Terrace of the Elephants

Built in the late 12th century under the rule of King Jayavarman VII, the long terrace fronts the eastern side of the Royal Palace within the walled city of Angkor Thom. It served as a grand platform from which the king could view military parades, public ceremonies and state functions. The terrace, also known in some records as the Terrace of Honour, is richly decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures of life sized elephants. Some theories suggest that the elaborate stage was a way for the king to demonstrate his royal power and divine authority.

The ancient stage extends 350 metres in length and rises to a height of 3 metres. The layout is composed of three main projecting platforms, with the central one flanked by two shorter wings. The Central Pavilion aligns with the Victory Gate, which leads east out of Angkor Thom. This was the path ceremonial processions would have taken to enter or leave the city and was likely used by the king himself, while the side platforms might have accommodated royal attendants or priests.

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These three headed mythical elephants are known as Airavata, revered in ancient Hindu and Southeast Asian mythology as the celestial mount of Indra, the king of the gods. Often depicted with gleaming white skin and immense stature, Airavata emerged from the cosmic ocean during the divine event known as Samudra Manthan, symbolising purity, strength and balance. In warfare, Airavata serves as Indra’s divine protector and bearer of storms. Each of its three heads represents a sacred quality: wisdom, reflecting spiritual insight and clarity of thought; strength, symbolising power and resilience; and kindness, embodying compassion and grace.

Alongside the elephants are countless carvings of garudas, mythical birdmen with fierce beaks and outstretched wings, locked in an eternal tug-of-war with nagas, the serpent deities. This recurring motif is not random. Garudas and nagas are ancient symbols of opposing yet interdependent forces: sky and earth, fire and water, chaos and order. Their presence on the terrace might reflect the Khmer concept of balance in the universe and the King's role as the one who keeps that balance in check.

Another standout feature is a series of deeply carved images of kinnaris or female winged beings. In Khmer belief, these divine performers are spirits of the air and the water, intermediaries between mortals and gods. Their dance is sacred, echoing the cosmic rhythms that sustain the universe. Alongside them are grotesque demon faces called "kala", often placed on prominent carvings to devour evil influences and protect the space.

More than just a royal viewing platform, it functioned as a sacred stage where politics, religion and mythology converged. Through its intricately carved elephants, celestial dancers, mythical beasts, and ritualistic layout, the terrace projected King Jayavarman VII’s divine authority and vision of cosmic order. Though the wooden structures of the royal palace have long vanished, the stone terrace endures.

Location : Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor Thom, Siem Reap Province, Kingdom of Cambodia

How to get there : The Terrace of the Elephants is located near the centre of the Angkor Thom complex, just north of Bayon Temple and immediately south of the Terrace of the Leper King. It forms part of the 'small circuit' tour and is best visited at sunrise, when the majority of other tourists are at Angkor Wat.

Attraction Info : Admission is included with the Angkor temple pass. Entrance fees are structured to accommodate various itineraries. A 1 day pass $37USD, 3-day pass $62USD or 7-day pass $72USD

can be purchased at the official Angkor Ticket Office or online. The grounds are open between 7:30am - 5:30pm.

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Official Website : https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/

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