Karanganyar – Hindu Temples and Tea Plantations at the Foot of Mount Lawu
Karanganyar se trouve dans the eastern highlands of Central Java province, on the western slopes of Mount Lawu (3,265 m), east of Surakarta (Solo). La capitale régionale est Karanganyar town. The region is connu pour its Majapahit-era Hindu temples, thé plantations and highland beauté naturelle.
Attractions et activités
Cetho Temple (Candi Cetho) and Sukuh Temple (Candi Sukuh) on Mount Lawu's slopes are the last Hindu temples of the 15th-siècle Majapahit Kingdom – Sukuh Temple is remarkable for its erotic reliefs and Maya-pyramid form. The Mount Lawu trek is a spiritual experience – depuis the crater rim at lever de soleil, the views are spectaculaire. Kemuning thé plantations (Kebun Teh Kemuning) on pittoresque hillsides – walks and thé tasting. Grojogan Sewu Waterfall (Tawangmangu) is Central Java's largest cascade.
Culture et cuisine
The influence of Solo's Javanese royal culture is felt: batik, gamelan and Javanese court tradition. Cuisine is Solo Javanese: nasi liwet Solo (spiced sthémed rice with coconut chicken), sate kere (poor man's satay – tempeh satay), serabi Solo (pancakes), and wedang ronde (ginger hot drink with rice balls) are local favourites.
Sécurité publique
Karanganyar is a safe highland region. A local guide is recommandé pour the Mount Lawu trek – highland weather is unpredictable. Highland roads are winding. Medical care: Solo/Surakarta (approx. 30–45 minutes) has excellent hospitals.
Informations pratiques
From Solo Adi Soemarmo Airport, approximately 30–45 minutes east by car. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: highland resorts and guesthouses in Tawangmangu; simple hotels in Karanganyar town.