Just north of Baphuon Temple lies what used to be the "Royal Grounds" of Angkor Thom. Me and my friend Mani brave the afternoon heat just to explore this amazing ancient site in Cambodia. To be honest, it was the wrong time of the day to be visiting this open area however we had to squeeze a lot of places in just a day so we just had to.
It was totally worth it in the end because this "Royal Grounds" have but 5 sites to visit through a trail that leads into the dense forest. Out of the 5 we were able to visit 4 which are the Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Phimeanakas, and Prasat Preah Palilay. The last site Tep Pranam we were no longer able to visit. So lets start the tour!
TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS
The Terrace of the Elephants is actually just along the main road so its not hard to miss. This place can also swarm by a lot of tourists so glad we were able to roam around without much disturbance. The first thing you would definitely notice is this huge platform or terrace with a 3D three-headed elephant carving with two lion statues at the top.
This terrace was used by King Javayarman VII as a viewing deck for his returning army and public ceremonies during his time. Its about 4 meters high and stretches more than 360m long made of sandstone running from North to South. What makes its walls unique are its beautiful carvings of elephants and Hindu deities.
TERRACE OF THE LEPER KING
At the north end of the Terrace of Elephants is the Terrace of the Leper King which is still a part of the 360m long wall. It was named after a statue that was found on top of its platform but now lies in a museum. From afar, what is catching to the eyes are its stack horizontal carvings of dragons, demons, deities and mythical beings.
Another unique feature of the Terrace of the Leper King are its inner walls which can be explored inside. Its very narrow with wooden planks that serve as a walkway. As you trail inside its walls, you will get a close up look of its beautiful yet mysterious bas reliefs or carvings.
This narrow interior wall was just later accessible in the 1990's.
PHIMEANAKAS TEMPLE
After our short sight seeing at the Royal Terrace, we then explored its inner boundary... You will start by entering this entrance gate which will lead to a trail into the woods.
It was a short walk (perhaps 5 mins) until we reached the Phimeanakas Temple. Sad to say, it no longer holds its entirety but what remains are its foundations and some rubbles scattered on the ground. It can no longer be accessed as well although there were no warning signs but its safe not to take the risk just by the looks of it.
Phimeanakas Temple was build late in the 10th century or early 11th century during the reign of Rajendravarman II or Suryavarman I. It might serve as their private temple. A Chinese delagate during the 13th century have written that Phimeakanas was like a "Tower of Gold".
We didn't stay here long since there wasn't much to see so we continued following the trail going to our next destination. We passed by a reservoir or perhaps a bathing pool during the ancient times.
Good thing the more you move farther the trail, the more there is shade and a lot of trees which were so refreshing. We also encountered another gateway which seemed to be part of a wall too... Anyways, I had to strike a pose!
PREAH PALILAY TEMPLE
It took us 20 minutes to reach the next site. This ancient ruins is utterly beautiful despite the overgrown trees that have grown through its foundation. Welcome to Preah Palilay Temple. . .
Preah Palilay Temple is a Buddhist temple built in the late 13th century or early 14th century. It seemed that this Angkorian-Buddhist Temple survived the wrath of King Javayarman VII during his time when he ordered that all Buddhist temples be destroyed. No one truly knows the reason why.
Its central tower or shrine is about 19m tall and is built on a 6 meter high three-tiered base made of sandstone. The central shrine can no longer be accessed since its block by the overgrown fig trees.
I definitely recommend that you take a stroll in this beautiful ancient place. It gives you a glimpse of how grandeur the kingdoms were during the Angkorian times.
Best time to visit this "Royal Grounds" is early in the morning or late in the afternoon but if the heat during noon time doesn't bother you then definitely do so since there will be less crowd that will visit this place - an opportunity to have beautiful photos of the place.
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