The natural monument is the canyon-like valley of the Tskaltsitela River, covered with beautiful Colchian forest and distinguished by exceptional beauty. According to legend the Tskaltsitela ("red water") got its name at the time of the Battle of Khresili, when the water turned red with blood. In reality, when the river rises it washes the red earth beds that lie almost everywhere along its course in Okriba, and the water takes on a red color. In the valley, numerous mineral springs on land and underwater lend the river remarkable healing properties. The river teems with trout, barbel, Kura barbel, murtsa, chub, tobi, shemaya and others, while otter and nutria live on its banks. In winter waterfowl can be seen, and among mammals the jackal, fox and badger occur. Special charm is lent to the valley by its historical-cultural monuments: the Gelati monastery complex and the monastery of the holy martyrs David and Constantine.