This is an archeological site and a major tourist attraction. The elephant cave was built in the 11th century and was constructed as a peaceful and spiritual place for meditation.
Location
The cave is located in the western edge of the Bedulu village, about 6 kilometers away from central Ubud. Thus it is within easy reach of the top hotels in Ubud including the centrally located Alila Ubud.
The name
The name Goa Gajah, directly translated means Elephant cave. It is believed by some people that the name ‘Gajah’ (elephant) comes from the stone figure if Lord Ganesh (a Hindu god with a characterized elephant head) inside the caves.
When to go
The premises are open to the public daily from 8.00 to 16.00. All visitors are required to wear a sarong or a waist sash which are available for rent in the entrance. Further women on their period are not allowed entry.
What to find
You will have a descend a flight of stairs to reach the main grounds. Upon reaching the base you will come across a large meeting hall, a pool excavated in the early 19th century. The Northern region of the complex mostly features Buddhist relics.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.