With over 4500 species of plants occupying an area of 165 hectares, the Tbilisi Botanical Garden is a must-do experience for any travelers visiting the capital of Gerogia, Europe. Sprawled on the Solalaki Range hills in the town of Old Tbilisi, the botanical garden is a mix of nature’s beauty with a rich history. It’s refreshing atmosphere, plenty of blossoms and gorgeous sceneries makes this place and should one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

While it might look modern and of the current era, the garden is actually centuries old. It is said to have a history as far back as 1701 when it was found in the records of Joseph Pitton de Tournefort. It also later appeared on the maps composed by Prince Vakhushti in 1735. The garden was said to have been a royal palace garden and wasn’t revived until the early 19th century.

It gained its current look in 1845 when it was officially named as the Tiflis Botanical Garden. A walk through the well maintained greens here makes it hard to believe that the place has been thriving for hundreds of years. This makes the Tbilisi Botanical Garden one of the oldest in the former Soviet Union.

The garden is humungous and needs around two to three hours to properly enjoy the famed Tblisi nature that the place is known for. So take up a good pair of shoes because you’ll be doing some long walks in this beautiful place.

For easy access to the park, you can stay in this hotel in the center of Tbilisi and only takes around ten minutes to the garden and Narikala Fortress, making you able to cover both sites in one day.

Tbilisi Botanical Garden Entrance

There are two ways to get to the botanical garden, one is by taking the zipline from the Narikala Fortress and the other is at the foot of the fort. The zipline will take you to the top of the botanical garden which then you’ll have to walk all the way down. This way you’ll be able to see Mother Georgia up close and the famous waterfalls in Tbilisi from above its bridge. Or another way is to use the entrance at the beginning of the Narikala Fortress.

This is a great option for those who like to walk as there is a lot of ground to cover. The entrance is easy to spot as it’s before climbing the stairs to the fortress. A huge purple wisteria tree is draped at the botanical garden’s gate.

The Lilac Garden

Like a flower world picked out of fairytales, Tbilisi Botanical Garden’s lilac garden is a true floral fantasy. Covered in all types of lilac and a scent that is truly heavenly, this is an area that you should not miss out on! While the lilacs are situated towards one end of the humungous garden, there are several signboards leading you to them.

This lilac garden is heavenly, with blooming petals and the lovely scent of flowers wafting in the air all around you. There are several butterflies that have made this area its home. And if the lilac weren’t beautiful enough, the backdrop of Tbilisi provides an even more breathtaking experience. Standing under the flower arches with a view of the old city on one side while the hills tower to the clouds on the other makes this place truly magical and one the must visit places in Tbilisi.

Rushing Streams

Once you pass the entrance and you stroll along the garden, you’ll see and hear the sound of strong rushing currents beneath you. This river runs through a small gorge that divides the garden into two sides. Numerous bridges can be found throughout the park where you can cross to the other side to see and experience the Flaura and fauna that the Tbilisi Botanical Garden has to give. These bridges also give a pretty view of the river and its gorge.

Wisteria

Towards the end of April and beginning of May, the botanical garden has a couple of of wisterias scattered around the park. A huge wisteria tree welcomes visitors at the gates with its free-flowing purple petals. So for those who are big fan of these hanging beauties, you’ll find this place very much to your liking.

Raining Judas Petals

One of the surprising plants you can find in Georgia’s nature is the Japanese Cherry Blossoms, and one of them is planted in the small Japanese section of the garden. But if you didn’t make it in time for it’s blooming dates, then feast your eyes on the numerous Judas trees lined all over the park and Tbilisi itself.

These Judas trees can be mistaken for the famous cherry blossoms as the trees tend to be covered in pink petals. During windy days and weather, these petals float down in a pink flurry making for some scenic photo captures.

The Waterfall in Tbilisi

One would wonder where a strong waterfall can be found in the middle of a city and roads. That’s where the botanical garden comes in. Follow the sounds of the rushing waters and you’ll eventually make your way to the tall powerful waterfall that’s one of the highlights of the Tbilisi Botanical Garden.

If you make your way to the garden via the zipline, then you’ll be able to see the waterfall from above its arching bridge. But if you’d rather see it from the bottom with it’s powerful splashing right in front of your eyes, then enter the garden via the gates at the bottom of the Narikala Fortress and make your way to the waterfall.

While in the area of the falls, make sure you make your way carefully to the jets of water as the rocks around it are quite slippery. The rushing falls are so loud that you’ll have to speak up for the person next to you to hear you.

Disclaimer: These images are copyrighted to At World’s Origins and are not free to share for any purpose. If these images are shared without permission from the owner, legal actions will be taken.

**********

Get more up to date info on underrated, unique and movie-like places by signing up on AWO. No more hectic researches needed to your next travel destination. Sign up with your email today.