Angkor Temples-Day 1-Preah Khan

 It took 3 years for me to finally travel to Siem Ream, where the famous Angkor Wat and other temples are located. 

Reaching there on Saturday evening and first day of temple visit falling on a Sunday, I thought it would not be a great idea to visit Angkor Wat in that day, being a holiday. I chose grand tour of five other temples nearby for day one. 

First on the list was Preah Khan. This place did not fail to impress me and gave me a taste of what to expect on coming days. 

The temple gate is just magnificent. 

The temple doesn't look that big from the entrance, but as we start the tour, this temple is quiet big, not very tall though!

                

Found remains of what looked like a "Shivling" inside.

There are certain parts of the temple that struggled to stay intact

All this was made possible because I had the best companion Vichhai during my visit. He is a tour operator who was graceful in accompanying me on almost all of the 8 days I was in Cambodia.

Nemmara Vela-2023

There are enough information in wiki and google (link and description below) about Nemmara Vela, that I have nothing more to add here. There are some pictures that are posted in sequence of events.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nenmara_Vallanghy_Vela

The fireworks are so loud that it is called as Asia's loudest firework, arguably in the whole world. Nemmara vallanghy is also known as velakaluda vela, and its celebrated as equivalent as Thrissur Pooram.
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Nenmara Vallanghy Vela.

"Anachamayam" are decorative items for the elephants that are paraded during the festival. Every year, these are displayed a day before the final day of the festival and inaugurated by prominent personalities.

Later that evening, we have a small "melam" followed by a sample of fireworks for next day. 

                                                                                                                                                             

On the main festival day, "thidambu" which is the representation of the deity is placed on top of the lead elephant followed by "Panchavadyam". 

All decorated elephants are paraded to the temple, which is followed by fireworks. This repeats again at night.

                                                

Butterflies from my hometown.

 

Butterflies are one of the most difficult insects to take pictures of, especially when is a bit late in the morning. When sun is out and the day is warm they become more skittish and agile. To take picture early in the morning when they are less active, low light and morning fog makes it difficult. 

By the time I compose a good shot, they would have reached next flower. Posting below are the best pictures I could manage.