River Rioni flows in Western Georgia, across the territory of several historical and geographic provinces – Racha, Imereti, Guria and Samegrelo. It is noted by its water stream (13,22 km³) and catchment area (13,4 km²). The catchment area comprises 41% of the territory of Western Georgia.
Deep down in history river Rioni was called Phasis. This name is tied to Colchis pheasant having its natural habitat in its groves. Europeans have become familiar with it through Argonauts. On the path of its flow the river creates islands and various forms of relief (canyon-like gorges, mountain gates, groves, terraces, meanders). Its ravine is noted with various landscapes linked with relief and climate conditions. In the catchment area of river Rioni there are more than 10 types of landscapes developed in the moist subtropical, moderately warm humid and moderately cold weather conditions. It is possible to visit them within 2-3 hour trip and get unforgettable impressions.
100 Sights of Georgia
Edited by Manana Baliashvili
Design and layout by
Irma Liparteliani
Elene Varamashvili
Translation by
Guram Abashidze
Images by N. Elizbarashvili, B. Kupatadze, G. Dvalashvili,
Agency of Protected Areas and Association “Nekresi”
Copyright © 2011. N. ElizbaraSvili, B. KupataZe
Copyright © 2011. Publishing House “Clio”
www.klio.ge