The water palace gardens in Tirtagangga Bali were designed and built in 1948 by Anak Agung Ketut Karangasem Anglurah (1887-1966), who was the last Raja (King) of Karangasem. He was a remarkable man, not only because he was the architect of the gardens of water, but also because it helped with the construction of the gardens. Many people were surprised to see the mixed with lower-class workers Raja, knee-working deep in mud digging pools and ponds, building water gardens, including the design and labor work, it was a hobby Raja favorite.
The grounds of the palace of water show a unique blend of Balinese and Chinese architecture. The grounds of the water garden (1.2 ha.) Consist of three separate levels each one with ponds and many sculptures complex. The resort at the lowest level has two large ponds and a water tower. In the second complex (intermediate) of the Water Palace are the pools. The third level is the main complex. Today is a restaurant and four bungalows (which are for rent).
A reservoir receives water from the spring and from this reservoir of drinking water is supplied through a pipe system to the city of Amlapura. There is also a system of underground pipes leading to the upper pool, which emerges through the mouth of a raksasa (a statue of the demon) who sits in a corner of the pool. Here the water flows over a lower level pool. This group of lower level opens into a small fish ponds and from there to the rice fields bordering the gardens.
Tirtagangga water has always been considered holy and is regularly used for religious ceremonies of the temple. With important days of celebration throughout the year Tirta Gangga is the fate of colorful processions with offerings, umbrellas, flags and other taxes. Led by the priests of the local temple, the ceremonies are held in the spring, accompanied by singing and music ‘Beleganjur’ a small group of gamelan gongs with each musician knocking one specific note, other than the musical scale all mixed in harmony.
