Phnom Penh, Dec 8 (IANS): Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat Temple, originally built as a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, posted a revenue of $53.5 million from ticket sales to foreigners during the January-November period this year, the authority managing the 12th century temple complex said on Tuesday.

During the January-November period this year, the ancient religious site received 1.87 million foreign tourists -- a 2.2 percent rise from a year earlier, Xinhua reported citing the APSARA Authority as saying in a release.

APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) is the Cambodian management authority responsible for protecting the archaeological park of Angkor.

In November alone, the temple welcomed 200,085 tourists, generating a revenue of $5.87 million, the release said.

Angkor Wat Temple, inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1992, is the kingdom's most popular tourist destination.

An entrance fee to the site is $20 per day for a foreigner, $40 for a three-day visit and $60 for a week-long visit.

Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple but it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine in the 12th century. The Archaeological Society of India has contributed to its upkeep.