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 to refer to the area, which includes not only the palace, but also the surrounding picturesque rural areas.
The palace is surrounded by greenery, there are statues, pools, and fountains everywhere. King Karangasema, inspired by the beauty of these places, decided to build a palace and irrigation facilities to supply water to the rice fields. He received his architectural training 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 plundered valuables. In 1966, the king died without restoring the palace. Restoration work began in 1979, became large-scale in 1990 and continues to this day.
The Tirtaganga sculptural ensemble contains the foundations of the worldview in Hinduism: 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 statues of people at the fountain in the central part of the complex, the lower world was symbolized by a labyrinth with sculptures of animals and spirits, and the highest single god was the fountain itself.
For a fee you can swim in the pool with holy water.
How to get to Tirtaganga Palace in Bali
Tirtaganga Water Palace near Amlapura is 8 km via Jl. Abang - Amlapura. From Besakih Temple - 30 km. From the southern resorts of Bali you will have to travel at least 70 km: for such a trip it will be more convenient and profitable to rent a car.
Video: Taman Tirta Gangga
Pond in Tirtaganga on Google Maps panoramas
The small but amazingly beautiful Tirtagangga Water Palace and the adjacent park are definitely worth a visit for anyone planning a trip to Bali. In this place, you can miraculously combine a serene rest in the shade of trees near the water with an acquaintance with the basics of the religious beliefs of the Balinese.
The Tirtaganga Water Palace was built during the reign of the last Raja of Karangasem Anak Agung Angluraha 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 swimming pools and artificial ponds.
A little history
The idea of building a new country house and park took possession of the Raj after his visit to Europe and a visit to the Versailles Palace and Park. Upon returning to Bali, he took an active part in the development of the project andin the subsequent embodiment of the unusual idea of 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 burned by a lava flow, and in 1979, the Raja's palace was destroyed by an earthquake. After these shocks, 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 refuge 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 frightening demons are placed.
All the fountains and reservoirs of the garden and park ensemble are fed by a spring that comes to the surface at the roots of the mighty banyan tree. For more than 300 years, its water has been considered holy and is used in all kinds of religious ceremonies during 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 Balinese, “tirtaganga” means the divine moisture of the Ganges River.
Nether world "Bhur"
One of the most interesting places in the lower part of the park where you can take impressive photos is the water labyrinth. It consists of individual octagonal stone slabs protruding slightly above the water level in the pond. You should not walk along it any way you like, but only in a strictly defined order, after which you can find the desired health and many benefits of the material world. In the same reservoir, several dozen stone figures of guardian demons armed with clubs are installed on low pedestals.
The symbol of Tirtaganga is the water tower located on the first level of the park. This ten-meter structure with 11 tiers symbolizes Mount Meru, sacred to Hindus. It is crowned with a stone lotus from which a stream of water flows. 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 pipeline system, water flows to 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 its “presence” here is simply necessary. Subsequently, all the water from the pools, ponds and fountains is used to supply water to the city of Amlapura and irrigate nearby rice fields.
Earthly world "Bwah"
At the middle level of the park there are two large rectangular ponds. Park visitors can swim freely in one of these ponds after paying a small fee. Its bottom has 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. Swimming in it is prohibited, as it is used for breeding golden carp.
Each of the palaces you mentioned is unique in its own way, and it would be wrong to say that any of them are better or worse. If you do not like large crowds of tourists, then it is better to go to the Tirta Ganga temple, since not all travelers know about it and all the temple attractions can be seen without unnecessary crowds. The palace is located in Karangasem district, eight kilometers from the ancient city of 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 the water gardens is 1.2 hectares. On the lower level there is a fish pool, a fountain, and several sculptures; on the middle level there are baths located in a holy spring, and on the upper level there is the Raja's residence with four guest bungalows and a number of domestic buildings. Some tourists are delighted with what they see and decide to stay overnight 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 is collected in a large reservoir and then divided into two parts. The first part is used as drinking water for the neighboring city of Amlapura, while the second reaches the uppermost basin through an underground pipe. Excess water flows into a swimming pool located one level below, and from there into rice fields and small fish ponds. The lower level here is called the world of demons, the middle – the world of people, and the upper – the world of gods.
As a result of the eruption of Mount Agung, which occurred in 1963, the complex was slightly damaged, but over time it was completely restored and nothing reminds of that incident. The beautiful nature surrounded by the complex deserves special attention (the rice terraces look the most beautiful). Anyone 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 Tirta Ganga during the full moon will gain eternal youth and beauty. How true this legend is is unknown, but there are plenty of people who want to test it for themselves.
