Lanchkhuti Municipality is located in western Georgia, on the Guria region. The territory of the district has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Urban life has been developed here since the Bronze Age, which is confirmed by the Shukhuti settlement. Lanchkhuti is first mentioned in historical sources in the 17th century. Scientists have different opinions regarding the etymology of Lanchkhuti. According to Simon Janashia's theory, this name is related to the Megrelian-Chan word chkhu, which means cow, and Lanchkhuti itself - to a cowshed. Vakhushti Batonishvili has a completely different opinion, in his opinion, the root of the toponym is "chku" and not "chkhu" and Lanchkhuti has the meaning of "samser", "gadashkhedi". By 1916, an elementary school and a library were already functioning in the district. In 1930, Lanchkhuti became the district center. Currently, the municipality has health care facilities, three public schools, a parish school, a cultural center, a library and a museum. Three regional newspapers are also published: "Lachkhuti +", "Lanchkhutis Moambe" and "Ho da Ara". Agriculture is developed in Lanchkhuti (citrus growing, livestock breeding, fruit growing), and tourism plays an important role in the coastal area. The Baku-Supsa oil pipeline and the Supsa terminal play a major role in the economy of the municipality. Lanchkhuti is also rich in minerals (peat, magnetite, limestone, clay, mineral water). The region is distinguished by its beautiful nature and ancient cultural monuments. The beautiful Kolkheti National Park, the Japanese Lake hidden in the green, the Paliastomi, medieval monuments and the sparkling blue sea with sandy beaches attract many tourists.
Geography and Climate
Lanchkhuti Municipality is located in western Georgia, in the Guria region, between the Black Sea, the Pichori River and the Guria Range. It covers the territory of the Odish-Guria Lowland and its adjacent mountains. The administrative center of the district is the city of Lanchkhuti. The municipality is bordered by the Black Sea coastline to the west,
Samtredia and Chokhatauri municipalities to the east,
Khobi, Senaki and Abasha municipalities to the north, and Ozurgeti municipality to the south. Lanchkhuti consists of 16 territorial units: the city of Lanchkhuti, Atsana, Aketi, Mamati, Nigoiti, Shukhuti, Machkhvareti, Gvimbalauri, Chibati, Lesa, Jurukveti, Ninoshvili, Nigvziani, Chochkhati, Ghrmagele and Supsa. The following rivers flow through the district: Supsa, Pichori, Lesistskali, Shuti, Gomakhuristskali, Tskaltsitela and others. There are also lakes here: Paliastomi Lake, Imnatis Lake, Japan Lake, Grigoleti Lake and others. Lanchkhuti has a plain and hilly terrain. The northwestern part is occupied by the Guria Lowland, and the southeastern part is occupied by the Guria Mountains. The middle part of the plain is 20 meters above sea level, the highest point in the municipality is Mount Talakha (660 meters above sea level).
Lanchkhuti municipality has a humid climate, which is caused by air masses coming from the Black Sea, which bring abundant atmospheric precipitation. The average annual temperature is +13°C, the minimum winter temperature is -18°C-20°C, and the maximum in summer reaches 39-40°C.
What to see
With its ancient culture and history, Lanchkhuti is also distinguished by its natural beauty. Here, rugged coastlines and an environment immersed in greenery blend together. Kolkheti National Park, Paliastomi Lake, or Japan Lake will surely charm you with their numerous migratory birds and unique exoticism. Lanchkhuti is perfect for both traveling and relaxing by the sea. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, golden water, hot sand, and thatched bungalows fill you with tropical colors and lightness. In addition to beautiful nature, you can also visit important historical and cultural monuments in the region. Ancient settlements, ruins of medieval fortresses and temples offer an interesting journey into Georgia's past. Lanchkhuti also houses a local history museum. The archaeological material preserved in the museum covers the period from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages.
