Goa Gajah

A few kilometres from Ubud, Indonesia, Goa Gajah or the "elephant cave" is a spiritual and cultural attraction filled with Buddhist and Shaivite relics and carvings. A wide-eyed demon-like structure welcomes you at the cave entrance, which further leads to a serene pool inside. The intricate stonework makes this a must-visit for anyone looking for a glimpse into Indonesian architecture and heritage.

Depicting the history and architecture of the ancient Bali Kingdom, Goa Gajah is one of the prominent historical sites in Bali. 6 km away from central Ubud, the caves are located in the Bedulu village of West Bali. Goa Gajah is fondly called as the 'Elephant caves' due to the depiction of various elephant structures that are spread all across the cave complex. It was primarily built as a meditation centre when the Balinese Kingdom ruled over the island. The sculptures adorning the caves were made to keep the evil away from the kingdom. Over a period of time, this ancient temple has turned to ruins, giving visitors insights into the old and ancient Balinese culture.