Khoni Municipality
Khoni in Imereti: Okatse Canyon, Kinchkha waterfall, the Askhi plateau and the old town of Khoni. History, tips and route ideas.
Khoni Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Khoni Municipality lies in the western part of the Imereti region, on the border with Samegrelo, with the town of Khoni as its administrative centre. The town stands at about 114 m above sea level on the left bank of the Tskhenistskali River. The municipality covers about 429 km² and stretches some 42 km from south to north — from the Kolkheti lowland, where its lowest point lies at about 62 m, through the foothills to the limestone massif of Askhi, where Mount Lekhi reaches about 2,437 m. It borders Martvili and Abasha to the west, Samtredia to the south, Tskaltubo to the east and Tsageri to the north-east.
The area has a long history: coins of the Colchian period from the 3rd century BC circulated here, and in the Middle Ages Khoni grew into a church and trade centre. According to the regional administration, Khoni became the seat of a bishopric in 1529. The town is known for its medieval Cathedral of St George, and the municipality also preserves the Bangveti church (10th–11th centuries) and the Gvashtibi fortress and church (17th century), as well as other fortresses and old bridges.
In the 19th century Khoni developed as a centre of trade and silk production, and it played a notable role in the cultural life of western Georgia: the regional administration notes the first theatrical performance here in 1865, and a pedagogical seminary opened in 1881. Khoni received town status in 1921. From 1936 to 1991 it was called Tsulukidze, after the revolutionary Alexander Tsulukidze, before its historical name was restored. Among the notable people connected with Khoni are the poet Irakli Abashidze, the politician Akaki Chkhenkeli and the film director Nana Mchedlidze.
Today Khoni is best known for its natural sights. Okatse Canyon, near the village of Gordi, is a protected natural monument with a hanging walkway of about 780 m above the gorge, set in the historic Dadiani forest park. The Kinchkha waterfall, near the village of the same name, falls in three stages totalling well over 100 m, and the Okatse waterfall is another popular spot. The limestone uplands of Askhi are also rich in karst caves.
For travellers, Khoni is an easy day trip from Kutaisi and combines well with neighbouring Martvili in Samegrelo. A typical route includes the Okatse Canyon walkway, the Kinchkha waterfall and a stop in the old town of Khoni with its cathedral, while hikers can explore the high Askhi plateau and its alpine landscapes in summer.
FAQ
1) Where is Khoni Municipality located?
In the western part of the Imereti region, on the border with Samegrelo.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Khoni, on the left bank of the Tskhenistskali River.
3) How large is the municipality?
About 429 km², stretching about 42 km from south to north.
4) What was Khoni called in the Soviet period?
From 1936 to 1991 it was called Tsulukidze.
5) When did Khoni become a town?
In 1921.
6) Is Okatse Canyon in Khoni Municipality?
Yes, Okatse Canyon is near the village of Gordi, with a hanging walkway of about 780 m.
7) Where is the Kinchkha waterfall?
Near the village of Kinchkha in Khoni Municipality; it falls in three stages.
8) What is the Askhi plateau?
A limestone massif in the north of the municipality with alpine landscapes and karst caves.
9) Which historic monuments are there?
St George Cathedral in Khoni, Bangveti church and Gvashtibi fortress and church.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website and the Imereti regional administration portal.