Asia offers visitor an exciting, exotic change of culture. The abundance of gilded temples in Asia earned this region the nick name ‘The Golden East’. Religious structures in Asia encompass some of the most spectacular architecture ever built, from modern temples bustling with worship and activity to evocative, crumbling ruins whose ancient stones tell of thousands of years of history, Asia’s temples offer a visitor a tantalising glance into a different way of life, religion and fervent belief.
Here in Indonesia, you will reach the world’s tallest Buddhist monument. One of the most important ancient ruins in Asia, the Borobudur was built during the 9th century and rediscovered in 1815 under volcanic ashes. You will see the richness of Borobudur which has remained structurally sound over the years. However, it was visually restored during 8 years to give it back its original character and appearance. It contains 504 Buddha statues and almost 3,000 relief panels!
The largest temple complex on Earth, four times the size of the Vatican, and the capital of the Khmer empire is an eternally fascinating site. And it’s even bigger and older than previously thought.
In 2013, an archaeological team used lidar technology to map out a vast ‘lost city’ with man-made ponds, canals and dykes that point towards an advanced hydraulic engineering, with inscriptions that date it to the 9th century (Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th century).
While the ruins remain engulfed by the jungle, a tour of the Angkor complex points to the grand scale of this city, one that covered more than 1,000 square kilometers at its peak. Add in a tour of Angkor Thom and Ta Phrom and you have got yourself a tailor-made Indiana Jones adventure.
Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad, India
One of the most breathtaking ancient ruins in Asia are the Ajanta Caves in India. Prepare to be amazed as you discover the wonderful paintings and statues within. You will discover an impressive testimony of classical Indian art and other similar works. Amazingly, this site could have remained undiscovered due to its location. Hidden in a dense forest, its whereabouts were unknown for a thousand years! Luckily for us it is ready to be explored and enjoyed!
Some of the popular ancient ruins in Asia are the Longmen Grottoes. The Grottoes are located near the shores of the Yi River 12 km south of Luoyang, China. Some say it is a cave dwellers’ paradise. But in reality, the Longmen Grottoes is a temple! Built in the 5th Century, this religious structure contains nearly 100,000 statues of Buddha. On both sides of the temple, you will find remnants of a troglodyte village. Since its creation, this holy site has suffered vandalism and plundering from thieves and pirates. Today, this cavernous destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Good thing too since it is such an impressive monument!
Khajuraho, India
From a distance, the temples in Khajuraho look like all the other Hindu or Jain temples you might have seen in India. Look closer though, and you will find a rich tapestry of erotic scenes carved into the side of the temples. These sexual scenes feature many strange positions and styles, the temples of Khajuraho are unlike anything else you have seen before.
Read more:
The taste of Asia in 7 local dishes
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