Tourists, who got to the territory of Balaklava district, may have an impression that they found themselves on the Cote d’Azur of France, on one of the islands of Greece or on the coast of the Apennine Peninsula, assigned to Italy. Judge for yourself, on the territory of the district, except for the coastline of the warm sea and low mountains, there are many interesting industrial objects and marvelous natural attractions. For example, many citizens and guests of Ukraine are familiar with the taste of products of the agro-firm «Zolotaya Balka» or «Inkerman Vintage Wine Plant», as well as Balaklava smoked fish — golden-sided hamsa, horse mackerel, silver mullet and mackerel.
The list of luxurious gifts given to the Crimean «Cote d’Azur» by Nature opens, of course, with Balaklava Bay. But it is on the lands of this area is located Cape Sarych — the southernmost point of all Ukraine, as well as the largest reservoir of water on the peninsula — Chernorechenskoye Reservoir. Not so grandiose, but very picturesque is another local attraction — Merdven-Tobe waterfall.
This hydrological site is located on the outskirts of Rodnoye village. On Vodopadnaya Street, along a dirt road, guests should walk towards the Chernorechenskiy Canyon. Descending into the most delightful river valley of the peninsula, tourists should turn left. Here they will see a whole set of luxury attractions. First, the Merdwen-Tobe waterfall itself. Secondly, the Koba-Chair grotto. Thirdly, a small flowing lake. It was formed by the Uppa River, which carries its waters into the Chernorechensky Canyon.
Frankly speaking, the power of the Merdven-Tobe waterfall is not comparable to Niagara, Victoria or Crimean Uchan-Su, Djurly or Djur-Jur. The whole waterfall is a thin stream falling from a height of 4 meters. The width of the stream does not exceed what could pour out of the throat of a large amphora, if someone set it in the rock and endlessly filled it with water. The uniqueness of the Merdwen-Tobe waterfall lies in its originality. It looks very unusual Lake Uppa, surrounded by a crescent of rocks, the view of which is enlivened by a rapid water jet.
The Koba Chair grotto was formed under the waterfall. It is through, so tourists can hide from the scorching Crimean sun under its vault. The walls of Koba-Chair are covered with fouling formations. This is the result of underground water seeping into the cave from under the main stream Merdven-Tobe. The grotto is damp and cool. But it is the most pleasant place from which to admire the sun, which shimmers, sparkles and reflects in the Merdwen-Tobe stream. This landscape is not typical of the Crimean mountains, so it begs comparison with a stay on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, which is characterized by such chamber waterfalls, lagoons-crescent moons and wet, cool grottoes, where usually lives a legion of mythical creatures: Scyllas, Harbids, Demos and Phobos!
Interestingly, at one time on holiday in Balaklava, alien Goths, Alans and migrants from Hellas — Greek colonists — were seen in this place. All of them gave the waters of Merdwen-Tobe magical properties, so they chose Lake Uppa as a place for sacred rituals. Today, in order to dive into the sacred reservoir and wash your face with the waters of Merdven-Tobe, on vacation to Sevastopol, Bakhchisarai or Foros the public, dabbling in esotericism, engaged in spiritual practices and meditations.