TIRTA GANGGA

Tirta Gangga just North of Karangasem on the slopes leading up to Mount Agung is Tirta Gangga, a water playground designed by a prince in the Royal Family of Karangasem as a resting place. The exotic pools and water fountains sustained some damage during the eruptions of Mt. Agung but the water gardens remain as serene and tempting as ever to the travel weary.

The cool, spring-fed pools at Tirtagangga which literally means “Ganges Water” and refers to the sacred river of the Hindus are located some 15 km northwest of Amlapura along the main road toward Singaraja. A dip in the poois is deliciously refreshing after a long drive, and they are surrounded by a captivating landscape of terraced ricefields. The village itself is small and quiet, and is a good place to pause and rest for several hours or even several days to take advantage of the many delightful walks from here.

One can stay overnight inside the pool complex itself, known officially as Tirta Ayu (“lovely waters’), where a son of the last king of Karangasem operates a small homestay. Another exciting possibility is to stay in a small lodging on a nearby hill with a view over the famous Tirtagangga rice terraces.

HOME | bali interesting places