Bagan
Bagan is the
richest
archaeological sites
in Asia and known as
the city of four
million pagodas. It
is situated on the
eastern bank of
Ayeyarwaddy River,
about 500 km north
of Yangon. It was
founded as early as
in 849 and the 10th
century
archaeological sites
are considered to be
the richest and most
amazing sites in
Asia. Among four
million pagodas,
only 2200 remain
today. The others
were destroyed by
earthquake and
decay. The ruins of
Bagan City cover the
land area of 42
sq.km. The majority
of these
well-preserved
temples and pagodas
offer a rich
architectural
heritage from the
11th to 13th century
era.
It can be reached by
flight, car from
Yangon and Mandalay.
There are daily
flights to Bagan
from Yangon and
Bagan. Flying hour
is one hour and
twenty minutes from
Yangon and 20
minutes from Bagan.
It takes 12 hours
drive from Yangon
and 7 hours from
Mandalay by coach.
River cruises are
available form
Mandalay to Bagan.
Ananda Temple

The Ananda Temple,
built in 1090, is
King Kyansittha's
masterpiece and the
crowning achievement
of the early style
of temple
architectures. There
are four huge Buddha
images in standing
position and a
series of 80
relief's depicting
the final life of
the Buddha from His
birth to His
enlightenment is
incredible. It is a
felicitous and
harmonious blending
of the best Myanmar,
Mon and Indian
architectural styles
of those days.
Thatbyinnyu Temple
This (over) 66
meters high temple
was built by King
Alaungsithu in the
mid 15th Century. It
can offers a
magnificent
panoramic beauty
Bagan plains to the
visitors.
Gawdawpalin Temple
This 12th century
temple was built by
King Narapatisithu
and about 60 meters
high. The sunset
over the scenic
beauty of the Ayeyarwaddy River
with the backdrop of
Tankyitaung Hill and
the panoramic view
of ancient Bagan can
be seen from the
upper terrance of
the temple.
Gubyaukgyi Temple
This temple is
famous for its wall
painting, depicting
scenes from the
previous lives of
the Buddha, each
scenes is painted on
a small, square
panel which is
neatly delineated.
The pyramidal spire
which surmounts the
main square block
probably owed
inspiration to the
Mahabodhi temple at
Bodh Gaya. The
legends in Myanmar
gave the title of
each Jataka and
mentioned the main
character depicted
in the scence. It
was written in four
languages - Myanmar,
Pali, Mon & Pyu.
Htilominlo Temple
The temple is one of
the largest temples
of Bagan that was
built about 1221 AD
by King Nandaungmya.
It's a two-storied
building structure
stands 50 meters
above the ground.
This temple is
famous for its fine
plaster carvings on
the arch-pediments,
pilaster and frieze.
Shewzigon Pagoda
This simple, massive
and imposing pagoda
was built by King Anawrahta ( the
founder of the first
Myanamar Empire) and
completed by King
Kyansittha in 1084.
Shwezigon Pagoda
became the prototype
for later Myanmar
Pagodas. The
Shwezigon was held
in special reverence
by successive kings.
The pagoda festival
is held from late
October to early
November.
Bupaya Pagoda
The Bupaya is one of
the famous pagodas
in Bagan. This
pagoda with a
bulbous dome
resembling the gourd
fruit is a favorite
spot for visitors to
watch the sunset.
The most beautiful
view of the nature
of Ayeyarwaddy River
& dawn and sunset is
the unforgettable
travel experience
for the visitors.
Other interesting
places
-
Archaeological
Museum
- Dammayangyi Temple
- Gawdawpalin Temple
- Lawkananda Pagoda
- Mingalarzedi
Pagoda
- Nan Paya Temple
- Shwegygyi Temple
- Shwesandaw Pagoda
- Tharaba Gateway
- Thatbyinnyu Temple
Mount Popa
Mt. Popa is situated
over 60 km
south-east of Bagan
and 1500 meter-high.
It is the remains of
an ancient volcano.
The pagodas at the
summit are reached
by a seemingly
endless stairway.
Mt. Popa is
considered the abode
of most powerful
nats ( spirit ) and
important nat
worship center as
well as a major
pilgrimage
destinations in
Myanmar.
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