Phnom Kulen is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain in pilgrimage. It also has a major symbolic importance for Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. Jayavarman II initiated the cult of the king, a linga cult, in what is dated as 804 CE and declaring his independence from Java. During the Angkorian era the relief was known as Mahendraparvata (the mountain of Great Indra).
• Remarks: Basic level of fitness required for 8Km trekking, changing clothes for swimming.
• Sites you will visit: Waterfall, Reclining Buddha, Bat Cave, Elephant Pond, Thousand lingas,
• Highlights: Cradle of Khmer Civilisation, Waterfall, Hindu river carvings, Thousand of Linga, architecture, history.
