Georgia region Racha-Lechkhumi
Along with the geographical location, rich and diverse flora and fauna makes the Racha-Lechkhumi region original and unique. Mountain range of the region, snowy picks of Kavkasioni, rivers and falls, huge forests and animals and birds, natural caves, passes, alpine mowing and pastures, gorgeous roads and paths, Shaori and Lajani lakes and other wonderful sites surprise the sightseers. Meeting and contacts with the local population make unforgettable impression. Rich historical past, life, culture, folklore has impressed Greek, Roman, Persian, Turk and European researchers and travellers.
There are numerous interesting and unique historical-ethnographical, archaeological-architect monuments in the region. Among those are churches of Nikortsninda, Patara Oni, Ghebi, Kviriketsminda, and Oni Synagogue that goes back to centuries, etc.
The main sector of agriculture is viniculture, fruit-growing and cereals, apiarist and cattle-breeding. It is well-known fact in the world that Georgia’s historical and cultural past is connected with the wine and vineyard. One can immediately feel this whale visiting these beautiful regions and tasting the wines Khvanchkara, Alexandreuli, Ojaleshi, Usakhelauri,and Tetra produced there. Out of 600 species spread in Georgia, 300 species of grapes are grown in the region.
The geographical- historical peculiarities, traditions and habits of local society create real grounds for development all kinds of tourism in the region. There is every possibility for the revival and activating the mountainous and alpine tourism, family adventuring, agro and eco-tourisms, fishing, hunting and riding as well as cultural tourism. In order to help local people and development of tourism in this region “Elkana” has selected 5 village houses in Racha-Lechkhumi. Each house has 2-7 bedrooms and essential indoor facilities and all of them meet EuroGite (the European Federation for Farm and Village Tourism) standard.
**Georgia region Svaneti
**Svaneti, the “Pearl and Pride of Georgia,” is a historical region in north-western Georgia, on the southern slope of the main Caucasus range. To the east the marvelous forested Racha neighbours the Svaneti region.
In Mestia, Svaneti’s regional centre, unique icons and manuscripts are kept in its museum. Medieval “koshki” (towers) spring up in clumps around the homesteads. Each family house has its own tower, most dating back to the 12th century.
The village cluster of Ushguli with its distinctive ancient towers is declared in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1994.
**Georgia region Samegrelo
**The province of Samegrelo – Upper Svaneti stretches from Georgia’s most important port town of Poti up to the “Roof of Europe,” Ushguli, at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, in the Great Caucasus Range.
Poti is known from ancient scriptures as being the important trading center on the Silk Road of “Phasis.” Directly behind Poti, on Lake Paliastomi, begins the birdwatcher’s paradise of the Kolcheti National Park. The common pheasant, found across Europe and North America, is indigenous to the region. It originates from the Caucasian Phasianus Colchicus, named after the Phasis River — today’s Rionis River.
Dating back to the 17th century, the regional centre Sugdidi was residency to Megrelian princes. At the outset of the 19th century, the Dadianis constructed a magnificent garden around its palace, which Princess Ekaterina Chavchavadze further expanded upon. To the North, towards the Great Caucasus Range, the Svanetian villages, with their medieval towers, are nested within this stunning environment and offer unique destination for adventure travelers. Ushguli, 1994 declared as UNSECO World’s Cultural Heritage, displays breathtaking views of the twin peaks of Mt. Ushba and Mt. Shkhara (5,201m), the highest summit in Georgia and the source of the Enguri River.
**Georgia region Guria
**Guria region in western Georgia is distinguished by its natural diversity and it is said, that Guria is home to the happy and numerous. Its landscapes range from the Black Sea coast, lowlands, plateaus, up to mountains of about 2800 m above sea level. Its humid subtropical climate allows tea and citrus to grow and the silk production to flourish.
Still more than 40% is covered by forest. Mineral waters and health resorts such as the seaside resort Ureki, famous for its magnetic sands and soothing environment provide for a tranquil and relaxing sojourn. Further, the historic architecture, a rich ethnographical legacy and the varied nature of the region offer a wonderful opportunity for a pleasant stay.
Georgian Tourist Board for more information, see internet site
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