Angkor Temple Guide: # 29 Terrace of the Elephants

The Terrace of the Elephants is a truly wonderful 300 metre (100ft) long terrace that runs infront of Baphon, Phimeankas and the Royal Palace at the heart of the fabulous city of Angkor Thom. This magnificent structure stands between 2.5m (8ft) and 4m (13ft) tall and is intricately carved along its entire length. It was constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the second half of the 12th century. It stands next to the even taller, Terrace of the Leper King.

This is one pf my favourite places in Angkor Thom
The area where this attraction stands is a square just a few hundred metres north of the Bayon. It would have been the the secular heart of the city, and it would be here that parades and festivals took place. The Terrace of the Elephants runs between the square and the compound of the Royal Palace, and served as a high entrance platform.

This is the heart of the Angkor kingdom. There are so many things to see and do here that it is hard fitting it all in. The terrace is adorned with the beautiful carved elephants, which give it its name. In addition however there are fine Garudas and impressive lion-headed figures. These support the central stairway, holding sculptures of the seated lions which flank the stairs.

A second raised section is decorated with Kinnaris, Hamsas Geese, and Yakshas praying on lotus flowers. The section of the wall to the north depicts large scenes showing warriors, wrestlers, acrobats, dancers and chariot racing. There is also a five-headed horse. Most probably it is Balaha

Top Tips to get the best out of the Terrace of the Elephants

This is one of the top places to visit in Angkor Thom. Allow a good half hour to stroll along taking in the brilliance of the craftsmanship.
Always carry water, as vendors seem to disappear at the times when they are needed most; I have never been as hot as when I stood here in early 2013.
This is great for photographs, as are all these temples and monuments in Angkor Thom. The wall faces east and therefore photographs better in the mornings.
Your normal Angkor Thom ticket is all you need.

Previously published:
1: Ak Yom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-1-ak-yom
2: Angkor Thom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-2-angkor-thom
3: Angkor Wat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-3-angkor-wat
4: Bakong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-4-bakong
5: Baksei Chamrong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-5-baksei-chamrong
6: Banteay Kdei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-6-banteay-kdei
7: Banteay Prei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-7-banteay-prei
8: Banteay Samre https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-8-banteay-samre
9: Banteay Srey https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-9-banteay-srey
10: Baphuon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-10-baphuon
11: Bat Chum https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-11-bat-chum
12: Bayon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-12-bayon
13: Beng Mealea https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-13-beng-mealea
14: Chapel of the Hospital https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-14-the-chapel-of-the-hospital
15: Chau Say Tevoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-15-chau-say-tevoda
16: Kbal Spean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-16-kbal-spean
17: The Khleangs https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-17-the-khleangs
18: Krol Ko https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-krol-ko
19: Lolei https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-19-lolei
20: Neak Pean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-neak-pean
21: Phimeanakas https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-21-phimeanakas
22: Phnom Bakheng https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-22-phnom-bakheng
23: Prasat Kravan https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-templ-guide-23-prasat-kravan
24: Prasat Prei Monti https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-24-prasat-prei-monti
25: Prasat Suor Prat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-25-prasat-suor-prat
26: Prea Ko https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-26-preah-ko
27: Ta Phrom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-27-ta-phrom
28: Ta Som https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-28-ta-som

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