Bonampak

Bonampak is another Mayan pyramid site that we visited in chiapas along with Yaxchilan and Palenque. Bonampak pyramids are again located deep inside the stunning Lacandon(native with Mayan origin) forest. The entrance of the pyramid site makes one feel to be surrounding by mystic natural forces. One can hear howler monkeys,Oropendula bird or woodpeckers making their nest . the pyramids are known for their beautiful colourful wall paintaings depicting several rituals done by the ruling dyansties. the construcion of the site was dated 200-800A.D. Till date some Mayan living in nearby villages come to offer prayers to their Gods in these pyramids. The frescoes in the walls are thought to have carried immense information in understanding the PreHispanic society. Earlier only potteries or some tablets were found to have paintings.

We travelled to this place from Palanque in Chiapas.Palanque itself has lots of pyramid sites. This is situated near Usumancinta river which in fact is the border river between Mexico and its neighbouring country Guatemala. After our visit to Bonampak we visited the Lacandon forest to see the Mayan village.

Palenque in Chiapas

1. Queens bath waterfall in forest

2. Temple of the cross

3. Mayan glyph

4. The palace

5. The palace

6. Tomb of the main king Pa Kal or teple of inscripciones

Palanque is in the state of Chiapas and has some marvelous pyramids all surrounded by the lust forest of the Tumbala and its wild habitats. The pyramids in palenque are of Mayan origin and its rise to fall dated from 100 B.C to 900 A.D. Around 600 A.D a very powerful king called Pa Kal came to power at 14 years of age and fortified this place. His son Kan Balam also became powerful. His tomb was excavated in the temple of Inscripciones(4th picture) against the beliefs that pyramids in Mexico are not used for burials as in Egypt. This place reached its importance due to its architectural beauty and its proximity to the mountain and the forest which had almost engulfed the place when excavated. There are still many pyramids which remain underneath the forest in th lap of eternity of time. One can hear howler monkeys and can also spot some exotic bird like Toucans. Other buildings which are of importance include temple of cross, temple of sun etc. This place is visited by many tourist so when we visted we could hear guides telling historical stories to tourists about the place in French,German, Japanese,English and spanish. The pyramids are very tall so some of them gives a good view of the forest around and the pyramid site from the top.There is also a small waterfall inside the forest road. Guides say earlier queens used it for bathing.

We reached this place from Tuxtla Guiterrez however one can approach it through Villahermosa(it gets flights from mexico city). We stayed in a jungle lodge mainly frequented by alternative people and its called El Pancham. The pyramid site is around 2 km from this place. The weather is usually very hot at day.