Martvili Canyons, Beautiful Salkhino Garden and Other Places to Visit in Martvili

by Georgian Tour
22 comments
Martvili

Martvili

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.

Story of Martvili

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

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.

-Entrance fees and boat ride fees please see on the link.  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 is located nearby. For more about places to visit near Balda:

https://georgiantour.com/balda/

Giorgi Nikolava

Nearby Kaghu waterfall in Balda, accessible by car

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

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Salkhino – Dadiani Palace

Salkino used to be Dadiani summer residence and rest place. The palace is one of the most important sights of Samegrelo and is very popular. Dadiani Summer Residence is especially famous for its beautiful garden and beautiful, long alley. A cozy, shady courtyard with lounge chairs and a park is perfect for a quiet stroll and unwind.

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Salkhino garden

Tsachkhuri Waterfall

If you visit Tsachkhuri St Archangels church you can walk to beautiful Tsachkhuri waterfall nearby which is great place if you want cool and refreshing atmosphere in the hot weather.

Martvili Monastery

Martvili Monastery is 7th century monument distinguished by its historical significance. Georgian writers and educators worked here, who made a great contribution to the history of Georgia.

The path to the monastery goes uphill, winding and narrow. You can also get to Martvili Monastery from the town by cable car.

Please see the map of Martvili Canyons and Salkhino here:

From Martvili you can do great dayhike to real trekking to Askhi massif, Mt Migaria massif, also resort Lebarde and its alpine lakes.

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22 comments

HALA September 11, 2016 - 6:00 pm

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

Georgian Tour September 12, 2016 - 6:41 am

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.

Solly September 20, 2016 - 6:08 pm

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.

Georgian Tour September 21, 2016 - 3:22 pm

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

Francisco September 21, 2016 - 9:42 pm

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.

Georgian Tour September 22, 2016 - 7:06 am

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

pretty March 3, 2017 - 4:30 pm

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

Georgian Tour March 6, 2017 - 6:37 am

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.

Hani March 11, 2017 - 5:44 pm

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,

Georgian Tour March 16, 2017 - 2:15 pm

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.

fatema April 9, 2017 - 2:00 pm

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..

Georgian Tour April 13, 2017 - 12:22 pm

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

Salma December 22, 2017 - 3:10 pm

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

Georgian Tour December 23, 2017 - 6:59 pm

Hi, you can visit in January. It regularly works except for Monday.

Peter Chandler June 10, 2018 - 2:27 am

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.

Georgian Tour August 15, 2018 - 2:08 pm

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

Chiara June 21, 2018 - 3:26 pm

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!

Georgian Tour August 15, 2018 - 2:00 pm

Yes for all months its true

Dina May 12, 2019 - 12:59 pm

We will be staying in borjomi. How feasible is it to do a day trip to the canyon? We are two adults, two kids. We will be there in July.

Georgian Tour January 1, 2020 - 8:17 am

ITs possible to do 1 day trip to canyons from Borjomi.

Radhika July 9, 2019 - 8:58 pm

Hey, visiting Martvili Canyons this Sunday! How long will it take to get through most of it? We reach by 11am and also are doing Prometheus caves and then coming to Martvili. Have to leave for Tbilisi the next day by noon and also Monday Martvili is closed.

Georgian Tour January 1, 2020 - 8:12 am

U can finish it even in 1 hr, depends on lines.

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