Leghvtakhevi Waterfall: Tbilisi's Urban Oasis
Escape to Tbilisi's hidden gem: Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, a serene natural oasis nestled in the heart of the historic Abanotubani district.
Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, also known as Leghvi, is a stunning 22-meter waterfall tucked away in the heart of Tbilisi's historic Abanotubani district. The name 'Leghvtakhevi' comes from the Georgian word for 'fig,' as the area was once abundant with fig trees. This natural wonder is located at T, 35 Bidzina Kvernadze St, Tbilisi 0171, in the Vake-Saburtalo borough [LOCATION]. Historically, the Leghvtakhevi gorge separated the ancient district of Kala from the rest of the city. It has also been known by other names, including Tsavkisiskhevi, Sololakiskhevi, and Dabakhana. In the 19th century, the Tbilisi Botanical Garden was established in this area, adding to its allure. The waterfall and surrounding area underwent a renovation in 2012, enhancing its accessibility and charm with cleaned pathways, renovated balconies, bridges, stairways, benches and cafes. To reach the waterfall, visitors can stroll along the Tsavkisistskali River, passing the iconic domed roofs of the sulfur baths. The path leads into a narrow, verdant canyon where the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the soothing rush of water. Quaint bridges and benches offer picturesque views of traditional Georgian houses perched above the gorge. The waterfall itself is a sight to behold, with water cascading into a turquoise pool. The atmosphere is particularly enchanting at dusk when the streetlights illuminate the waterfall, creating a magical backdrop.
Local tips
- Visit in the evening to see the waterfall illuminated by colorful lights, creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk along the sometimes uneven pathways in the gorge.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby sulfur baths for a complete Tbilisi experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery, including the waterfall, canyon, and traditional houses.
A brief summary to Waterfall
- T, 35 Bidzina Kvernadze St, Tbilisi, Vake-Saburtalo, 0171, GE
Getting There
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Walking
From Abanotubani (the sulfur bath district), walk along Abano Street. Follow the path along the Tsavkisistskali River into the Leghvtakhevi gorge. Pass the Orbeliani Bath (the colorful bathhouse) and continue through the bridges over the river. The waterfall is at the end of the path.
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Public Transport
Take a bus or metro to Freedom Square. From there, walk towards the Old Town and Abanotubani. Follow the walking directions from Abanotubani to reach the waterfall. A single ride on the bus or metro costs 1 GEL. You can pay using a rechargeable Travel Card or a bank card.
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Taxi
Take a taxi to Abanotubani, near the sulfur baths. From there, follow the walking directions to the waterfall. Taxi services like Bolt and Yandex are readily available. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs around 3-5 GEL.
