By Tamzin Whitewood
I feel I almost have a calling to represent the, er, less popular areas of Georgia. The main reason for this is because I feel this town, along with some others, are only seen for stop-gaps while travelling across the country, and nothing much else.
So, let’s take it down a notch. Khashuri is a town in the central part of Georgia and is, actually, the 9th largest city in Georgia (did you know that?!). It is the administrative centre of the Khashuri Municipality. It is located on the Shida Kartli plain, on the Suramula riverside, some 700 metres above sea level.
Khashuri is not known as being a picturesque town. Yet, I have some theories on this. Georgia is a beautiful country, fact. In someway, I think this knowledge really lets down the honest, real towns such as Khashuri, Zestaponi and Zugdidi. Just because they may not be draw-droppingly stunning, does not mean they have nothing to offer.
Whilst there may not be many, the restaurants they do have here are of a high-quality with delicious local cuisine. Banquet Hall Karibche offers a restaurant type atmosphere for lunch and dinner, but is also available to hire for cooperate settings.
The locals here are some of the friendliest you will meet in Georgia. They will go out of their way to offer you any assistance or directions.
Worth remembering also is that the town of Bolnisi is very fear to Khashuri, offering many historical sites. 95 German colonist families lived in this town all the way up until the early 20th century. This rich history creates a real melting-pot of cultures here.
Why not combine the two cities and explore what they have to offer? Have lunch and wonder around the streets of Khashuri, and then head on to Bolnisi to visit the ‘Bolnisi Sioni’ or Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral, which is a Georgian Orthodox basilica. Well worth a visit!