The 1000 Linga adventure

Nestled on top of Kulen mountains is another treasure in Cambodia. We drove for about an hour and a half from Siem Reap through windy roads to reach the top. With such sights, greenery and bird calls, time just flew by!

Windy road to Kulen mountains

Over not-so-safe bridges

Our van was indeed driven over this bridge to and fro. I had some special respect for the driver after this one.

To reach the 1000 Lingas in Kulen mountains

 But the water was in full spate and we were unable to see the Lingas in their glory.

But the drive was so worth it to see the river meandering through the lush forest in Kulen mountain

After focusing on the river for a bit, i was able to see the squarish dark bumps under water. These are the Lingas.

http://bemyguest.com.sg/tours-activities-things-to-do/Cambodia/Siem%20Reap/5572/The-Valley-of-a-1000-Lingas-Visiting-Kbal-Spean-in-Siem-Reap-Cambodia

 This place is named the 1000 Lingas, where Linga denotes Shiva, one of the three major Indian Gods but then, the guide told us that there were more than 1000 lingas under the water. There is also a lying down pose of Vishnu, another Indian God. It was constructed to imitate Ganga, the holy river of India. Having more than 1000 lingas is supposed to cleanse the water and rid of all the sins of the people and to irrigate the fields with the blessings from the Almighty. The guide said that no one knows who actually commanded the work to be done or when it was made or by whom.

People are not allowed to wet their feet, walk over or take a bath on the 1000 Lingas- That would be disrespecting the Gods. But there is two fold waterfall downstream that the people can enjoy the blessed water. It was quite surprising to see that despite that fact that there was just a small rope and a small sign saying that people were not supposed to swim there, there was absolutely no one trespassing. The water was crystal clear and tasted good. (You are allowed to drink the water - that is like prasadam/ theertham)

The holy water from the 1000 Lingas blesses the people who take a bath in the waterfall

The larger, and relatively unsafe but amazing waterfall where we had a wonderful bath

The rickety bridge experience at Kulen mountains
N for Not -so-safe bridge 

Roasted Frogs, street food in Cambodia

There is lotus all around in Cambodia. I am moving here after I retire.

Cute little girl hard at work.

We also had a chance to see the Buddhist temple on top of the Mountains. It was nicely perched on top of a hill.

Naga - the mighty snake depicted almost everywhere in the place of handails in Cambodia. Makes me wonder how much they revered or feared snakes.

Huge Buddha on top of the mountains

The temple nicely perched on top of the hill.  

What a view from the top of the hill

Resting place when we reached the bottom

 The 1000 Lingas was not on top of my must-visit places when compared to Bayon and Ankor Wat in Cambodia. But i happened to see a Discovery program and it was so impressive that i had see this place as well. Cambodia is one of the much-visited places by Koreans. Infact, during the Chuseok holidays(Korean Thanksgiving) that we had visited Cambodia, we constantly heard Korean everywhere. There were even Korean-friendly hotels, Korean food and even North Korean specialty restaurants. Looks like I have a tight bond with Korea :D