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Our second day of exploring the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia led us to the distant but popular temple of Banteay Srei. It is a small temple, its buildings looking miniature compared to the other grand structures in Angkor, but what makes it so popular is its intricate wall carvings.
Banteay Srei is a 10th century Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva, and its red sandstone construction is what allowed these amazing carvings to happen. This temple is probably the best example of ancient Angkorian art and is a must see in my opinion.
Check out these photos and I think you will see what I mean.
Entrance to Banteay Srei
Ancient path leading to the temple complex
A window in Banteay Srei
Beautiful wall carving
An ancient column
Banteay Srei
Carvings above a door
A flower carving
Walking into the ancient temple
Beautiful building in Banteay Srei
Ancient shrines
Statues in Banteay Srei
A sealed doorway on one of the towers
The small but beautiful buildings of Banteay Srei
Sandstone carving
Intricate carving in Banteay Srei
If you’re thinking of skipping Banteay Srei when you’re visiting the Temples of Angkor, don’t. It is well worth spending the time and extra money to go and see it.
Gorgeous photos! I could easily spend several hours in such a place.
Thanks Cheryl! I spent a fair while there myself. Very interesting.
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The wall carving is extraordinary! I can’t believe ancient men in Cambodia done it using simple tools on constructing temples that we see nowadays.
It really is something isn’t it Kristy? Some of the things I saw in Angkor were just pure genius.
I love this temple shot of its hallway.. I actually like these kinds of shots, and practicing this kind of angle myself. Your photos are pretty inspiring.. the sandstone carving are just lovely.
Hi Rachel. I’m glad you liked the photos 🙂
[…] the Temples of Angkor began with a visit to the temple mountain of Pre Rup, before venturing out to Banteay Srei. We then came back and visited the similar temple mountain of Eastern Mebon. In Angkor, a […]
[…] the amazing tree covered ruins that Ta Phrom is famous for, intricate carvings that people flock to Banteay Srei to see, even some of the beautiful covered hallways remind me of Angkor Wat. I’m not saying […]
The detail is simply mind blowing!
Hey Dan. They certainly went to a lot of effort. Very talented craftsmen.
[…] countryside near Siem Reap, Cambodia. I took this photo from our tuk tuk as we made our way towards Banteay Srei. These two ladies had set up shop right on the side of the road, one selling watermelons and the […]
[…] Angkor in Cambodia. We managed to avoid the worst of the crowds at the more popular temples such as Banteay Srei and of course, Angkor Wat, which we explored in the dim post-dawn light. We even made it to Bayon […]
[…] travel photo is of one of the intricate sandstone carvings at the ruined temple of Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia. Banteay Srei was one of my favourite temples in Angkor. It isn’t grand […]