Borjomi: the city for restorative health

Borjomi is situated in a gorge in central Georgia, about two hours from the capital of Tbilisi. Borjomi Gorge is an extremely popular tourist attraction. It is the source of naturally carbonated mineral water from artesian springs – the water is from the glaciers of the Bakuriani mountains, part of the Greater Caucasus Mountain range.

The mountains are about 7,500 feet (2,300 metres). The spring water rises to the surface without pumps. The water, of volcanic origin, is still warm at the source – at a temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). It is transported by pipes to two bottling factories, where it is cooled and bottled for commercial sales – the Borjomi mineral water was trademarked in 1995.

However, there are natural springs in the town centre where visitors to Borjomi can drink the water (for free). It is warm, with a slight aroma, and a sharp tang. It is said to be good for healing digestive disorders. Hence Borjomi is a health spa city – noted for its mineral water and fresh mountain air.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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