waterfalls. They are all different in height. The route ends at the upper bowls of Hercules and Aphrodite, which are separated by a small bridge. Guides say that there are higher waterfalls up the river, but they are not included in the excursion route.
Dolmens and barrows
The Janet Falls are not the only attraction in these places. The river is famous for its archaeological sites - a complex of dolmens and ancient burial grounds. Locals say that in ancient times the sea was here, but there is no official scientific evidence for this, although the remains of marine inhabitants are found here, the outputs of mineral springs are not uncommon.
After walking about a kilometer along a well-trodden path from the lower waterfall, in a small meadow you can see the first group of dolmens. The left one has an interesting name - Dolmen of Hidden Opportunities. Who knows, maybe you will have hidden talents revealed here.
In the center is the dolmen of Wisdom, in which it is customary to make wishes. It has a rectangular base measuring 4 x 4 meters and a carved "portal" on the main facade slab, as well as interesting ornaments in the form of zigzags on the ends of the side slabs on the outside and on the walls inside.
To the right is the Harmony dolmen. It was damaged during an earthquake in the fifties of the last century, but was restored by archaeologists. Locals advise to walk around it three times so that happiness does not leave your home.
About five hundred meters higher along the trail is the Valley of a Thousand Barrows. Here is the dolmen Strength of the Spirit. It is necessary to lean against it with your forehead and hands, close your eyes, meditate for fifteen minutes, and your guardian angel will appear to you in some way.
Next is a false-portal dolmen with an entrance that is directed to the side of the mountain, as well as a courtyard in front of the building. Near dolmens, researchers discovered amazing finds - large double stone balls, animal sculptures.
Location Features
There is a certain pattern in the location of these ancient stone structures: they are located on flat areas, on river terraces or on hillsides, but not in the mountains. On the hills there are only a few separate structures - in the Tuapse district and on the Dolmen mountain (Gelendzhik).
Usually dolmens were erected in a wooded area. There are no more than four exceptions to this rule in the Western Caucasus. Always close - at a distance of five to fifty meters - was a source of water (often underground). Water was probably a symbol in the local cult rites.
On some dolmens, life-giving moisture is depicted in the form of zigzag ornaments. Streams and rivers were the natural borders of the tribes, although several dolmens, however, not preserved to this day, marked the lands of the clans, which were limited, for example, to water on two sides and mountains on the third.
Waterfalls on the river Zhane: how to get there?
Today, many tourists are eager to get into this amazing place, which is becoming more and more popular every year. If you want to see the dolmens and waterfalls of the Janet River, then you can get to them from Gelendzhik. From the suburban bus station runs bus number 112, next to the village of Renaissance. He will take you to the Jane River stop. Usually there is a stop on demand. The road will take you no more than thirty minutes. At the stop, the schedule of return flights is indicated, so pay attention to it so as not to worry in vain on excursions. After getting off the bus, cross the road and you will see a large information board. A few more minutes - and the waterfalls of the Jane river in front of you.
When a small group of tourists gathers, organized tours are organized here, accompanied by an experienced guide.
Reviews
If you are a lover of long walks and unusual natural monuments, you should definitely visit the waterfalls on the Zhane River. Travelers usually leave positive reviews about the trip. They believe that this is a great place for lovers of natural attractions.
Many people like to visit these places in autumn or winter. There are very few people at this time, and the waterfalls of the Janet River are covered by an unusual, thinnest ice lace.
Meet pessimists among travelers. They note that the waterfalls of the Jane river are too small, they are not satisfied that the entrance to the territory is paid. But such reviews are more likely an exception. Basically, people are happy with the walk and do not regret that they came to this amazing place.