Waterfall is one of the most attractive sights for travelers around the world. The power and majesty of the falling elements have a bewitching effect on people.
Among the splendor of the Caucasus Mountains, in the vicinity of the sunny resort town of Kislovodsk, in the picturesque gorge of the Alikonovka River, you can observe one of the most beautiful natural phenomena - Honey Falls.
Caucasian legends
These wonders of nature owe their beautiful names to ancient legends. According to local legends, once among the rocks of the waterfall in the recesses and crevices, wild bees built honeycombs, collecting nectar from honey-bearing herbs, which are rich in the slopes of the gorge. Torrential rains and spring floods eroded the hives, staining the rocks with amber droplets. The water became sweet, and the gorge was filled with the delicate aroma of honey. The bees died out a long time ago, unable to withstand the harsh winters, but the name has been preserved.
According to legend, once the daughter of a noble prince, against the will of her father, fell in love with a shepherd-commoner Ali Konov. In honor of the young shepherd, the river was named, as well as the settlement, which was formed later. The prince was angry at the girl's disobedience anddecided to pass her off as a rich old man. The unfortunate lovers had no choice but to leave their native lands. They set off in pursuit of the fugitives, the servants almost caught them. And then the young decided to end their lives by jumping into a stone abyss. However, the shepherd took this step first. He crashed against the rocks, and the prince's daughter was frightened and … did not have time to rush after the young man. The gorge was nicknamed the "Castle of deceit and love." It is a few kilometers from the network of waterfalls. In those places stretches a ridge of rocks, reminiscent of the ruins of battlements of the castle. Hence the name.
Honey Falls: how to get there?
It is not so difficult to make a trip to the amazing regions of Kislovodsk. On the highway, the distance from Pyatigorsk to Kislovodsk is 43 km, which can be overcome in forty minutes. Also, electric trains go there every hour (travel time is 57 minutes), the departure point of which is the city of Pyatigorsk. Honey waterfalls are located about 17 km from Kislovodsk, near the village of Krasny Kurgan. This path can be done on foot or by car, passing the border with Karachay-Cherkessia. Don't worry about this. Nobody will check the documents. Signposts with the inscription "Honey Waterfalls" can be found immediately after the sign "Karachay Stud Farm". They will help you navigate through the mountain landscapes. The top of the snowy Elbrus adorns the green panorama of this region. The road tape leads through the field and descends into the Alikonovka gorge. The view opens with an incredibly picturesque panorama: the walls of the dolomitesfrom one side of the tract and thickets of hazel among the rocks and lowlands - on the other side.
Honey Walk
Viewing the famous sights - a group of waterfalls of the Alikonovsky tract, begins with a descent through an arch made of stones. You need to go into a narrow passage along the stairs between the rocks, the so-called "Teschiny ribs".
First, tourists see the second largest (6 meters) waterfall "Pearl". Snow-white large splashes of this powerful source, sparkling in the sun, like strings of pearls, undoubtedly delight the eye. Crystal clear, this wide cascade resembles a puffy skirt of a bride's wedding dress!
Then the sightseeing continues with the "Secret" waterfall, which quietly made its way under a huge boulder. In some sources, it is called "Girl's braids" (for its intertwining jets of three streams).
Further the path leads to the waterfall "Snake", which, meandering, slides down a sheer cliff on the other side of the boulder, playing loudly with cold spray.
Communication with nature continues "The Mill" - the fourth erupting stream of foaming water. He falls noisily to the rock bottom.
The walk ends at the main waterfall 18 meters high, which is called "Honey" or "Echki bash", which means "goat's head". Its source is spring. They say that the mountain water here is very tasty, even sweet, like honey.
Walk to the biggest waterfall
At the largest cascade, a bridge has been built, on which you can walk,to experience the chilling freshness of the crystal sprays and take amazing photos of the Honey Falls, which are beautiful in any season! In summer, they will give coolness on a hot day and invigorate with their "music". In winter, tourists are amazed by the bizarre compositions of frozen power and mysterious silence. Autumn with its colors brings a new breath to the picturesque panoramas of nature. And this has its own charm. In addition, in autumn, as in spring, the water flows are fuller and more impressive.
Healing power of the elements
The flow, dropping from a height, hits a stone bed, above which clouds of water dust form. Sunlight, playing with crystal droplets, draws iridescent pictures. On a bright cloudless day you can see dozens of rainbows. Their beauty has healing power. Magic drops of a falling curtain under the rays of the sun create electric charges. So Honey Falls with cool air saturated with negatively charged ions have a miraculous effect on the human body, nourishing with vivacity and magical energy. It is very good for restoring strength and strengthening the immune and nervous systems.
Modern research has established that after visiting waterfalls, the general condition improves and a sense of peace appears. In addition, the Alikonovka gorge is fragrant with flower meadows and lush vegetation. Therefore, the mist of falling cascades, mixed with fragrant phytoncides, has a beneficial effect on people prone to allergies and asthma attacks, andalso cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
It is no coincidence that poets and musicians go to admire the beauties of nature in search of inspiration! Change the state of the soul, recharge with energy and positive emotions, fill the heart with joyful warmth - this is not a complete list of reasons to visit Honey Falls. A map of Kislovodsk will not describe to novice travelers the delights of either the sea or golden beaches. But it will lure you with a unique mountain microclimate, resort parks and magical springs of narzan. And the incomparable landscapes of the valley of the Alikonovka River and the delightful spectacle that the bubbling Honey Waterfalls give will make an indelible impression.
