Rather than a hill range, Phnom Kulen is an isolated chain of small mountain plateaux of moderate height lying south of the Dângrêk Mountains. The range stretches for about in a WNW–ESE direction and is located some north of Siem Reap. Its highest point is and its height is quite regular, averaging all along the range. Geologically Phnom Kulen is formed of sandstone. It was important as a quarry in Angkorian times, the major quarries being located in the southeastern angle of the massif.
Protected area
There is a sanctuary in the area, Phnom Kulen National Park, straddling the districts of Svay Leu and Va Rin. Its purpose is recreational and scientific in order to preserve the natural scenic features of Phnom Kulen mountain, like some famous waterfalls. The park is located about to the north of the provincial town of Siem Reap.
This site was added to Cambodia's national Tentative List for World Heritage on March 27, 2020 , to be nominated under World Heritage criteria and. The effort continued in 2016 when over 300 families were removed from already crowded areas and existing facilities for tourists were upgraded.
Description
The Phnom Kulen mountain range is located northwards from Angkor Wat. Its name means "mountain of the lychees". There is a sacred hilltop site on top of the range. Phnom Kulen is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain in pilgrimage. Near these mountains is Preah Ang Thom, a 16th-century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha, the country's largest. The Samré tribe was formerly living at the edge of Phnom Kulen, quarrying sandstone and transporting it to the royal sites.
History
Phnom Kulen has major symbolic importance for Cambodia as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 802 CE. Jayavarman II initiated the Devaraja cult of the king, a linga cult, in what is dated as 804 CE and declaring his independence from Java of whom the Khmer had been a vassalage state. During the Angkorian era the relief was known as Mahendraparvata. Phnom Kulen was further developed under the rule of Udayadityavarman II, who made it the capital of his empire and constructed many temples and residences as well as the 1000 Lingas at Kbal Spean. At its peak, the Kulen development was larger than modern-day Phnom Penh and one of the largest cities in the 11th-century world. It would later be eclipsed by Angkor, but still served a vital role, as its water irrigated the entire region. The Khmer Rouge used the location as a final stronghold as their regime came to an end in 1979 in the Cambodian–Vietnamese War.
Sights
Chup Preah is a stream flowing into the mountain's valley. Kulen Mountain has two waterfalls. The first is between high and wide. There is a shallow pond below it. The second waterfall is high and wide. This pours into a larger area of water which is popular to visit and swim in. These sizes apply to the dry and rainy seasons although the current will be weaker in the dry season. Kbal Spean is known for its carvings representing fertility and its waters which hold special significance to Hindus. Just
