Tombs and temple of Gunung Kawi in Bali and how to visit

Description and is it worth a visit

Tombs and Temple of Gunung Kavi in Bali

Tombs and temple of Gunung Kawi (Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi or Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, also sometimes called Mount Kawi) is a unique temple complex and a very interesting place in Bali that is definitely worth a visit. For some reason, it is not included in the lists of top places in bloggers and guidebooks, and excursions are rarely brought here. However, in our opinion, this is a big omission. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the temple is not yet very well known and promoted, but this, in general, is its plus - especially if you prefer sparsely populated places, rather than crowded with tourists.

Gunung Kavi Temple is unique in that it is the burial place of kings. The place is impressive in its scale. The complex consists of the temple itself, huge tombs carved into the rocks, as well as monastic cells, which are also cut down in solid rock. On the way from the parking lot to the complex you will see picturesque rice fields and terraces, as well as a holy spring, a swimming pool and fountains. It will take an hour or even more to inspect the entire complex imperceptibly. To make your visit even more interesting, here is a little history of the temple and tombs:

The tomb and the temple of Gunung Kavi, discovered in 1920 by a Dutch archaeologist. Buildings dating back to the end of the XI century (the exact year of construction of the temple is 1080) were found in a rock cave destroyed by an earthquake. However, the origin of this place is shrouded in secrets and legends. According to one version, the tombs appeared in the X century, during the reign of King Udayana, Anaki's father. A more popular legend connects their creation with the name of Anaki Wungsu, who erected Gunung Kawi in honor of his parents.

Interestingly, there is still no evidence that members of the royal family are really buried here. In Hindu culture, cremation is considered the only correct way of burial, since burning the body frees the soul for reincarnation. This casts doubt on the purpose of the tombs, because by tradition the ashes are scattered over the ocean.

Local legends add mysticism: one of them says that the demon Kebo Willow carved bas-reliefs overnight, either out of boredom, or on the orders of Anaki. Another legend says that the temple was built first, and the tombs appeared later, and this place became sacred thanks to the holy spring given by God Vishnu instead of the poisoned river.

Gunung Kavi remains a mystery, where history is intertwined with myths, and the truth is hidden in the depths of centuries.

The tombs are impressive

They're huge

That's how tiny people are against their background

There are also many monks' cells here

Everything looks very mysterious and intriguing

Inside the cells

On the way here you will pass through rice fields

And past the coconut palms

The temple part is also interesting

Also see Bali excursions with reviews available for online booking on these trusted sites:

• 📷 Excursions to Bali on Trip.com
• 📷 Excursions to Bali on Tripster.ru
• 📷 Excursions to Bali on Sputnik8.com