Borjom-kharagauli National park

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One of the largest national parks in Europe, it includes six administrative districts stretching from the resort of Borjomi to the town of Kharagauli. The park was founded in 1995 and officially inaugurated in 2001. Geologically, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park belongs to the fold system of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and covers the central subzone of Achara-Trialeti fold zone.The area is deep in history, and many of the surrounding villages and churches have long histories that are still visible in the well preserved architecture.This is wild, mountainous, forested land, and holds most of the large wildlife found anywhere in Europe. Brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild boar, Red deer and even a healthy population of lynx.
The mineral springs of the Borjomi valley were discovered over one thousand years ago. Seven large rock tubs discovered by archeologists dating back to the beginning of the 7th century attest to the availability and use of the spring waters, most likely for bathing purposes. The springs were abandoned before being rediscovered in the early 19th century. By that time, as a result of the incessant warfare, Borjomi and its environs had been depopulated and covered with impassable forests.Borjomi is a water of volcanic origin which is over 1,500 years old. It is pushed up to the surface from 1500m below ground by natural carbon dioxide pressure. Borjomi doesn't cool down before it reaches the surface and comes out at a temperature of 38–41 °C.
Borjomi mineral water deposits are situated in the central part of the Adzhar-Imeretin chain of the Caucuses Mountains at an altitude of 760-920m above sea level. The water is extracted from within the boundaries of the Borjomi nature reserve using nine wells at a depth ranging between 1,200m and 1,500m.

The Romanovs House got interested in these mineral sources. The first bottling plant which was opened there by tsar’s order was producing bottled Borjomi mineral water. The first bottles were made of transparent crystal glass and then they were replaced by dark bottles. Every bottle with mineral water was packed in a reed “case”. The bottles were sealed with the factory stamps. The samples of the first bottles and labels can be seen in the Museum of Local Lore.

The Borjomi mineral water became a famous brand, a visiting card of Georgia long ago. Its useful and healing properties affecting beneficially the digestive system, metabolism in the body and phylaxis were proved. Today Borjomi mineral water can be bought in shops of over 30 countries of the world.

The main Borjomi source is situated in Borjomi Central Park where everybody who wishes can have it. There are several dozens of healthful institutions, recreation complexes, sanatoriums and rest houses in Borjomi. All of them are located in the vicinities of the Central Park. The restored Borjomi Central Park was opened in 2005. Its opening was attended by Presidents of Georgia and Ukraine. There are children’s amusements, swimming pool and cinema theatre in the territory of the Park.

All the Borjomi hotels and sanatoriums offer medical services, clinic and diagnostic procedures, treatment with sulfur and mineral baths. The cost of stay in the hotels varies from $50 to $100 a day. As a rule this cost includes three-time meals, visits to swimming pool, fitness hall, billiards and other services. Stay in private family houses will cost much cheaper - $15-20 a day. In this case the cost does not usually include the meals. Borjomi has about two dozens of such hotels. New hotels are also being built; the roads and water supply systems are being repaired since nowadays Georgia pays much attention to the development of entry tourism.