The Phnom Kulen National Park (Khmer: ឧទ្យានជាតិភ្នំគូលែន) is a national park in Cambodia. It is located in the Phnom Kulen mountain range in Siem Reap Province. The park was created in 1993 and covers an area of 373.76 km (144.31 sq mi). Its full name is Jayavarman-Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park (Khmer: ឧទ្យានជាតិព្រះជ័យវរ្ម័ន-នរោត្តម ភ្នំគូលែន).
During the Khmer Empire, this area was called Mahendraparvata, which means "the mountain of Great Indra." It was here that King Jayavarman II declared himself chakravartin, a title meaning "King of Kings." This event is seen as the start of the Khmer Empire.
Archaeological sites
Phnom Kulen National Park is in Svay Leu District. It is approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) away from the town of Siem Reap and about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Prasat Banteay Srey.
Waterfalls
Phnom Kulen has two main waterfalls:
- First waterfall: During the rainy seasons, it is 4–5 metres (13–16 feet) tall and about 25 metres (82 feet) wide.
- Second waterfall: During the rainy seasons, it is 15–20 metres (49–66 feet) tall and about 15 metres (49 feet) wide.
The size of the waterfalls changes depending on the season and how much rain there is. Many people visit the waterfalls as part of tours to Phnom Kulen.
Archeological activities
French scholars first explored Phnom Kulen, and in 1936, Philippe Stern visited the site. He noted that Rong Chen was the first temple-mountain. In 1973 and 1979, Jean Boulbet and Bruno Dagens completed an important archaeological survey and map of Phnom Kulen. In 2008, the Archaeology & Development Foundation started the Phnom Kulen Program, an archaeological project that also aimed to help local communities grow in a way that lasts.
In June 2013, an archaeological team announced the discovery and mapping of the ancient city of Mahendraparvata on the slopes of Phnom Kulen. The team used Lidar technology during a long-term expedition to reveal the city's layout hidden under the jungle and earth. The team found 30 temples that had not been identified before.