Bali water palace. Review: Excursion to the water palace Tirta Gangga (Indonesia, Bali) - The waters of the Ganges reached the island, and the Agung volcano destroyed the royal gardens
In Karangasem district, Bali province. The name literally translates as "holy water from the Ganges". Strictly speaking, it refers to the water palace built in 1946 by the King of Karangasem, although today it is used in relation to the territory, which includes not only the palace, but also the surrounding picturesque rural areas.
The palace is surrounded by greenery, statues, pools, fountains are everywhere. King Karangasem, inspired by the beauty of these places, decided to build a palace and irrigation facilities to supply water to the rice fields. He received an architectural education in the Netherlands, so he was personally involved in the design and construction process.
The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 severely damaged buildings, and ash and lava destroyed almost all vegetation. Much of what was built was destroyed, and vandals looted valuable things. In 1966, the king died without having restored the palace. Restoration work began in 1979, took on a large-scale character in 1990 and is still ongoing.
In the sculptural ensemble of Tirtaganga, the foundations of the world outlook in Hinduism are hidden: it lies on three levels, the lower one is the world of demons, the middle one is the world of people, the upper one is the world of gods. The middle world was symbolized by the statues of people at the fountain in the central part of the complex, the lower one was a labyrinth with sculptures of animals and spirits, the highest single god was the fountain itself.
For a fee, you can swim in the pool with holy water.
How to get to Tirtagangga Palace in Bali
Tirtagangga water palace near Amlapura is 8 km via Jl. Abang-Amlapura. Besakih Temple is 30 km away. With southern resorts Bali will have to overcome at least 70 km: for such a trip it will be more convenient and more profitable to rent a car.
Video: Taman Tirta Gangga
Pond in Tirtagangga google panoramas Maps
Each of the palaces you mentioned is unique in its own way and it would be wrong to say that one of them is better or worse. If you do not like a large crowd of tourists, then it is better to go to the Tirta Ganga temple, since not all travelers know about it and all temple sights can be seen without unnecessary pandemonium. The palace is located in the Karangasem district, eight kilometers from ancient city Amlapura. Its name literally translates as "holy water from the Ganges", but many tourists leave without really understanding what this river has to do with it.
The architectural ensemble of this palace is a real architectural labyrinth, consisting of bridges, fountains, pools, alleys, paths, various figures, statues of demons.
The total area of water gardens is 1.2 hectares. On the lower level there is a pool with fish, a fountain, several sculptures; on the middle level there are baths located in the holy spring, and on the upper level there is the residence of the raja with four guest bungalows and a number of household buildings. Some tourists are delighted with what they see and decide to stay overnight in order to fully enjoy all this beauty.
In fact, if you look closely at this complex, you can see that it is thought out to the smallest detail. Water from a natural source accumulates in a large tank, and then divided into two parts. The first part is used as drinking water for the neighboring city of Amlapura, and the second through an underground pipe enters the uppermost pool. Excess water flows into a swimming pool located one level below, and from there to rice fields and small fish ponds. The lower level is called the world of demons, the middle one is the world of people, and the upper one is the world of gods.
As a result of the eruption of the Agung volcano, which occurred in 1963, the complex was slightly damaged, but over time it was completely restored and nothing reminds of that incident. Deserves special attention beautiful nature, in the environment of which the complex is located (the most beautiful look rice terraces). Everyone can swim in the local baths for an additional fee, and many tourists do not deny themselves such pleasure, especially since there are many legends around these baths. One of them says that one who bathes in the sacred waters of the Tirta Ganga during the full moon will gain eternal youth and beauty. It is not known how true this legend is, but there are plenty of people who want to test it on themselves.
Also, if you are lucky, you can witness various religious rites and ceremonies, in which water from the source is used without fail. You can visit this place daily from 6 am to 6 pm, the entrance ticket costs about three dollars (bathing in the sacred spring is paid extra).
A small but amazingly beautiful water palace Tirtagangga (Tirtagangga) and the park adjacent to it are definitely worth a visit for anyone who plans to travel to Bali. In this place, you can miraculously combine a serene rest in the shade of trees by the water with an acquaintance with the basic religious beliefs of the Balinese.
water palace Tirtagangga was built during the reign of the last Raja Karangasem Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut in 1946-48. The territory of the complex covers an area of about 1.2 hectares, in different parts of which there are several extremely attractive pools and artificial ponds.
A bit of history
The idea of building a new country house and park took possession of the Raj after his visit to Europe and visit Palace of Versailles and park. Upon his return to Bali, he took an active part in the development of the project andin a later incarnation unusual idea Tirtaganga.
During its short history, the water palace suffered several times from the violence of the elements. In 1963, during an eruption, part of the park was scorched by a lava flow, and in 1979, the Raja's palace was destroyed by an earthquake. After these upheavals, the complex was restored during the reconstruction of 2002-2003.
