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Martvili is located in Samegrelo region of Western Georgia, 280km from Tbilisi. On its highest hill there is a Monastery. The site upon the hill where the monastery stands today was used in ancient times as a pagan cultural center and was a sacred site. There once stood an ancient and enormous oak tree that was worshipped as an idol of fertility and prosperity. Infants were once sacrificed here as well. After the conversion of the native population to Christianity, the ancient tree was cut down so as not to worship it anymore. A church was originally constructed in the late 7th century upon the roots of the old oak tree and was named in honor of Saint Andrew who preached Christianity and converted the pagans across the Samegrelo region. The main Martvili-Chkondidi Cathedral (Mingrelian: Chkoni translates to “oak”) was reconstructed in the 10th century after invasions that destroyed the prior church. Preserved in the church are frescoes of the 14th to 17th centuries.

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Martvili canyons used to be a bath place for Dadiani family. Now people visit it to enjoy the scenery, its waterfalls and take a boat trip in the river with deep green color. New visitors Centre was built in Martvili in summer, 2016 and updated prices and conditions are as follows:

-Entrance 15 gel , boat trip 13 gel per person, for students with id and school students it will be 5 gel entrance so in total 18 gel including boat ride; 50 gel for diving but you need to call 1 hr in advance for diving at 595 80 54 55 (prices updated for 2018) There are walking routes in the canyon (around 300-500m) and boat trip including stoppage time lasts around 15-20 minutes. Walking routes are must and not less impressive than boat trip.

-Balda canyon nearby in village Balda may cost 2 gel entrance (its not state owned and there is no boat ride). There is Kaghu waterfall accessible by any car in village Balda, perfect place for relaxation swimming, barbecue and no entrance fee. You can contact me to organize a tour if you wish.

Giorgi Nikolava

Nearby Kaghu waterfall in Balda, accessible by car

-Work hours: from 10 am to 6pm; Everyday except Monday. For more info: (+995) 579 80 28 42 ;

–For the hotels and guesthouses in the area (if its possible you can stay in many good hotels and guesthouses in Kutaisi which are cheaper than the ones in Tbilisi or Batumi) visit this site. 

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Salkino used to be Dadiani summer residence and rest place. It offers wonderful atmosphere with its beautiful alley.

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Salkhino garden

 

Please see the map here:

From Martvili you can do great dayhike to Oniore waterfall. Besides you can do real trekking to Askhi massif, mt Migaria massif, also resort lebarde and its alpine lakes.
You can see some gps tracks here:

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18 Responses

  1. HALA

    Hello
    How can I reach Martvili Canyon from Kutaisi city center? Taking in consideration that I will be going to Mestia on the same day, is there a cheap orivate taxi you dealt with him? Because I will have luggages with me.
    Thanks alot

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      Reaching Mestia via Martvili canyons in 1 day with luggage means that you need organized drive from Kutaisi like 1-day tour, but driver also needs to come back from Mestia to Kutaisi.
      Please tell me how many people you are, whether you want English-speaking driver or not. just driver or driver+guide; Date and I will arrange you a ride.

      Reply
  2. Solly

    Hi,
    We are planning to travel to Martvili in first week of October. From where can we get the entry/ boat tickets? Is there any information center/ ticket counter?
    Please advise.

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      Dear Solly,
      In the entrance of Martvili Canyon (you can find the canyon in google maps) there is Visitors Center. They sell tickets there.

      Reply
  3. Francisco

    Hello,

    Can you please tell me how to go from Kutaisi to Martvili Canyons by Bus or Taxi? And how much would be for 2 people?
    Thanks a lot.

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      Dear Francisco,
      From Kutaisi bus station (behind Mcdonalds) there are buses to Martvili town from where canyons are very near, you can take taxi or hitchhike, etc. Bus cost will be around 2$. If you want organized tour, then you can email me at dberishvili@gmail.com and I can organize tour to Martvili canyons, Okatse bridge, as well as some other sights, continuing your journey to Batumi or Mestia, etc.

      Regards,
      Davit

      Reply
  4. pretty

    hi
    i am planing a trip to Kutaisi to visit Martivili canyon ,Okates canyon,and Kinchkha water fall..i will be staying in Kutaisi over night and i will be leaving following day back to Tiblisi..can you please advise how much would it cost if i book tour for 3 adult?
    many thanks

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      Hi,
      I can help you arrange a driver. 2- full -day trip from Tbilisi including Martvili canyons, Okatse, Kinchkha waterfall, Prometheus Cave with a night in Kutaisi will cost you 270$ including driver services, gas, night stay in the guesthouse, breakfast. Not including entrance fees which are minor (like 5-6 $)and food during travel.

      Reply
  5. Hani

    Hi,

    could I know how can I reach Martvili from Batumi?
    And is ti possible to do this trip in one day…..I mean to go back to Batumi?
    Advise please,

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      Hi, Hani!
      Reaching Martvili canyons from Batumi and coming back the same day is possible if you arrange tour/taxi. But I am not sure if its possibly by public transport.

      Reply
  6. fatema

    hi,we r coming 2 georgia from 17to 21st april next week n we wanna visit this beautiful place..how far this is from tiblisi?we have booked our personal tour..i hope this is open during that time..

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      It will be closed only on 17th of April; Its around 4hr from Tbilisi.
      I wish you a great stay in Georgia

      Reply
  7. Salma

    Hi we are planning to visit martvili in the first week of January….. is it open then? And is the boat ride also open…. also please let me know if advisable to visit it during winter

    Reply
  8. Peter Chandler

    Dear Davit, We plan to be in Kutaisi 29Sept – 2October. Could you please advise if Martvili Canyon is closed on Mondays, Also, if we went to Martvili by marshrutka is there public transport to the canyon or would we need to take a taxi to the entrance, and are they available. Also, will the canyon be green at that time of year.Thank you for your help.

    Reply
    • Georgian Tour

      Martvili canyon is always closed on Mondays, canyon is green in end september October. There are buses to villages passing near canyon entrance but taxi will not cost much anyway

      Reply
  9. Chiara

    Hi there! I’m planning a road trip that would take us to Martvili Canyon on Monday 13 August. From what I’m reading here it’s closed on Mondays. Is that true also for the month of August??
    Thank you in advance for your help!

    Reply

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