Also, if you are lucky, you can witness various religious rites and ceremonies in which water from the source is mandatory. You can visit this place daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the entrance ticket costs about three dollars (swimming in the sacred spring costs extra).
Hello friends! We are in Bali, which means we continue to talk about this wonderful island with its Balinese culture, fantastic natural landscapes and incredibly kind people!
In previous articles, I already talked about the main thing, and about the ancient, the very first, which reminded me so much of Peterhof.
It was then that I promised that I would tell about another palace of the last rajah of the principality of Karangasem, well, the time has come :)
So in this article we will talk about the Tirta Gangga water palace, which is striking in its grace and splendor, with fountains, ponds, bridges and picturesque alleys with statues. At the end, I will give a recommendation on what you can combine a visit to this park with so that the trip turns out to be the most eventful experience.
Well, here we are in the palace!
Although, in appearance, Tirta Ganga looks like a historical monument, the park and palace are not as ancient as it might seem at first glance. The complex was built less than 70 years ago in 1946, by the same king with the long name Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut, he also built his first palace, Taman Ujung.
It’s not that the first royal residence was not to their liking, it’s just that even kings have hobbies)) Balinese had a passion for construction and design, he even went to Holland to study architectural skills :)
And the fact that the Tirta Ganga Palace looks like an ancient relic is due to the special atmosphere and climate in Bali. Here, even ordinary stone houses, gates and statues are covered with soft green moss within a few months, which gives the impression that they belong to a great ancient heritage.
In 1963, as a result of the eruption of Mount Agung, the complex was slightly damaged, but to everyone’s joy it was completely and skillfully restored.
The name Tirta Ganga can be translated as follows: Tirta - holy or divine water, and. So, there is a belief that the water here comes from the sacred Indian river. By the way, we saw the Ganges in India, the water in it is, to put it mildly, dirty, especially in cremation sites, but here the water is clear, clean with carps. The holy spring gushes from under the roots of the sacred Banyan tree; this water is used in ceremonies and holiday rituals.
The territory of the Tirta Ganga complex (more than one hectare) is surrounded by greenery and built up with baths, pools and ponds 
Moreover, the entire water system is thought out to the smallest detail - one part is designed for neighboring villages and surrounding areas, the other for swimming pools and fish ponds, and the third goes to rice fields, of which there are a huge number in the area.
The demon Rakshasa in the form of a boar-fountain guards the sacred water in the pond,
up close it looks quite scary, like it’s spitting saliva
Tirta Ganga Palace consists of three complexes, with dozens of statues, bridges,
alleys,
and fountains you can walk among
The first complex on the lower level is just a system of lakes with numerous fountains
and pots of flowers
The second, on the middle level, has large swimming pools. And, the third, the top one, the residence house of the late Raja, here it is just a little visible
Each level has its own symbols: the top is the world of the gods, then in the middle is the world of people and the lowest is the world of demons.
The Tirta Ganga water palace is an amazing labyrinth of pools, fountains and bridges, in a beautiful green garden with many paths, one of the alleys is decorated not only with elegant statues, but also 
human height 
the most unusual path and not a path at all is a sequence of pebbles in a pond 
In which fattening golden carp swim, by the way, you can feed them, 
And some, it seems, even get caught 
Perhaps this is the favorite pastime of the locals :) Not everyone can sit in the shade under a tree 
Although the view from there is definitely worth it. Along the circumference of the central fountain, symbolizing the highest god - statues of Hindu gods
Guys, and not only)) In general, all tourists have fun walking along the ponds, jumping from pebble to pebble 
It’s better to watch your step, otherwise you might accidentally step on a carp)) 
These guys offered to teach me how to catch carp with my hands)) 
In general, we liked the Tirta Ganga water complex; here you can swim in the springs to your heart’s content and walk along the paths, 
admire the interesting finds of the architect 
You can even look into the demon's mouth 
And if this is not enough, then you can finally have a meal in a restaurant, and even stop here for the night. There are four Tirta Ganga bungalows in the complex Tirta Ayu Homestay & Restaurant, by the way, the hotel is run by the descendants of Raja Anak Agung Anglurakh Ketut himself.
And here you can see hotels in the area.
There are numerous rice terraces around the Tirta Ganga complex; despite the fact that there are not enough rice fields, we did not miss the opportunity to take a walk here.
