TIRTA GANGGA WATER PALACE – A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF BALINESE ARCHITECTURE AND TRADITIONS

Tirta Gangga, or “holy water from the Ganges”, is a former royal palace in the eastern part of Bali named after the River Ganges. It consists of a temple, the palace itself, and the bathing pools. It was built in 1946 by one of the Balinese kings and almost destroyed completely during the Mount Agung eruption of 1963 on whose slopes it is perched. It was later rebuilt and fully restored.

Since in the Hindu religion the river Ganges is considered sacred, Tirta Gangga has been the site of pilgrimage for Balinese people. It is a maze of fountains and various pools, surrounded by luscious gardens.
The architecture of the water gardens is a mix of Balinese and Chinese styles. There are 3 levels: one where the country home of the King is situated, the second one with the swimming pools, and the third and lowest with a water tower and two ponds. The water comes from the springs underneath an old Banyan tree and the temple. There are also many interesting sculptures and stone carvings spread throughout the property.
The 11-tier Meru lotus fountain you see in the background has been the symbol of Tirta Gangga since the palace was built. The waters running through the grounds have been praised by the local healers for their youth giving powers as well as healing properties and are considered the “fountain of youth”

Supposedly, Raja Karangasem was inspired to build it after visiting the Versailles Palace in France.

The biggest draw for tourists is the famous stepping stones, interspersed across the large koi pond, from which you can feed the beautifully colorful fish.

It is one of the most beautiful examples of Balinese traditions and definitely worth a visit, although the crowds can be huge, and getting the picture almost devoid of people is difficult if you get there too late in the day.