Following our visit to the traditional town of Gori, we decided to spend our time in Borjomi, which is a small city in Georgia that is known for its mineral water springs. These springs are famous for their healing powers.
Borjomi Central Park
The springs were discovered over a thousand years ago, however, due to constant warfare from the 16th century, the springs were abandoned and forgotten.
They were rediscovered in 1829, after which the healing powers of the waters were quickly discovered. By 1841, the springs had become so famous for their properties that the Viceroy of the Caucuses brought his sick daughter to Borjomi for the water. History says that the water cured her and the Viceroy christened the springs after his daughter and himself.
Located in the Borjomi National Park, the water is still free for anyone to drink. The springs start high up in the hills, but there are taps from which you can drink the water as soon as you enter. You just have to pay the entrance fee for the park, which is just 1 Lari ($0.41)
Borjomi National Park itself is very beautiful and quite huge, though the best-maintained area is at the entrance. It also has a mineral water bottling factory, which is no longer in use. We decided not go walk into the park, but to take the cable car that dropped us to the upper station. That was just 5 Lari ($2.07) per person. It was our first time on a cable and as soon as it started, it gave a small jerk, which gave us the fright of our lives! But the view on the way up was simply beautiful!
View from the upper Station
We found the stream of the famous water and walked uphill, trying to find the source. Unfortunately, we never managed to find the source of it but enjoyed a good hike. The way down was much easier, and we walked down all the way to the entrance. At one time we were literally zigzagging down the side of a hill to reach the base, but it was a unique experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Borjomi Mineral Water
We did drink the water, but it tasted slightly metallic, and since neither of us was sick, we can’t vouch for the healing powers!
Borjomi was our last stop before and end our day back to Tbilisi. On the way back, we saw an amazing sun set which was just the perfect end to a beautiful day.
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