BANTEAI SREI TEMPLES
Book holiday to Banteai Srei
The temple of Banteay Srei is revealed as one of the most intriguing and beautiful. Since the French explorer Henri Mouhot stumbled upon Angkor Wat in the jungles of north Cambodia in the 1860ís, travellers from around the world have tried to reach this remote region to see one of humankindís greatest creations. It has been said that in order to truly understand Cambodia and the Khmer identity, one must visit this extraordinary site.
The Khmer empire was founded by King Jayavarman II in 802, building his capital at Roluos. It was he who also introduced the cult of Indian deities that feature so prominently in the architecture of temples built over the next 600 years. The Khmer Empire reached itís pinnacle in the 12th century (the period when Angkor Wat was built) when the Khmers controlled much of western Thailand, southern Laos and part of what is now the Mekong Delta. Built on the vast plane north of Lake Tonle Sap, the capital spread over an area of 400 square kilometres.
In the late 20th century, the area again became off limits as the brutal Khmer Rouge took control of many of the outlying temples. Thankfully, the last decade has seen peace in Cambodia and travellers can once again marvel at this architectural masterpiece. It is only in the last few years, however, that travellers have been able to see the temples of Banteay Srei. Located approximately 27km from Siem Reap and 21km north east from Angkor Wat, the region has now become safe and accessible. Revealed is an artistic jewel, well preserved and with some of the finest bas reliefs to be found anywhere in the Angkor complex.
banteai srei map
Time:GMT +7 Hours
Visa Required: Yes
Currency: Riel
Tel Code:+855
Official Language: Khmer
Main Religion: Theravada Buddhism
Airlines: Thai Airways,Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines,Malaysia Airlines
book Tours Visiting Banteai srei
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Essential Cambodia Tours
Essential Cambodia Tours 9 Days: visit Phnom Penh, Ancient Temples, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat + Ancient Rolous temples and Sihanoukville for a beach vacation
Angkor Wat Adventure Tour
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Banteay Srei – the women temple
Banteay Srei
A gem of a temple, Banteay Srei is one of the best preserved Khmer structures in the area. Although perfectly formed and encrusted with elaborate stone carvings, what makes Banteay Srei really stand out is the incredible pink sandstone from which it is made. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, perhaps after Beng Mealea and Kbal Spean. At this time of day, the sandstone seems to glow with the hues of the afternoon sun.
Phnom Kulen
Situated a couple of hours’ drive northeast of Siem Reap is Cambodia’s most sacred mountain, Phnom Kulen, the seat of the ancient Khmer Empire. A popular pilgrimage spot for Cambodian day trippers and the very occasional foreign visitor, Kulen National Park offers an array of attractions for those intrepid enough to visit. Travel by car to the national park then begin your trek on foot across the plateau of this small mountain range. You will visit Prasat Rong Chen, the site from which Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802, thus heralding the creation of the Khmer Empire. Continue on to Srah Damrei in the middle of the jungle, where you will find giant rock sculptures, some over three metres tall. This part of the jungle is scattered with ancient temples, the majority of which have not yet been mapped, but you can visit the giant reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom and then cool off at a waterfall before heading back to town. You can also camp overnight in a clearing on the plateau, with stunning views over the plains below.
temple of Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei was built at the end of the 10th century (967AD) as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It was built during the reign of King Jayavarman V, the 9th king of the Khmer empire that dominated South East Asia from the 9th to the 14th centuries. It is said the temple was actually built by a spiritual teacher, Yajnavarha, the Brahman of the King. Known as the Citadel of Women, the temple is in remarkable condition and still today is considered to have some of the finest carvings and sculpture anywhere in the Angkor complex. Situated in the jungle and small in scale, the temple is in a region lacking in archaeological remains and was only ďrediscoveredĒ in 1914 by Lieutenant Marec, an officer in the geographic service. It was not cleared until 1924, following the theft and ensuing scandal the previous year of some important stones. These were eventually recovered and restored to their original positions during restoration work.
The temple is surrounded by a moat and entry is via a causeway. The central area of Banteay Srei contains half a dozen buildings, crammed into a small space and on a raised platform, accessible by steps guarded by sculptures of mythical animals. Each building is covered profusely in decorative carving – no space is left untouched and the quality of workmanship is exceptional. The three central towers, side by side, have intricate male and female figures (dvarapalas and devatas; guardians and deities) and beautiful lintels and frontons abound above each doorway. Scenes depicted in the carvings include the King of Demons, Ravana, shaking sacred Mount Kailasa (Mount Kailash in Tibet), Indra and the forest fire and the dual between Valin and Sugriva. All Cambodia and specially Indochina tours and small group journeys that visit Cambodia include time at Angkor Wat. Several new journeys including our Cambodia In-Depth, Inside Vietnam & Cambodia and Mekong & Temples travel further to include the beautiful temple at Banteay Srei plus the amazing ruins at Boeng Mealea. For travellers seeking an in-depth exploration of Cambodia and her fascinating culture, Banteay Srei is a must.
Good Reading: One of the most comprehensive books about the temples at Angkor Wat is Angkor(Odyssey Illustrated Guides) by Dawn F. Rooney & Peter Danford. The Lonely Planet Cambodia (Cambodia, 4th Ed) by Nick Ray also provides excellent background information, maps and history of the temples.
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