Bali is a main tourist destination in Asia. Famous the world over for its beaches and the tropical sceneries, Bali has lots more to offer. One of the areas that is often visited by tourists who love to explore the arts and architecture of Bali is Ubud. Consider staying at an Ubud hotel and exploring this culturally rich area. Uma by COMO, Ubud is a good option in this regard and lies nestled in the midst of lush greenery that Bali is blessed with.
One of the attractions around Bali is the Elephant Cave or rather more famously known as – Goa Gajah. Most people are of the opinion that this is a cave filled with elephants; however this is not the case! Goa Gajah is a historically significant site located on the edge of the Bedulu Village. It is less than an hour’s journey from Ubud.
Goa Gajah dates back to the 11th century, making it an ancient treasure. It was built to serve as a place for meditation. The main grounds are a few steps below the car park and roadside. The carvings and structures reflect a mix of both Hindu influence as well as Buddhist influence. There is a shallow cave that features three stone idols. There is also a pool that was excavated in 1954. There are several indications as to where once priests would have meditated. The northern part of the complex is predominantly dedicated to Buddhism while the Southern part is more inclined towards Hinduism. The Southern part of the complex overlooks rice fields and also there is a small stream that connects to a river.
A visit to Bali should not only be restricted to beaches as there is so much more to explore and experience in this ‘Island of the Gods.’
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Melissa Somawardana, concealed under the name of Kanya Mae, writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.