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Myanmar Culture & Nature
MANDALAY
 Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest City, is located in
Central Myanmar 668 kilometers north of Yangon. It was built in
1857 by king Mindon and also stood as the old royal capital of
kings for centuries before Mandalay. Having been the last
capital of Myanmar kings, Mandalay has remained till the present
time the centre of Myanmar culture and traditional arts and
crafts. It is the place where the Theravada Buddhist religion
shines brightest, with the largest number of Buddhist monks
studying Buddhist scriptures and practicing the Buddhism. Now it
is a new trade centre easily accessible by rail, road, river and
air. And with the number of monuments relating to Buddhism,
Mandalay is the centre of Buddhism studies in Myanmar. It is an
important economic center rich in cultural and historical
monuments, pagodas, art galleries. It is within easy reach of
most tourist spots located in its vicinity.
Places of interest are Mandalay Hill, Royal Palace, Moat and
Wall, Mahamuni Buddha Image, Golden Palace Monastery,
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Atumashi Monastery and
Shwenandaw Monastery. Being a center of Myanmar traditional arts
and crafts, handy craft workshops are worth visiting.
We would like to recommend two nights to allow time to enjoy the
sightseeing of Mandalaay. The great benefit of taking a seven
hour cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy is the tremendous enjoyment of
the picturesque scenery and many stupas sitting on the hills
along the Ayeyarwaddy from Mandalay to Bagan.
WHERE TO GO—SIGHTSEEING IN MANDALAY & ITS ENVIRONS
Mandalay Hill
Mandalay Hill, 230 meters in elevation, gives a magnificent
view of the city and surrounding countryside. The legend has it
that the Buddha, on his visit, had made a prophecy that a great
city would be founded at the foot of this hill.
Mandalay Palace
The whole palace complex was destroyed by fire during the
War. The palace walls, the four gates and the moat still stand
today as evidence of the majestic Palace City. A number of
palace buildings have been reconstructed within the premises.
Shwenandaw Monastery
This beautifully built monastery was originally inside the
palace compound. King Thibaw had it moved to its present site
east of the palace in 1879 after his father’s death.
Mahamuni Pagoda
 King Bodawpaya built this Pagoda in 1784 to house the
Mahamuni Buddha Image brought from Rakhine State. Being the most
revered Pagoda in Mandalay, the early morning ritual of washing
the face of the Buddha’s image, draws a daily crowd of devotees.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
King Mindon built this Pagoda in 1868 surrounding it with 729
marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka text (the Three Baskets
of the Buddhist Pali canon). It is often called the “World’s
Biggest Book”.
Atu-ma-shi Monastery
 Not too far from the Kuthodaw Pagoda is the Atu-ma-shi
Monastery (the incomparable Monastery), built in 1878 by King Mindon, and partially destroyed by fire in 1890. It was however,
rebuilt in 1996.
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (the Pagoda of the Great Marble Image),
was also built by King Mindon, stands at the foot of Mandalay
Hill. Built in 1865, the Pagoda is so called because it houses a
large image of the Buddha sculpted from a single block of
beautiful Sagyin marble. Other attractions are Sandamuni Pagoda,
Eindawaya Pagoda, Shewinbin Monastery, Mandalay Museum and
Library, Zegyo Market and Silk Weaving Cottage Industry.
IN-WA (Ava)
In-wa, situated 20 km southwest of Mandalay, stood as the
Kingdom of In-wa during the Second Myanmar Empire. Today In-wa
is a small town south of Amarapura, an hour-drive from Mandalay.
The sites to see in In-wa include Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha
Aungmye Bonzan Monastery. Bagaya Monastery, Lacquer ware
industry and In-wa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Sightseeing is done by horse-cart due to the road condition, but
a fascinating way to cover In-wa.
MANDALAY’S ENVIRONS
SAGAING
 Once an ancient capital, Sagaing lies 21 km south west of
Mandalay, beside the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Sagaing Hills are
dotted with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a
retreat for some 6000 monks and nuns. Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda
situated on the top of the Sagaing Hill, Kaung Hmudaw Pagoda (a
copy of the Mahaceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka), U Min Thone Sel, U
Min Koe Sel, Sin Khan Phayaare and Silver-smith Workshop are
places worth visiting.
MINGUN
An hour boat excursion up river from Mandalay is the vast
picturesque ruin of the King Bodawpaya's unfinished Pagoda,
considered to be the world's largest one if finished. It is one
of the most visited places in Mandalay and well known for its Mingun Bell cast in 1790 AD, weighing 90 tons, and also the
largest ringing bell in the world. Opposite the Pagoda you will
see the remains of the colossal huge brick lions facing the
river. The boat-ride excursions to Mingun provide you an
excellent chance to take a sunbath on the boat, enjoying the
beautiful scenery of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Mingun is fine for a
half-day excursion. Hsibyume pagoda, Settawya Pagoda, Myatheidan
Pagoda and Home-age are also worth visiting.
AMARAPURA
A short drive from Mandalay is Amarapura, an ancient capital
founded by king Bodawpaya
 in 1783, is about 11 km south of
Mandalay. It is noted for its silk and cotton weaving and bronze
casting. U Bein Bridge, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Mahagandayone
Monastery, Cotton and Silk weaving industries are of special
interest. Walking on the U Bein Bridge is a fascinating way to
cover the bridge and Taungthanman lake. Be sure to take the trip
to Amarapura in time to watch the sunset at the bridge.
MONYWA
Monywa, about 140 km, 4 hour drive from Mandalay, is the
commercial center of the Chindwin Valley. Places of interest to
visitors are Thanbudde Pagoda, Bodhitahtaung Pagoda,
Shwetharlyaung, Legyaung Sattkya Buddha Image (the World's
largest standing Buddha image). Other places you should visit
are Phoewintaung and Shwebataung Pagoda about 25 km west of
Monywa ( an hour drive ).
MEIKHTILA
2½ hour drive from Mandalay is Meikhtila, the second largest
town in Mandalay Division after Mandalay and also one of the
important trading centers in central Myanmar. Being a crossroad
between Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan, it is an ideal destination as a
stopping point for those from Mandalay and Bagan who want to
continue their trips to the Shan State where some famous tourist
destinations locate. Located 160km west of Mandalay, it can be
accessible by road and train from Yangon and Mandalay. Places of
interest are Lake Meikhtila, British colonial diplomat house and
WW II monument.
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| It is the special excursion
trekking..... |
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| Naga Land is the last exotic
destination.... |
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| Myanmar Ayeyawaddy Dolphin is
........... |
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| There are many ranges of mountains. |
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| The first locomotive of Myanmar ..... |
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