Gunung Kawi Temple
If you’re planning a temple-hopping tour in central Bali, don’t miss Gunung Kawi Temple, an ancient Balinese Hindu temple as well as a stunningly unique archeological site near the little town of Tampaksiring. Overlooking the sacred Pakerisan River, this temple complex comprises a collection of 10 ‘Candi’ or ancient shrines carved directly into the face of a rock cliff and a functional temple courtyard across the river. These 7-meter-high monuments are believed to be dedicated to the royal family of the Udayana dynasty dating back to the 11th century, providing a certain mystical atmosphere over the complex. To reach the temple at the green river valley bottom, be prepared for some of 300 steps further down with lush paddy terraces and trees surrounding.