At the same time we walked around the palace, and along the path going up into the forest, we went up to look at the complex from high 
Helpful information:
- A ticket to the Tirta Ganga complex costs 15,000 rupees, parking for a bike costs 1,000 rupees.
- Swimming in a pool with holy water - also 15,000 rupees
- The complex is open until 6 pm.
Local grannies sell snacks at the entrance 
and so you won’t remain hungry))
Tirta Ganga Palace is located away from the main tourist sites; if you are coming from Bukit, it makes sense to leave early. And if you’ve already made your way to these parts, it would be logical to visit other interesting places nearby:
If you have enough time or decide to spend the night in a bungalow from the Rajah or at the nearest resort in Chandidas, then I recommend driving to the rice fields, of which there are a huge number here 
or, for example, visit the Lempuyang Temple (Pura Lempuyang), it is located about 10 km east of Tirta Ganga on the slopes of the Lempuyang mountain of the same name 
It is not very popular among tourists, although it plays an important role in Balinese culture and religion. The complex is huge and very beautiful, and there are so many mysterious legends associated with it, I won’t go into details today; this “Temple of Heaven” clearly deserves a separate article 
If you are going here, it is better to arrive at dawn, firstly, avoid fatigue in the sun, because to climb to the highest temple, you need to overcome 1700 steps through the jungle, and secondly, the views from above are simply breathtaking, but closer to lunch on the mountain fog - this mountain, just like the majestic Agung, holds the clouds, and clouds hang over the valley, visibility is noticeably worse .. 
Well, if you want to diversify your trip to the temples
The incredibly beautiful Tirta Ganga water palace is located in the east of Bali, literally a few kilometers from Amlapur. Its entire territory is a real labyrinth, which includes many ponds and fountains. A wonderful addition to all this are the magnificent statues of mythical creatures. The palace belongs to the royal family of Karangasem and is an important cultural site on the island.
The entire territory of the palace covers an area of 1.2 hectares. When you enter Tirta Ganda, you get the 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” is 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. The level is given a touch of perfection by a huge pond across which a bridge with images of demons is built. But they didn’t limit themselves to just one pond. During your walk, you will see a whole system of reservoirs and fountains of different sizes, each of which has decorative fish swimming. In addition, there is a water tower on this level.
- Bhar is dedicated to the human world. This is where the baths are located, where 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.
- Matchmaker is the highest level, which is dedicated to the gods. This is where the residence of the Raja is located. On the matchmaker there is a place for meditation, surrounded on all sides by gods.
As you walk 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 is surrounded by many Balinese creatures.
The entire territory of the palace is equipped with a water supply system. Pipes are laid underground to circulate water. The water source is a spring; initially the water accumulates on the first level. After this, it is divided into two parts and distributed throughout the Tirta Ganga.
It is said that the palace was built on the site of a sacred spring, from which water seeped out at the foot of a banyan tree. This source 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 falls to the middle level, and from there it is distributed among the fish pools. To avoid stagnation, water constantly flows into the rice fields in the surrounding area.
Small ponds are home to golden carp, also known as koi. They were brought here from Japan.
On the largest body of water there is a path 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 landmark has historical status. 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 a magnificent structure, 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 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, and the foundations of many buildings were damaged. There was also some vandalism at this time. Many valuables and household items were stolen from the palace.
A few months after the last eruption, the king finally 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 3 years later he died and created the project himself.
Reconstruction work to restore the landmark began only in 1979. Donated funds were used for them. Larger-scale work has been underway since 1990, but even to this day the palace is considered not to be 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, be prepared to pay for parking as well. Parking for a bike is 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 still have the opportunity to see other attractions in the surrounding area. Considering that the road to Tirta Ganga from the south of Bali is not the closest, you can come here in advance and stay in a hotel. There are also several cozy bungalows within the palace.
How to get there?
When going to Tirta Ganga, head towards the Besakih temple complex, as these two sites are located relatively close to each other. The distance between the palace and Kuta is about 30 kilometers, but given the endless traffic jams in Bali, you need to be prepared for the journey to take at least an hour.
You can get to the palace by rented transport or taxi. Regular buses do not go in this direction. In addition, you can book an excursion to the east of Bali, during which you will get to know this attraction. You can book such an excursion.
If you still decide to go to Tirta Ganga on your own, then it is better to use a navigator. He will tell 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.
When going to the Tirta Ganga water palace, do not forget to take a swimsuit with you. After all, as I already noted, there are baths on its territory where you can swim on a hot day. You may also need bread to feed your golden carp.
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