Ilia’s Lake

Situated close to the town of Kvareli in the Kakheti area of eastern Georgia, Ilia’s Lake (ილიას ტბა), also commonly known as Kvareli Lake (ყვარლის ტბა), is a well-liked man-made lake. Originally intended for leisure and tourism in the early 21st century (around 2011), it now dominates the nearby Kvareli Lake Resort complex. Named for the respected Georgian author and national icon Ilia Chavchavadze, the lake lies at the base of the Greater Caucasus mountains surrounded by thick deciduous woods, providing a lovely backdrop. Its relatively modest size and depth make it appropriate for different recreational pursuits. The Duruji River system mostly feeds the lake; its surroundings are regularly maintained to assist tourism, hence providing facilities for swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing along its improved shoreline. For both locals and visitors to the Kakheti wine area, it has fast become a major draw.

Identification and Location

• Name of the Lake: Ilia’s Lake (ილიას ტბა). Commonly referred to as Kvareli Lake (ყვარლის ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Kakheti
  • Municipality: Kvareli
  • Nearest Major City or Landmark: Located just outside the town of Kvareli. Situated at the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, within the Kindzmarauli microzone.
  • Coordinates (latitude and longitude): Approximately $41°59\prime$ N latitude, $45°48\prime$ E longitude.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: An artificial lake (reservoir) created likely by damming a channel or tributary related to the Duruji River. It is the focal point of the Kvareli Lake recreational zone.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Moderate size, often estimated to be around $0.3$ to $0.4$ square kilometers (approx. $30$–$40$ hectares or $75$–$100$ acres). Some sources mention a length of 900m and width of 400m.
• Maximum Depth: Moderate depth, cited as approximately 20 meters in some sources, suitable for recreational activities.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Unknown.
• Elevation: Approximately 430 meters ($1411$ feet) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Moderate, with significant portions developed with beaches, paths (including a bicycle path), and resort infrastructure.
• Water Source(s): Primarily fed by water diverted from the Duruji River system. Precipitation also contributes.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Controlled outflow structure associated with the dam that created the lake. Water is also used for irrigation.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Artificial reservoir basin created by constructing a dam in a valley.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): The shoreline is partly landscaped and managed within the resort area, featuring lawns, paths, and recreational infrastructure. The lake is surrounded by natural deciduous forests typical of the region (oak, hornbeam, beech, etc.). Some aquatic vegetation is likely present within the lake.
• Fauna (Animal Life): The lake is often stocked with fish species like carp, grass carp, barbel, and khramuli for recreational angling purposes. The surrounding forests support local wildlife, including various bird species and small mammals.
• Trophic Level: Likely ranges from Mesotrophic to Eutrophic, influenced by artificial inputs, management practices, and recreational use. Not a pristine natural ecosystem.
• Water Clarity: Varies; managed for recreational standards.
• Water Temperature (seasonal variations if applicable): Varies seasonally. Warm enough for swimming during the summer months (June-August). May experience partial freezing or drying in winter according to some reports, but generally accessible year-round for recreation.
• pH Levels: Unknown / Not publicly tracked.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Unknown / Not publicly tracked.
• Unique Ecological Features: Primarily significant as a man-made recreational water body integrated into a natural forest landscape within a famous viticultural microzone (Kindzmarauli).
• Conservation Status: Managed as a recreational zone. Not a formal protected nature area, but its upkeep involves environmental considerations related to tourism and water management.
• Invasive Species: Fish stocking may involve non-native species suitable for angling. Specific details are not widely documented.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Named in honor of Ilia Chavchavadze, one of Georgia’s most important historical and literary figures, who was born in Kvareli. While the lake itself is modern (created around 2011), it lies within the historically significant Kakheti region.
• Current Uses: Predominantly Recreation and Tourism. Activities include swimming, sunbathing, boating (paddle boats, water bikes), fishing (recreational), cycling/walking around the perimeter path, picnicking. It is integral to the operation and appeal of the Kvareli Lake Resort, which includes hotels, restaurants, sports pitches, and an amphitheater. Also used for irrigation.
• Environmental Issues: Managing water quality amidst heavy recreational use. Potential impacts of resort development on the surrounding environment. Maintaining water levels and managing the inflow/outflow system. Waste management associated with tourism.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Actively managed by the entity responsible for the Kvareli Lake recreational zone/resort. Efforts focus on maintaining infrastructure, ensuring safety, landscaping, potentially managing water quality and fish stocks for recreational purposes.
• Local Communities: Provides significant economic benefits to the Kvareli area through tourism employment (resort staff, related services) and attracting visitors. Offers a valuable recreational space for local residents.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• It is a relatively large, purpose-built artificial lake created specifically for recreation and tourism development in the early 21st century.
• It is named after Ilia Chavchavadze, reflecting his importance in Georgian culture and connection to Kvareli.
• The lake and its surrounding resort complex represent a significant modern tourism development in the Kakheti region, located within the famous Kindzmarauli wine microzone.
• Offers scenic views combining the lake waters with the forested foothills of the Caucasus mountains, sometimes featuring a large illuminated sign (“I love Kakheti”) on the surrounding hills.