Beng Melea Near Siem Reap: The Temple That Lies Shrouded In A Thick Jungle

The temple is a good 1.5 hours car ride away from Siem Reap and some 40 km away from

the rest of the temples and ruins in Angkor and this clearly offers the advantage of it being less overrun by tourists with more room and space to capture some candid shots among the ruins. The temple is assumed to have its origin in the 12th century and although it takes the architecture and form of a Hindu temple, there are Buddhist motifs found within. The name Beng Melea meaning the lotus pond has apparently sprung from the large moat which used to surround the temple and which has dried up in present times.

There is a boardwalk on a side leading to the site of the temple as well as a stairway that leads you up to it. The temple appears dark, rugged and mysterious with no inscription to remember its creator or construction. The grim exterior is softened by the ivy and vines that have found a prop in so strong a structure that has withstood wind and storm while some of its neighbouring structures have collapsed under the constant pressures of nature

The temple is built mostly of sandstones and consists of three galleries with a central sanctuary which has succumbed to the powerful strokes of weather and collapsed. There are several intricate carvings belonging to the Hindu culture appearing on the walls that remain. The temple is fairly large with its gallery enclosing an area of about 181metres by 152 metres. It is oriented towards the east with three more openings on each direction and is a shady area, with a very safe wooden boardwalk for visitors to stroll around and admire this picturesque site that remains aloof and in mysterious seclusion. While there's a nominal fee for visiting the site, there are also some restaurants located close by for tourists to get refreshed during a visit to this remote place.

It also not difficult to find a Siem Reap hotel that is conducive to your comfort and desire while you are visiting this part of Cambodia. Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor enjoys the privilege of delivering the world famous Raffles hospitality while the mysterious charm of the Siem Reap countryside serves an amazing back drop for the comforts in contains within. For a renowned hotel Siem Reap, one need not look any further than this famous venue that has become almost synonymous with a visit to Siem Reap and the Angkor temples that it is famous for.

by: Nelson

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