We have a great opportunity to discover Mtirala National Park. The park was created in 2006 through the initiative of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia and the Agency of Protected Areas with the support of WWF and the Norwegian government. At 1.381 m above sea level, it is the rainiest territory in Georgia, hence the name "mtirala" meaning "weeping".High humidity, frequent rains and fog make the landscape of Mtirala National Park very special.
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The bus leaves us at visitor’s center and from there we take a forest walk of 5 km in total, which is very enjoyable due to fascinating views and air. We will see a splendid waterfall on half way and a unique lake, where it is possible to take a swim.The park remains a protected site for Colchis flora and fauna including rare and endangered endemic and relict species. Here you can find the registered plants of 284 species, 202 genera and 68 families. 16 species are endemic ones. The rare relict endemics: Pontic oak (Quercuspontica), Medvedev birch (Betulamedwedewii), Rhododendron (Rhododendron ungernii), epigea (Epigaeagaultheriodes), Colchis box-tree (Buxuscolchica), Colchis bladdernut (Staphyleacolchica), yew (Taxusbaccata), common chestnut (Castanea sativa), Colchis nut (Coryluscolchica), and walnut tree (Juglansregia) are included into the Red List of Georgia.The fauna of the Mtirala National Park is represented by 95 species. 23 animal species are included into the Red List of Georgia: lynx, brown bear, Caucasian squirrel, Caucasian salamander, Caucasian adder and the butterflies - Apollo and Caucasian festoon. Among the relatively bigger fowl there are small eagles, kites, hawks, etc.
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After we are back to the visitor’s center we can enjoy our late lunch sitting in the nature and trying dishes made with products and love of Mtirala.