Angkor Wat, Cambodia

                        

 Angkor Wat  is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with site measuring 162.6 hectares.  It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

                      The modern name, Angkor Wat, means "Temple City" or "City of Temples" in Khmer. It honors the Hindu god Vishnu and is a symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology.

 Angkor Wat is UNESCO Heritage Site and its International coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor (ICC),  this incentive resulted in the concept of the "Angkor Tourist City" which would be developed with regard to traditional Khmer architecture, contain leisure and tourist facilities, and provide luxurious hotels capable of accommodating large amounts of tourists.

Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

The central tower rises from the center of the monument symbolizing the mythical mountain, Meru, situated at the center of the universe. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru. The outer wall corresponds to the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat the oceans beyond.


Avenue

The avenue is 475m long and 9.5m wide and lined with naga balustrades, leading from the main entrance to the central temple, passing between two graceful libraries and then two pools, the northern one a popular spot from which to watch the sun rise.


Temple etiquette

As the temples of Angkor represent a sacred religious site to the Khmer people, visitors are asked to dress modestly. It is not possible to visit the highest level of Angkor Wat without upper arms covered and shorts to the knees.  They are reminding tourists not to touch or sit on the ancient structures, to pay attention to restricted areas, and to be respectful of monks.

Visiting hours are 5:00AM - 6:00PM. Angkor Wat closes at 6:00PM

ADMISSION FEES

You must possess an admission pass (an 'Angkor Pass') to visit the temples and sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Passes may be purchased at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat.

                Angkor provides wonderful photographic opportunities. the monuments and the surrounding jungle afford unlimited textural and lighting opportunities for composing a picture!!!!!!!
For more information,visit http://www.tourismcambodia.com/