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Mt.Poppa
Oasis of the dry zone Known as the " Oasis
of dry zone ", Poppa is a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated
to the legendary "Nat" spirits of Myanmar. The mountain
itself is considered to be sacred - a sort of Mt.Olympus, an
abode of the Gods. Set amid lovely hill and forest scenery.
Poppa - a great extinct volcano last active 250,000 years ago,
is a forest-clad landmark rising to 1,520 meters from the flat,
surrounding Myingan Plains. It is a place of special importance
in both the country's history and culture. The natural springs;
flowers and wooded hillsides greatly contrast to the arid lands
surrounding it.
The vegetation around the mountain is
said to be the remains of a large forest that was mostly fossilized
after a volcanic explosion. Mt.Poppa is famous for its wealth
of medicinal plants and rare orchids: home for over 90 different
species of birds. Bird watching, horse riding can be arranged
in the remote and attractive parts of the mountain park. The
natural waters of Poppa Mountain provide all the water supply
needed for numerous purposes in the area and miles around. The
area has now been established as the Poppa Mountain Park by
the Ministry of Forestry and is being developed actively for
the promotion of ecotourism. Some of the many interesting places
to see include Poppa Mountain Crater, View Point, Poppa village,
Sima water falls, Poppa Mountain Park, Medicinal herbal plantation
garden, Sandalwood Plantation, the Nat shrine.....etc. water
falls, Poppa Mountain Park, Medicinal herbal plantation garden,
Sandalwood Plantation, the Nat shrine...........etc.
Sale (Sa-lay)
It is a small town about 15 km south of
Bagan, down the Ayarwaddy River. U Pone Nya Museum, formerly
the Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique lacquer wares, wooden
relieves and a large standing gilded Buddha image. The figures
carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another
place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (Keythar monastery)
where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.
Pakokku
A peaceful excursion by boat along
the Ayeyarwaddy River from Bagan, Pakokku and its surroundings
offer Travellers a unique glimpse into the typical village life
in the area. The nearby 19th century town of Pakhangyi has one
of the oldest wooden monasteries in Upper Myanmar with 254 teak
pillars. Locals produce tobacco, jiggery palm sugar candy and
the famous checkered blankets and woven fabric typical of this
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