Tirta Gungga water gardens are a masterpiece of intricate architecture.
Located approximately 30 minutes to the north of Candidasa.
This lush garden wonderland is set on the south-eastern slope of Bali’s highest mountain,
Mount Agung.
A former royal palace that was designed and built by the regions king in 1946.
King/Raja Anak Agung was often seen working knee deep in mud with his craftsmen.
As you enter through the traditional gates, you will step into a world of manicured beauty.
Large pools, fountains, ornate bridges, ancient statues and stepping stones will lead you around the 1.2 hectares of lavish gardens.
On the upper level of the gardens is a huge banyan tree.
At the base of this tree are the sacred springs.
This holy water is used during religious ceremonies.
The local priests and villagers can often be seen at the temple performing traditional Hindu customs.
This holy spring water flows down and throughout the royal gardens and into the green rice fields beyond.
As well as supplying drinking water to the town of Amlapura via an underground pipe.
Meander throughout the garden rooms and pathways as you explore the 3 different levels.
Touring the large lower garden level pool via the strategically placed stepping stones gives you the opportunity
to get really close to the huge golden koi fish.
In the middle of the garden is an impressive 11 tiered fountain.
The top tier is in the form of an open lotus flower.
At the base of the fountain are large pot planters filled with pineapple plants.
Visitors are able to swim in one of the fresh spring pool which was in fact the original royal
bathing pool.
You can stop in at the old palace, which is now a restaurant to enjoy beautiful views over the
gardens.
I have visited these gardens many times over the years.
Each time the clear waters and the beautiful tropical plants envelope me in cool and refreshing
embrace.
Visitors can spend an hour or the whole day here, enjoying this sacred space in their own time.
This is an impressive place and defiantly worth visiting.
