Angkor Wat becomes 8th wonder of world surpassing Italy’s Pompeii

By: Pune Pulse

November 29, 2023

Pune: A visit to Cambodia would not be complete without exploring the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap.

In a recent development, it has surpassed Italy’s Pompeii and claimed the prestigious title of the world’s eighth wonder. Constructed in the 12th century, Angkor Wat stands as the largest religious monument globally, featuring approximately 1,200 square meters of exquisitely carved bas reliefs. 

The unofficial designation of ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ is occasionally bestowed upon remarkable buildings, structures, projects, designs, or even individuals that are deemed comparable to the original Seven Wonders of the World.

The news of Angkor Wat surpassing Pompeii in Italy to become the world’s eighth wonder was met with great joy by Prime Minister Hun Manet. He expressed his happiness and congratulated the temple on its achievement, saying, “Congratulations to Angkor Wat Temple for defeating Italy’s Pompeii and becoming the world’s eighth wonder.” Angkor, also known as Yasodharapura, holds an intriguing aspect. The appellation ‘Angkor’ originates from the Khmer term ‘nokor’ signifying ‘kingdom’ which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘nagara’ denoting ‘city’.”

Mitre Peak located in Milford Sound, New Zealand, Deadvlei Clay Pan situated in Namibia, Torres del Paine National Park found in Chile, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela located in Ethiopia, and Stonehenge situated in England are some of the contenders for the title of the Eighth Wonder of the World. 

Originally dedicated to the worship of Vishnu by the Khmer Emperor Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat underwent a transformation into a Buddhist temple under the reign of his successor Jayavarman VII. Jayavarman VII also constructed the renowned Buddhist temple of Bayon in close proximity. Within this enchanting and mysterious moss-covered sanctuary, one could easily spend an entire day immersing themselves in the captivating ambience, while delving into the architectural marvels and historical significance of the ancient ruins.

Back in the 1840s, Henri Mouhot, a French explorer, eloquently described the site as surpassing the grandeur of anything that Greece or Rome had left behind. Interestingly, Angkor Wat gained the moniker of the ‘Tomb Raider temple’ due to its appearance in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), starring Angelina Jolie.

The Angkor UNESCO Site is a significant archaeological site in Southeast Asia, encompassing the Angkor Archaeological Park spans 400 km and includes forested areas. It houses the remains of various capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the renowned Angkor Wat Temple and the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, adorned with numerous sculptural decorations. To safeguard this historic site and its surroundings, UNESCO has implemented a comprehensive program.

Throughout history, Angkor served as the capital of the Khmer Kingdom. UNESCO recognizes this site as a remarkable testament to an extraordinary civilization, boasting remarkable structures, diverse urban layouts, and expansive water reservoirs. Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan, and Ta Prohm exemplify the Khmer architectural style, intimately connected to their geographical surroundings and infused with symbolic meaning. Spanning from the 9th to the 14th centuries, the Khmer Empire left an indelible mark on Southeast Asia, shaping its political and cultural landscape. Today, the only remnants of this civilization are the magnificent religious structures crafted from brick and stone, preserving its rich heritage.

Angkor Wat’s Wonderous Architecture 

The magnificence of Angkor Wat’s architecture is truly remarkable. The structure was built using sandstone blocks, and the city, temple, and residents were protected by a 15-foot-high wall and a wide moat that still stands today. The temple spans over 200 acres within these walls and is adorned with thousands of bas-reliefs depicting significant deities, figures, and events from Hindu and Buddhist religions.

This region is believed to have encompassed the urban area, religious structure, and the emperor’s residence, situated just north of the religious structure. The main religious complex is a masterpiece in terms of balance and accuracy, featuring five towers shaped like lotus flowers that symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical dwelling of deities in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. It is advisable to plan your visit to Angkor and Angkor Wat. Allocate a minimum of three days or even a week to fully admire the remarkable architecture of this ancient city. Angkor Archaeological Park, commonly known as a temple complex, is essentially the remains of a city spanning 1,000 square kilometers. 

Siem Reap International Airport (REP) has become the nearest airport to Angkor Wat. This recently inaugurated and expansive airport, which commenced operations in November 2023, has been strategically designed to enhance access to the ancient temple complex. Situated approximately 40 kilometers east of the complex, it serves as a convenient gateway for travellers. 

Angkor Wat is accessible throughout the year, with operating hours from 5 am to 6 pm. To enter the complex, you need to purchase a ticket. The dry season, which spans from November to March, is the peak season for tourists as the weather is cooler. This is the time after the monsoon, when the lakes are full, and the temples are surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal backdrop for photography. Most of the temples in Angkor face east, so the morning hours provide the best lighting conditions, except for Angkor Wat, which faces west and has the best light in the afternoon.

Cambodia, a country abundant in natural beauty, is a must-visit destination for every traveller. With its rich historical monuments, ancient temples, stunning cities, and a plethora of captivating attractions, there is no shortage of exciting experiences to be had. Moreover, Cambodia offers the convenience of a 30-day visa upon arrival for Indian nationals.