7 Breathtaking Temples That Will Leave You in Awe

Temples have long been places of worship, serenity, and intricate architecture. For travel enthusiasts and photographers, these architectural marvels offer endless opportunities for exploration and capturing stunning visuals.

Here are seven of the most spectacular temples around the world that you simply cannot miss.

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu for the Khmer Empire but gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. Its iconic silhouette against the sunrise is a sight to behold.

Photography Tips:

• Early Morning Light: Capture the temple at sunrise for a magical effect with fewer crowds.
• Reflective Pools: Utilize the water pools in front of Angkor Wat to capture stunning reflections.
• Detailed Shots: Focus on the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs that tell ancient stories.

2. Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Thailand

Located within the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue that plays a significant role in Thai history and culture.

Photography Tips:

• Golden Hour: Best photographed during the golden hour for soft lighting that enhances the temple’s golden features.
• Wide-Angle Lens: Capture the grandeur of the temple and its surroundings with a wide-angle lens.
• Cultural Etiquette: When visiting the temple, be mindful of dress codes and respectful behavior to capture authentic and respectful photos.

3. Borobudur, Indonesia

This 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Comprising nine stacked platforms and topped by a central dome, Borobudur is adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

Photography Tips:

• Sunrise Photographs: Climb up early to capture Borobudur during dawn; the morning mist adds a mystical aura.
• Detail Shots: Focus on the individual Buddha statues and intricate carvings.
• Panoramic Views: Take advantage of the elevated platforms to capture sweeping panoramic views of the temple complex and surrounding landscape.

4. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), India

Situated in Amritsar, the Golden Temple is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Its stunning golden façade and serene Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) draw pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Photography Tips:

• Evening Shots: Capture the temple illuminated in the evening for a magical effect.
• Reflection Pool: Utilize the Amrit Sarovar to capture perfect reflections of the temple.
• Close-ups: Focus on the temple walls’ intricate gold detailing and carvings.

5. Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous and revered landmarks in Myanmar. This 99-meter-tall gilded stupa, located in Yangon, is covered with hundreds of gold plates, and its top is encrusted with thousands of diamonds.

Photography Tips:

• Golden Light: Photograph during sunset to capture the pagoda glowing in the golden light.
• Symmetry: Use symmetrical compositions to highlight the pagoda’s grandeur.
• Local Culture: Capture the monks and devotees to add a human element to your photographs.

6. Prambanan, Indonesia

Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in Central Java. It is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple site and features towering and pointed architectural spires.

Photography Tips:

• Blue Hour: Capture the temples during the blue hour when the sky complements the temple silhouettes.
• Vertical Shots: Use vertical framing to emphasize the height of the temple spires.
• Candid Moments: Photograph local visitors and cultural performances to tell a story through your images.

7. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Japan

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. The top two floors of the pavilion are completely covered in gold leaf, making it one of the most photogenic temples in Japan.

Photography Tips:

• Seasonal Changes: Visit during different seasons (especially autumn and winter) to capture the temple amidst stunning natural backgrounds.
• Reflection: Use the mirror-like pond in front of the temple for captivating reflection shots.
• Framing: Utilize the surrounding trees and landscaped gardens to naturally frame your shots.

Final Thoughts

Exploring these spectacular temples offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and photographic excellence. Each temple has its own story, architecture, and ambiance, providing endless opportunities for travel photographers to capture stunning images. So pack your camera and embark on a journey to discover these seven incredible temples around the world!