Mtirala National Park

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Mtirala National Park is located in historical Achara. The territory of Mtirala is constructed by volcanic-sedimentary rocks of so-called “Naghvarevi Pack”, which are presented by alternation of sub-alkali and lime alkali basalts, trachiandesites, andesites, delenites, tuffites, marls and argillites. Mount Mtirala is located between the Black Sea and Achara mountain system on the watershed of Chakvistskali and Koraghitskali.These mountains intercept the humid air from the Black Sea and determine Achara's very humid climate. Generally, Achara is rich in atmospheric precipitation but the Mount Mtirala, height of which is 1381 m above sea level, is the most abundant with precipitation. Annual precipitation reaches to 4520 mm here, due to which the Mount Mtirala is considered as one of the wettest sites not only in Achara but in our country as well.The toponym "Mtirala" (“Weeping”) was given to this Mount just because of abundant precipitation.
The flora of Mtirala is rich and diverse. In the territory of the National Park are widespread both, the forest vegetation represented by chestnut groves, beech groves and the mixed forest of Cholchic type and evergreen shrubbery of Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) characteristic for Kolkheti. Beech, lime, chestnut, alder and hornbeam can be found in the forest of Colchic type. The underbrush is covered with shrubbery of Pontic rhododendron, Cherry laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis),Black Sea holly (Ilex colchica), Colchic box tree (Buxus colchica)several kinds of lianas.
Rare, endemic and Georgia’s Red List species to Achara-Lazeti such as Teaberry-likearbutus(Epigaea gaultheroides), Primrose(Primula megasaefolia) and Medvedev’s birch (Betula medwedewii) are widespread in the territory of Mtirala National Park.

The fauna of Mtirala is rich as well. Among amphibians Caucasian salamander, Banded newt, Caucasian toad, Common tree frog, Long-legged frog and Eurasian marsh frog can be found here.
Three species of lizard and several species of snakes, such as Grass Snake and Dice Snake, and Caucasian Viper inhabit here. The Ornithofauna of the National Park is quite richinbirds of prey. Here are registered Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Goshawk,Sparrowhawk,Eurasian hobby,Common kestrel , as well as the nocturnal birds of prey, such as Eurasian eagle owl  and Common scops owl . Among the other birds here nest hoopoe, woodpecker, raven, Blackbird, and Golden oriole.
Among small mammals the following inhabit the NationalPark: badger, weasel, Caucasian  squirrel, hare, Red fox, mole and wild cat. Among large mammals the Brown bear inhabit the Park. Lynx and wolf can be found here as well. Among ungulates the Roe deer  can be found in the forests and rarely – the Wild boar.
Ruins of fortresses and bridges of the Early and Late Middle Ages are found in the surroundings of Mount Mtirala (or Tsiskara). The most important monuments of those periods are the 13th century Skhalta church of hall type, Khikhani, Gonio and Petra castles. Territories near the Mtirala National Park, in Didi Achara, Dandaloand Maradidi still keep mosques - cult buildings of Moslem Georgians. The villages nearby Mtirala Park keep unique samples of ancient national wooden houses.
Archeological excavations discovered even the oldest - the pre-Christian monuments. The ruins of iron mines and Colchic settlements of 3rd-2nd centuries B.C. have been investigated. And In the territory of Gonio castle, which in ancient Greek and Roman annals is known as Apsarunti, the hippodrome, store buildings and houses of the 2nd century B.C. were excavated.
Summer tourism is very well-developed in Kvariati and Chakvi resorts. The National Park itself has quite good potential for bird-watching and ecotourism.