The Borjomula River

The Borjomula River: The Heartbeat of Borjomi

The Borjomula River (მდინარე ბორჯომულა), meaning “the little Borjomi,” is a beautiful mountain river that flows right through the heart of the famous spa and resort town of Borjomi in Samtskhe-Javakheti. As a right tributary of the Mtkvari River, it is one of the two main rivers that define the town’s geography and charm, the other being the Mtkvari itself. The Borjomula originates on the slopes of the Trialeti Range and carves a stunning, narrow gorge that now forms the beloved Borjomi Central Park.

The river is synonymous with the town’s identity as a wellness destination. Its valley is the location of the original Ekaterina Spring, the source of the world-famous Borjomi mineral water, discovered in the 19th century. The scenic path through the Central Park follows the Borjomula’s banks, leading visitors past amusement rides and historical monuments to the famous sulfur pools further up the valley. The sound of the rushing river is a constant, soothing soundtrack to any visit to this historic park.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Borjomula River (მდინარე ბორჯომულა)
• Location: Borjomi Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia.
• Length: 13 km (8 miles)
• Basin Size: 66 km² (25.5 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Slopes of the Trialeti Range.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Right tributary of the Mtkvari River, in the town of Borjomi.

📍 Geography & Course

The Borjomula is a fast-flowing mountain stream with a rocky bed. It flows through a deep, narrow gorge for most of its length. This gorge is the setting for the Borjomi Central Park. The river emerges from the park and flows through the center of Borjomi town for a short distance before its confluence with the Mtkvari River. Its course is surrounded by the steep, forested slopes of the Borjomi Gorge.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The river flows through the pristine forests of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, an area renowned for its biodiversity. The valley is dominated by coniferous forests of fir and pine, as well as mixed deciduous forests. The river’s clean, cold water supports a population of brown trout and is a vital part of the local ecosystem. The entire valley is a protected natural area, preserving its unique flora and fauna.

🏛️ History & Culture

The history of the Borjomula is the history of Borjomi itself.

• Discovery of Mineral Water: The first Borjomi spring was discovered in its valley in the 1820s by soldiers of the Russian Imperial Army.
• Development as a Resort: This discovery led to the rapid development of Borjomi as an aristocratic spa resort, with the Borjomula’s valley being transformed into a European-style park for the Russian Romanov dynasty.
• Borjomi Central Park: The park, laid out along the river, is a historic monument in itself, with elegant pavilions and bridges dating back to the 19th century.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

• Exploring Borjomi Central Park: Walking along the river is the main activity. The park features the mineral water spring, amusement rides, a cable car to a scenic viewpoint, and the path to the sulfur pools.
• Hiking: Trails lead from the park up into the surrounding hills of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
• Photography: The river gorge, with its historic park and beautiful bridges, is exceptionally picturesque.

🛤️ Accessibility

The Borjomula is located within the town of Borjomi and is extremely accessible. The entrance to the Central Park is in the center of the town. Borjomi is a major tourist town and can be easily reached from Tbilisi and other parts of Georgia by road and rail.