Imagine a place where time pauses, where the earth's heartbeat is felt through cold stone and dripping water, and where tales of days long past echo silently. Welcome to Khomuli Cave, a natural monument tucked away 3.7 km (2.3 miles) south of the village Khomuli in Imereti's heart.
Majestically seated at an elevation of 160 meters (525 feet) above sea level, the cave spreads across an impressive 1,370 square meters (14,746 square feet). As you approach, you're greeted by an oval-shaped lake, 5 meters (16.4 feet) deep and 30 meters (98.4 feet) in circumference, standing guard at the cave’s entrance. This isn't just any lake. It secretly chats with the distant Tsqaltubo water reservoir through mysterious underground channels.
Step inside and let the cave's two sections unravel their secrets. The main hall, vast and adorned with karst formations that mimic footprints of time, invites you to stand tall and soak in its wonders. Venture further and you'll encounter the narrower tunnel, where you'll need to channel your inner explorer, sometimes even crawling. But don't worry; your efforts are rewarded with a quaint lake nestled at the tunnel's end.
Now, Khomuli isn’t just about mesmerizing rock formations and echoing silence. It's also teeming with life. Cool temperatures, hovering between 13°C to 14°C (55°F to 57°F), ensure that bats, spiders, and intriguing many-legged critters call this place home. And if you're lucky, you might even stumble upon ancient remnants of pottery shards, silent witnesses to the cave’s past as a shelter and home.
While the Khomuli Cave invites everyone, remember to seek the nod of the Imereti Caves Protected Areas before embarking on your adventure. And while the cave's rawness is its charm, there's no dedicated tourist infrastructure. So pack smart, travel safe, and let Khomuli Cave's limestone stories whisk you away.
