Ubud- Cultural Capital of Bali...!!

Less than an hour's drive from the bustling Kuta lies the contrasting Ubud to its north. This little Indonesian town in Bali is an art lover's paradise with innumerable art galleries, art streets, paintings, woodwork, silver work and a host of other art related works. Also popular are the paddy fields of Ubud making it one of the most sought after destinations in Bali. Ubud has gained a considerable amount of importance on the tourist map in the recent years (partly due to 'Eat, Pray and Love'). 

It is not without a reason, that Ubud is referred to as the cultural capital of Bali. The significance of its culture in its art is immense. There are numerous art galleries on every road selling magnificent paintings. The art street is quite a popular one with a wide display of creations. Ideally this is the best place to buy a souvenir to take back home. There are many art museums within the town which displays the exceptional works of renowned Balinese artists. As seen across Bali, temples are ubiquitous in Ubud too.

A art gallery

An alley in Ubud

The road that leads to Ubud has many art shops selling wood works and stone arts. Most of these creations are of characters from Ramayana. There are also workshops of Balinese and Batuan paintings, woodwork (in Mas) and silver ware (in Celuk) in Ubud where visitors are taken on guided tours and briefed about making of the creations.  

An artisan working on silverware

Silverware

Woodwork by an artisan in Mas

Ubud palace with magnificent sculptures stands right in the middle of the town and is another major attraction. Visitors do not have access to the insides of the palace. A short walk away from the palace is the monkey forest which is also quite popular with tourists. 
 

Ubud Palace

Ubud has always been known for its terraced paddy fields which are not far from the town. As you move away from the main streets, it becomes less crowded, more serene and the roads snake past the lovely paddy fields. The stepped terracing makes the landscape breathtakingly beautiful and the best place to see this is Tegal Lalang, a short drive away from Ubud town. The ideal way to soak in the life of Ubud would be to cycle through its alleyways and paddy fields.

Paddy fields at Tegal Lalang

I was dropped of at the main street in Ubud and all I did was to roam roam and roam through the alleyways and art streets, gaze at the gorgeous paintings hanging outside the art galleries, watch artisans make wonderful creations  and haggle with the street vendors. Post the stroll, treated myself to a cup of Balinese coffee in one of those quaint coffee shops by the road and stared in oblivion as the world went by. 

Signing Note- An art lover's paradise...!!

Distance- 35 Kms (from Kuta)