The palace and park ensemble is located on three levels, each of which symbolizes one of the worlds of Balinese mythology: the shelter of demons, the world of people and the sphere of the gods. This is an amazing labyrinth of alleys and paths winding between lakes, fountains and ponds, along which graceful figures of gods and terrifying demons are placed.
All fountains and ponds of the garden and park ensemble are fed by a spring that comes to the surface at the roots of a mighty banyan tree. For more than 300 years, its water has been considered holy and used in all kinds of religious ceremonies during the holidays. According to legend, this is part of the flow of the sacred Indian river Ganges, which explains the name of this picturesque place. Translated from the Balinese "tirtagangga" means the divine moisture of the Ganges River.
Netherworld "Bhur"
One of the most interesting places the lower part of the park where you can take impressive photos is a water labyrinth. It consists of individual stone octagonal slabs, slightly protruding above the water level in the pond. You should not go through it as you like, but only in a strictly defined order, after which you can gain the desired health and many benefits of the material world. In the same reservoir, on low pedestals, several dozen stone figures of guardian demons armed with clubs were installed.
The water tower located on the first level of the park has become the symbol of Tirtagangga. This ten-meter building with 11 tiers symbolizes Mount Meru, sacred to Hindus. It is crowned with a stone lotus, from which a stream of water falls. Pleasant wind-blown mist brings welcome coolness on a hot sunny day. The central fountain is surrounded by numerous figures of Hindu gods.
From the tower, through a system of pipelines, water enters the upper level and pours into the pool through the mouth of the demon Rakshasa, who has taken the form of a boar. This creature was specially created by Brahma to conserve water, so his "presence" here is simply necessary. In the future, all the water from the pools, ponds and fountains is used to supply the city of Amlapura and irrigate the nearby rice fields.
Earthworld "Bwah"
At the middle level of the park there are two large rectangular ponds. In one of these reservoirs, visitors to the park can swim freely, paying a small fee in advance. Its bottom has a variable depth, so it is convenient for both adults and small children to enter the water.
Opposite banks of the Big Pond with an area of 100 m 2 in the southern part of the complex, two light decorative bridges, decorated with intricate figures and dragons, connect. It is forbidden to swim in it, as it is used for breeding golden carps.
Many have heard about the water palace of Tirtagangga in Bali. No doubt, it's great there - especially when in the heat you have fun jumping over pebbles sticking out of the water. But not everyone knows about another Bali water palace - Taman Ujung. Let's compare two beautiful attractions in Bali and find out the advantages of one and the other. Also, be sure to check out these photos. amazing places and decide which water palace to visit when traveling to Bali.
The correct answer is both!
like this beautiful view opens from the mountain on the territory of the Taman Ujung water palace. In beauty it can be compared with the landscape around, only without thieving monkeys.
And now - two advantages of the Tirtaganga water palace over Taman Ujung:
1. Tirtaganga Water Palace is easier to find
If you get to Taman Ujung on your own, on a rented motorcycle, you will have to get lost - especially if your hotel in Bali is located in Ubud or Kuta. Given that our hotel in Bali was located in the glorious city of Ubud, the road took us No, it happened on the way to another attraction, but the road to water temple Taman Ujung was also not easy))) Therefore, carefully study the map of Bali before you go there (Tirtaganga Water Palace and Taman Ujung on the map of Bali - at the end of the article)
2. Fountains!
There are none in Taman Ujung. In Tirtaganga - there is. And that's it)
The water palace of Tirtagangga is famous for its fountains and statues of monsters. Although )))
Tirtaganga Water Palace and Taman Ujung: A Brief Background
The Tirtagangga water palace in Bali was built in the 40s of the last century. The name of this place is translated as "Water from the Ganges" - sacred river for Hindus, the area is 1 hectare. The water palace of Tirtagangga is a kind of labyrinth with monuments, fountains and, of course, ponds. The highlight of this place is a “path” laid along one of the lakes made of stones with a polished top, rising 2-3 cm above the water level. You jump on them, colorful fish swim around - beauty! A ticket to the Tirtaganga water palace costs 10,000 rupees.
The water palace of Tirtagangga is named after the Indian river Ganges. Luckily, that's where the similarities end.
The water palace of Taman Ujung is located on the seashore in the eastern part of the island, not far from Tirtagangga. Built in the Balinese and European style, the area is about 10 hectares. Construction here began at the beginning of the last century, but in the 60s and 70s, the Taman Ujung water palace was badly damaged due to natural disasters, but was restored and became even more beautiful. A ticket to Taman Ujung Water Palace costs 20,000 rupees.
The incredibly beautiful water palace of Tirta Ganga is located in the east of Bali, just a few kilometers from Amlapur. Its entire territory is a real labyrinth, which includes many ponds and fountains. The magnificent statues of mythical creatures serve as a perfect complement to all this. The palace belongs to the royal family of Karangasem and is an important cultural object on the island.
