Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga is a former royal water garden of pools, fountains and stone sculptures set among rice terraces below Mount Agung. It is a relaxed place to stroll, feed the koi and cool off in a spring-fed pool.

History

The palace was built in the mid-1940s by the last king of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, also known as Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Sources differ slightly on whether construction began in 1946 or 1948, so it is safest to say the late 1940s.

The complex was laid out in several levels. Part of the upper level was destroyed when Mount Agung erupted in 1963 and was not rebuilt. The rest was kept up by the royal family and remains in good condition, with a small museum at the rear.

Meaning and culture

The name means water of the Ganges, a reference to the river Hindus consider sacred in India. Water is central to Balinese religion, and the spring that feeds these pools is regarded as holy, used in purification and ceremonies by local communities.

Although the palace was a private retreat rather than a temple, it carries that sense of reverence. Statues of gods, guardians and mythical figures stand throughout the gardens, and the layout is meant to feel peaceful and balanced rather than grand.

What to see

• The stepping-stone path across the koi ponds
• The multi-tiered fountain at the centre
• Statues and gardens on the upper terraces
• Rice terrace views beyond the palace walls

Good to know

• Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use the pool, which has a small separate fee and changing rooms
• Wear shoes with grip, as the stones can be slippery
• Combine it with Lempuyang or Taman Ujung on the same day
• Feeding koi is allowed with food sold on site; please use only that