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Bagan and Environs |
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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 the famed
Ayeyarwaddy River, about 500 km north of Yangon. It
was founded as early as in 849 AD 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.
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Ananda Temple
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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.
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Thatbyinnyu Temple
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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.
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Gawdawpalin Temple
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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.
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Gubyaukgyi Temple
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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.
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Htilominlo Temple
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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.
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Shewzigon Pagoda
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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.
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Bupaya Pagoda
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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.
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Other interesting places
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Archaeological Museum
Dammayangyi Temple
Gawdawpalin Temple
Lawkananda Pagoda
Mingalarzedi Pagoda
Nan Paya Temple
Shwegygyi Temple
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Tharaba Gateway
Thatbyinnyu Temple
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Myanmar Lacquer ware
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World well-known
Myanmar Lacquer wares are made in Bagan. There are
many lacquer ware workshops in Bagan.
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Mount Popa
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Mt. Popa is
situated about 67 km south-east of Bagan and 1500
meter-high extinct 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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