The entire territory of the palace covers an area of 1.2 hectares. Getting into Tirta Gand, there is a feeling of a different reality, it seems as if you are in ancient times. The name of the palace comes from two words: "Tirta" is translated as holy water and "Ganga" - the name of the main water artery of India.
The entire territory of the palace is divided into three levels, each of which depicts completely different worlds.
- Bhur - it depicts the world of Demons, which are surrounded on all sides by a magnificent garden. A touch of perfection to the level is given by a huge pond, through which a bridge with the image of demons is built. But they were not limited to one pond. During the walk you will see a whole system of ponds and fountains of different sizes, in each of which ornamental fish swim. In addition, there is a water tower on this level.
- Bhar is dedicated to the human world. It is here that there are baths in which you can swim for an additional fee (10 thousand rupees). There is a legend that the baths were built on the site of a holy spring.
- Swah is the highest level, which is dedicated to the gods. It is here that the residence of the Raja is located. On the matchmaker there is a place for meditation, surrounded on all sides by the gods.
Walking around the palace grounds, you will notice that there are various statues everywhere. Some of them represent gods, others demons. But each of them is dedicated to the Hindu epic Ramayana. The very first level is decorated with the Nava Sanga fountain, which is the central element in the garden. It consists of ten tiers, and around it are many Balinese creatures.
The entire territory of the palace is equipped with a water supply system. Pipes are laid underground to circulate water. A spring serves as a water source, initially water accumulates on the first level. After that, it is divided into two parts and distributed along the Tirta Ganga.
It is said that the palace was erected on the site of a sacred spring, the water from which seeped at the foot of a banyan tree. This spring exists to this day, and a small temple was erected near it.
It's no secret that fresh water in Bali is worth its weight in gold. All water reserves of the palace are used rationally. Excess water enters the middle level, and from there it is distributed to the fish pools. To avoid stagnation, water constantly flows to the rice fields in the vicinity.
In small ponds there are golden carps, otherwise they are also called koi. They brought them here from Japan.
A path has been laid on the largest reservoir, along which tourists like to walk.
History of creation
The construction of the palace dates back to the middle of the last century. Despite its rather young age, the attraction has the status of a historical one. The initiator of the construction was Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. He was so amazed by the beauty of the local nature that he decided to create magnificent building, the waters of which could be rationally used.
The creation of the project began in 1948. In general, this is the first time in history when the king himself takes an active part in the construction. For the monarch, building and designing a palace was a favorite pastime. He himself often visited construction sites among ordinary workers, for which he received even greater respect and love from his people.
In 1963, Mount Agung erupted in Bali. Several earthquakes and lava eruptions caused serious damage. Almost all the vegetation in the palace was destroyed, in addition to this, the foundations of many buildings were damaged. Not without vandalism at this time. Many valuables and household items were stolen from the palace.
A few months after the last eruption, the king still fell into the Tirta Ganga. He was shocked, because after natural disasters and robbery, the palace remained in a ruined state. There were no funds to restore the former luxury, and after 3 years he died and created the project himself.
Reconstruction work to restore the sights began only in 1979. Donations were used for them. More large-scale work has been carried out since 1990, but even to this day the palace is considered to be not fully restored.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The doors of the palace are open from 8 am to 6 pm. The cost of an adult ticket will cost you 35 thousand rupees, for a child - 15 thousand. If you arrive with your own transport, then be prepared to pay extra for parking. Parking for a bike - 3 thousand rupees, for a car - 5 thousand. In addition, it is better to have a small supply of money with you. Since during the walk you may have a desire to swim in the baths, and for this you will need to pay extra (10 thousand rupees).
It is best to visit the palace in the morning, so you will still have the opportunity to see other sights in the area. Taking into account the fact that the road to Tirta Ganga from the south of Bali is not the closest, you can come here in advance and settle in some hotel. There are also several cozy bungalows within the palace.
How to get there?
Going to Tirta Ganga, keep the direction to the Besakih temple complex, as these two objects are located relatively close to each other. The distance between the palace and Kuta is about 30 kilometers, but given that there are endless traffic jams in Bali, you need to be prepared for the fact that the road will take at least an hour.
The palace can be reached by rented transport or taxi. Shuttle Buses do not go in this direction. In addition, you can book an excursion to the east of Bali, during which you will get acquainted with this attraction. You can order such an excursion.
If you still decide to go to Tirta Ganga on your own, then it is better to use a navigator. Just he will show you the exact location of the palace. There is a car park in front of the entrance, so you won't have any problems leaving your vehicle.
Tirta Ganga Palace on the map
On this map, I marked the exact location of this water palace.
Going to the water palace of Tirta Ganga, do not forget to take a swimsuit with you. After all, as I have already noted, there are baths on its territory where you can swim on a hot day. You may also need bread to feed golden carp.
