TIRTA GANGGA WATER GARDEN

Tirta Gangga Water Garden were designed and constructed in 1948 by Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem (1887 - 1966), who was the last king of Karangasem. He was a remarkable man to say the least, not only because he was the architect of the water gardens but also because he helped with the construction of the gardens. A lot of people were astonished to find the Raja amidst his lower class laborers, working knee deep in the mud digging out the pools and ponds. Owned and maintained by the royal Karangasem family, the lavish water gardens feature 1.2 hectares of pools, ponds and fountains surrounded by neatly cut lawns that are adorned with stepping stones, ornate statues and tropical gardens.

Holy Water at Tirta Gangga Water Garden : In Tirta Gangga there is a spring which is very purified by the local community, where every religious ceremony takes place, they always go to this spring to take holy water for ceremonial purposes because it is believed to be holy water. The water of Tirta Gangga Park has always been regarded as holy and is regularly used for religious temple ceremonies.With important celebration days Tirta gangga Park is the destination of colourful processions with offerings, umbrellas, flags and other tributes. Led by the local temple priests, ceremonies are held in the spring, accompanied by chanting and the music of the 'Beleganjur', a gamelan gong group of small gongs with each musician striking a specific, different note on the musical scale, all blending in harmony. You can see this ceremony on certain days only, where many villagers here will gather and pray to ask for safety and health.