Mandalay

 

Mandalay
The last capital of Myanmar Kingdom, is now Myanmar's second capital city. A city of Markets, Monasteries, Traditional art and craft centers and religious monuments, Mandalay is the economic and religious center of upper Myanmar. Places to visit around city are old Royal Palace, the last palace of Myanmar Kingdom, Mandalay hill, Panoramic View of city, has teak Monastery for Royal Monks, rest house for pilgrims and shrines, Kuthodaw Pagoda, well known as the world largest book since Buddhist scripture had been inscribed on 1774. Marble Slabs, Shwenandaw Monastery, a wonderful wood carving decorated building and antique materials preserved inside it. The place every visitor shouldn't miss is Mahamuni Buddha Image. It was shifted from Rakhine State and built since Lord Buddha was still alive.
Other interesting places in the city are gold leaf making work, Tapestry work, and stone carving work, silk weaving work and
Zaychotaw Market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mingun
A morning 45 minutes long trip up river from Mandalay is Mingun. The great-unfinished Pagoda, the World Largest working Bell and Myatheintan different type of Stupa is places to visit riding on an ox cart like a villager.

Ava (Innwa)
Innwa are former capitals situated only 30 minutes drive from Mandalay. Mae Nu Oak Kyaung (Temple), excellent architecture of ancient Myanmar can be seen at there. Bagaya Wood Monastery is famous for its 267 teak pillars and intricate wood carving on the doors and walls. The learning tower of Ava, climb to the top for good view cross the Arrawaddy to Sagaing.

Amarapura
11 km South of Mandalay is Amarapura. As it today prides itself on silk weaving, Shouldn't miss the weaving works and shops of it, Mahagandayon Monastery, over one thousand monks make a solemn procession through the Monastery ground en route to their lunch. U Bein (1.2 km) long world oldest wooden bridge with Taungthaman Lake is unforgettable one for viewer. One may ride on hand rowing boat to other side or have a walk on it.

Sagaing
21 km Southwest of Mandalay, an ancient city called Sagaing is famous for its meditation centers. Sagaing is home to about 200 Pagodas and Stupas, and over 500 Monasteries and Nunneries on a Green Hillside over looking the Arrawaddy river ,Swanoo pon nyashin Pagoda and U Min ThoneSe Pagodas are major places to visit. Silver ware work and making rice bowl for monk are also attractive.

Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
Also known as Maymyo, when it was a British hill station. The old stagecoaches are still operating as local taxi service. There are plenty to see, such as the wonderful Botanical Garden, Pwe Kauk Waterfall, the busy market and the newly built Pye Lone Chan Tha Pagoda, which houses a mysterious Buddha image. Why not taking a train one early morning, which takes a winding circuitous up route through the hills at sunrise!
Pyin Oo Lwin, 1070 meters above sea level, is 67 km east from Mandalay on the west known as Maymyo, a former British colonial summer retreat. Kandawgyi Park and the Pyin U Lwin Market are popular sites. Excursions to Pwe Kauk Falls, Peik Chin Myaung Cave and a ride on horse-drawn stagecoach through the town. Pyin Oo Lwin is an easy day trip from Mandalay. Hiking trips to the nearby Anisakan Falls can be arranged.

Monywa
Beyond Sagaing 160 km from Mandalay is Monywa. After crossing the Chindwin river by ferry boat and 15 minutes drive, it's Powintaung and Nwathotaung, impressive extinct volcanoes with some 446, 444 Buddha Images placed in sandstone niches, about 15 minutes from Monywa, Kyaukka village is famous for its bamboo ware products. On the way back to Mandalay, one may visit Thanboddhe Shrine,a different type stupa, largest reclining Buddha Image and thousands of Bo trees.

Mogok
Roughly 200km north of Mandalay, Mogok is famous for its gem mines of rubies and sapphires. The town is nestled in a valley at over 1000 m around a large lake - the weather is cool. Visits to the mines can be arranged. Mogok means 'ruby land'.
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