Telavi
Updated: November 6, 2026
Kakheti · 95 km from Tbilisi
Telavi is the main town of Kakheti, on the slope of the Tsiv-Gombori Range above the Alazani Valley. The town has about 16,800 residents.
In the 10th–12th centuries Telavi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti, again in the 17th century, and by 1762 it became the second capital of the united Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti.
King Erekle II was born and died here. His palace in the Batonis Tsikhe fortress is now a museum, and a plane tree about 900 years old grows in the centre.
- WhereKakheti, 95 km from Tbilisi via Gombori
- Altitudeabout 500–800 m
- HighlightsBatonis Tsikhe fortress and the palace of Erekle II
- From Tbilisiabout 2 hours
- Best timeSeptember–October, rtveli
Tours that include Telavi
8.8304 reviewsTelavi excursion from Tbilisi — Kakheti’s wine capital
9.4164 reviewsWine tasting in Kakheti
9.6399 reviewsThe Alazani Valley wine route 2026
9.6793 reviewsRtveli — the grape harvest in Kakheti
9.6793 reviewsKazbegi + Kakheti in 2 days
9.4164 reviews10-day Georgia tour — full immersion 2026
9.6911 reviewsNew Year tour to Georgia
History of Telavi
The town was already mentioned by Ptolemy under the name Teleda. In the 10th–12th centuries Telavi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti, and in the 17th century it became the capital of Kakheti again.
Erekle II, king of Kakheti and then of the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti (1744–1798), was born and died in Telavi. By 1762 the town had become the second capital of the united kingdom, and in 1782 a seminary opened here.
What to see
- Batonis Tsikhe — a 17th-century fortress residence with the palace of Erekle II, now a museum.
- Dzveli Galavani — the old town wall of the 9th–10th centuries. The town has four fortification monuments from four different eras.
- Plane tree — the tree is about 900 years old, about 40 m tall, with a trunk girth of about 11 m.
Best time to visit
The best time is September and October, during rtveli, the grape harvest. In spring the valley is green; summer can reach 35 °C.
How to get there
- By car: about 95 km and 2 hours over the Gombori Pass.
- On a tour: Telavi excursions and Kakheti wine tours — more in the article about Telavi.
Tips
- At the monasteries around the town women need a headscarf and skirt, men long trousers.
Telavi photos
Our drone video and photos from Wikimedia Commons
What’s near Telavi
Tsinandali≈ 9 km as the crow flies, the Chavchavadze estate
Alaverdi Cathedral≈ 15 km as the crow flies, an 11th-century cathedral
Gremi Castle≈ 19 km as the crow flies, 16th century
Where to stay nearby
TelaviChateau Mere is a hotel in Telavi. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace. The restaurant serves local cuisine. Free private parking is also available.
TelaviTinikos Guest House is a guesthouse in Telavi. Guests can enjoy a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace and free Wi-Fi. Guests can use the shared kitchen or the children's playground.
TelaviTrip.com prices per night for 2 adults, check-in 07–08.11.2026, data as of 31.10.2026; Trip.com shows hotel prices in US dollars. Booking and payment — on Trip.com, our partner.
Telavi on the map
Telavi FAQ
How long is the drive from Tbilisi to Telavi?
About 95 km and 2 hours by car over the Gombori Pass.
What is there to see in Telavi?
Batonis Tsikhe fortress with the palace of Erekle II, the old Dzveli Galavani wall and a plane tree about 900 years old.
What is there to see near Telavi?
11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, the Ikalto Academy, 16th-century Gremi castle and the Tsinandali estate.
When is the best time to go?
In September and October, during rtveli — the grape harvest.
Why is Telavi called a capital?
In the 10th–12th and 17th centuries it was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti, and by 1762 the second capital of the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti.
Are there tours to Telavi?
Yes — a Telavi excursion from Tbilisi, Kakheti wine tours and multi-day tours. They are listed above on this page.
Photo sources
- preview_triplinkhub_com, Pinterest
- Lomie1, Pinterest
- financecompanyazerbaijanfca, Pinterest
- traveltogeorgia, Pinterest
- itinaritravel, Pinterest
- Lomie1, Pinterest
- Monika from Sochaczew near Warsaw, Poland, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Nika, EXOTOUR, CC BY-SA 1.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Zangala at Georgian Wikipedia, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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