Several friends have commented about how interesting they found the picture of the tree roots devouring the temple at Ta Prohm. So here are a few more pictures of that temple, and the neighbouring Banteay Kdei, both being assailed by jungle.
Ta Prohm - hard to tell which is temple tower and which is tree trunk
You can see the damage that the tree roots are doing – the walls are just collapsing under the relentless weight and pressure of the trees.
Ta Prohm doorway
This picture was taken about 5 seconds after a large party of Koreans finally moved out of the way. I love the way the tree roots are framing the doorway.
Banteay Kdei emerging from the undergrowth
Finally, this is the neighbouring temple of Banteay Kdei. This one is smaller and less visited than the previous ones, and my guide and I virtually had it to ourselves. You can see how quickly it would be swallowed up again by the jungle if the authorities stop trying to maintain it.
{ 4 } Comments
Wow!
That second one really reminds me of Rivendell: http://laraandthereelboy.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/frodo-at-rivendell.jpg, and particularly http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh7mmqGGGH1qgutswo1_400.jpg
I see what you mean! I think that was my favourite temple – I just loved the way the tree roots formed such interesting organic shapes around the building. Chris would have wanted to spend so much time there taking photos – but I only had my little point-and-shoot camera which did a pretty good job I reckon of capturing the essence of the place.
Brilliant set of roots
The pictures are fascinating – thank you for posting them, Gillian.