Taman Ayun (beautiful garden) is generally regarded as one of the most attractive temples of Bali. Taman Ayun is situated in a beautiful park with trees and ponds, near the village of Mengwi.

Pura Taman Ayun was built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. It is a socalled 'Pura Kawiten' or family temple, a special temple where the deified ancestors of the Raja Dynasty of Mengwi and important gods of other temples are honored.    

The temple is boardered by broad canals and it can only be entered via a bridge leading to a richly ornamented 'candid bentar', the gate which gives access to the outer courtyard (jaba) of the temple.