The Ayung River in Ubud, Bali is famous for white water rafting and kayaking. Since 2023 though, visitors can witness one more marvel after sculptors carved the “Ramayana” along the river wall. On a one-kilometre stretch you can see scenes like Vishnu’s incarnation as a human (Rama); his marriage; Rama, Sita and Lakshmana’s 14 years of exile; Sita’s kidnapping by the demon king Ravana; and the epic battle between Rama and Ravana after which the former emerged victorious. The reliefs are eye-catching and the craftsmanship is excellent to behold in person.

　　The “Ramayana” is believed to have come to Indonesia around the 8th or 9th century. Written in the old Javanese language, it became known as the “Kakawin Ramayana.” Stories from the “Mahabharata” have also been traced in some Indonesian islands to the 1st century and whose versions nearly mirror the Indian version.

　　An Intertwined History

　　The "Ramayana" mentions the island of Java as “Yawadvipa” when Sugriva, the chief of Rama’s army, sends forth his soldiers to search for Sita, Rama’s wife. This linkage can also be found in the name “Indonesia” which originates from the Greek words “Indos”, to refer to India, and “nesos” which means island. These “Indian islands” thrived on trade between the two regions, a consequence of which is that many Indonesian languages today have Sanskrit loanwords.

　　All of this is to say that the cultural, religious and economic ties which bind India and Indonesia are long. Balinese Hinduism is a distinct form of Hinduism, which involves elements of native animism, ancestral worship and Buddhist practises. The island is home to a majority Hindu population and is a popular holiday spot for foreign tourists.

　　The Information

　　Flights from Indian metropolitan cities take off regularly to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali's main airport. Reserve your spot for a white water rafting experience with tour outfitters in Bali. It's best to contact them first to check whether they pass by the "Ramayana" carvings. The experience can cost anywhere from INR 6,812 to INR 9,148 according to present exchange rates.

　　Once you've safely washed up on shore, check out a “wayang kulit” performance. A shadow puppet art form that can last many nights, the “wayang kulit” is popular on the island of Java. It depicts the “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana” with influences from indigenous Javanese traditions. As a performing art, it features a “Dalang” (puppeteer) and groups of musicians. The “wayang kulit” was deemed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia in 2023.