In order to feel the atmosphere of ancient myths, it is not necessary to go to Greece. In ancient Greek legends Colchis is often mentioned, that is, the Caucasus. It was there that the Argonauts led by Iason went for the Golden Fleece. Here, the noble and unbroken Prometheus was doomed to eternal torment.
Description
In the west of Georgia, near the famous resort town of Tskhaltubo, there is the kumistavi karst cave , better known as Prometheus cave. It is a natural monument. The total length of the cave is 11 km. Only a tenth of 1060 meters is available for viewing by tourists.
They discovered the cave relatively recently, about thirty years ago. The routes designed for visitors have been evaluated by international tourism expert panels. They prophesy the cave of Prometheus, as well as the Sataplia nature reserve, where it is located, a very promising future in terms of tourism.
Lighting
This natural site has 15 excursion zones. All are equipped with dynamic and static light. Great help in equipping the tourist route was provided by foreign companies. For example, German experts installed a modern light and music installation. There are a lot of stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. With a variety of lighting (bright yellow, light green or dark purple), it has an amazing magical look. In addition, the lighting gradually changes color, giving the cave even more mystery and originality.
I recall not only the myth of Prometheus, but also the tales of "A Thousand and One Nights" or the mystical works of
William Hauf.What is interesting?
Beautiful cave halls are very convenient to contemplate from small, elegant bridges. Stalactites and stalagmites form around a stone whimsical forest. There is even a petrified waterfall. And in one of the halls, the influx formed something similar to an organ. Staying in this karst cave, formed in a limestone mountain, is not only aesthetically delicious, but also beneficial to human health, especially to people suffering from asthma, hypertension, angina pectoris and chronic pneumonia.
For safety reasons, excursions in the cave are only accompanied by a guide who will fascinatingly tell about the features of the sip and so on. Here underground there is a small lake and a river. In certain places, you can take a boat trip, which brings to mind the mythical river Lethe. However, sometimes this service is not available due to the unsuitable water level in the underground river. A pleasant fact for tourists is that photography is absolutely free, you can shoot as much and anywhere, without any restrictions.
Monument to the real patriot
At the entrance to the cave you can see an unusual monument, which is possibly one of a kind. A local resident independently guarded the cave from vandals for many years, while it was not yet equipped for tourists. The builders of this tourist complex appreciated such dedication by erecting a monument to the true patriot of their region.
Cave temperature
This unique natural site has a stable temperature, all year round here the air temperature ranges from 15 to 17 degrees above zero. The duration of the tour is no more than an hour, so visitors will not freeze.
"Hall of love"
Let's find out what is beautiful inside the cave of Prometheus (Georgia). One of the halls, the most beautiful and impressive, is romantically called the "Hall of Love." Here you can organize and hold a wedding ceremony. A wedding in such an atmosphere will certainly be special and will be remembered for a long time by guests and newlyweds.
Prometheus Cave (Georgia): how to get there?
An excursion to the cave of Prometheus, or Kumistavi, named after the village nearby, will take a little time, and it’s easy to get to it. There are several options for getting into this extraordinary underground kingdom. If a tourist arrives in Kutaisi, then you can take a minibus to Tskaltubo, and from this town get to the cave by taxi. In this hour, while the tour lasts, the driver can wait and then drive back.
More comfort for the traveler has the following option. Hire a car in Tbilisi or Kutaisi, come to the cave, after inspection spend the night in Tskaltubo and go back or continue driving in Georgia by car, for example, to Svaneti or Batumi. The most expensive option, but the most convenient is to hire a taxi in Kutaisi.
Then the problem of transfers connected with travel in public transport, as in the first option, and the problem with overnight accommodation, as in the second option, are solved. In any case, the journey will take no more than an hour (approximately thirty or forty minutes). To reduce costs and be sure that the transport problem is solved, you can order a car with a driver through the tourist office in Kutaisi.
Prometheus Cave (Georgia): opening hours and ticket price
The cave can be visited on any day except Monday, at any time of the year. It opens to visitors at ten in the morning and closes at six in the evening from May to August. From November to April, the operating mode is slightly changed, only until five in the evening. From September to October, the entrance to the cave closes at 17.30.
A ticket to visit the cave costs about three dollars. Students are offered a discount. They can admire the natural object for only half price, that is, one and a half dollars. For those wishing to ride a boat, this walk will cost about four dollars.
Where is the cave
Prometheus Cave (Georgia) is located in the area of Sataplia Nature Reserve, next to it there are two more caves: Orpiri and Opicho. But they are not equipped for the general tourist. Their visit is possible only in the presence of special speleological equipment, and therefore, solid experience working with him.
A trip to the famous cave, which, according to travelers, is equipped no worse than similar ones in Arizona or the Alps, takes a little time. This is not even a day trip from Kutaisi, you will need only half a day. And if you stay in Tskaltubo - a city that is known as a beautiful resort with a picturesque area and healing air, it will be even closer to the cave. In addition, the tourist, hungry during the tour, will not be amiss to taste dishes in the best restaurant in the city of LavazzaEspression.
Conclusion
The unique and majestic beauty of the Caucasus Mountains is worthy of the attention of travelers. Inspection of the caves is no less exciting sight than contemplation of the harsh beauty of mountain peaks and gorges, picturesque rivers and lakes. And the cave of Prometheus (Georgia), as the most well-equipped and relatively recently discovered, is an excellent choice for travel lovers.
An excursion to the amazing cave will provide the tourist with a lot of positive emotions and indelible impressions, so many people get trips to Georgia (to the city of Kutaisi). The cost of such a tour (for six days) is from 30 to 45 thousand rubles. The price depends on which hotel the traveler chooses. The price usually includes flight, transfer and accommodation. Vouchers to Georgia with meals are much more expensive than without them (if a person eats separately, paying on the spot).