Navenakhevi Cave
Compact two-level karst cave east of Kutaisi, packed with stalactites, stalagmites and columns, with a modern visitor centre.
Navenakhevi CavePhoto: Ninomirotadze, CC BY-SA 4.0Navenakhevi Cave lies in Terjola municipality, about 20 km east of Kutaisi, beside the village whose name it shares. It is much smaller than Prometheus Cave, with a route of about 250 m through four halls on two levels, but its formations are unusually dense. The halls are crowded with stalactites, stalagmites and stalagnates, the columns that form where the two meet, and the far end of the cave is sealed by a stalagnate about 7 m thick. The temperature stays around 13 to 14°C all year.
The cave was fitted with new paths, LED lighting and a visitor centre with a cafe and children's area in 2018. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, which makes it an easy stop when driving between Kutaisi and Zestaponi or Tbilisi. It is usually quieter than the caves around Tskaltubo, so it suits travellers who want to avoid crowds.
History
The geographer Levan Maruashvili first explored the cave in the 1930s, and local residents brought it to wider attention in the 1980s, when it already received visitors. It was declared a natural monument in 2007. After a refit with new railings, lighting and a visitor centre, it reopened in 2018 under the management of Georgia's Agency of Protected Areas.
What to see and do
- Four halls on two levels
- Dense groups of stalagnates, columns joining floor and ceiling
- The 7 m thick stalagnate sealing the far passage
- A modern visitor centre and cafe
How to visit
Getting there
About 20 km east of Kutaisi in Terjola municipality, roughly 30 minutes by car. From Tbilisi it is about 3 hours by road, so it works as a stop on the drive west.
When to go
Year-round. Plan 45 minutes–1 hour here.
- Bring a light layer for the cool air
- The short route suits families with small children
- Combine with Kutaisi's sights or with a drive to Chiatura
Navenakhevi Cave: FAQ
How long is Navenakhevi Cave?
The visitor route is about 250 m through four halls on two levels. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Is Navenakhevi Cave worth it if I have seen Prometheus Cave?
It is much smaller, but the formations are densely packed and it is usually less crowded. It is worth a stop if you are passing Terjola, less so as a special trip.
Tours that include Navenakhevi Cave
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Navenakhevi Cave.
