| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Mandalay and Environs |
|
|
Mandalay
 Mandalay
is the second largest city and situated about 600
kilometers north of Yangon.. It was royal capital of
last monarchy of Myanmar (Burma). It enjoys the
splendor of the golden age and still has great
importance as a cultural center. The palace was
constructed in 1857 in Myanmar traditional
architectural styled. The city was destroyed in the
fierce fighting of World War II, including the Royal
Palace, which has been reconstructed. There are many
historical building and interesting sites.
Mandalay is
famous for not only its high tradition and culture
but also for handicrafts. A visit to Mandalay can
discover hand-woven embroidery in silk and cotton,
the wonderful process of making gold leaves, bronze
casting, wood and stone carving etc.
There are several
ancient cities around Mandalay such as Amarapura,
Ava, Sagaing (Sagaing hill is covered with many
monasteries and pagodas). Mingun, here Kongboung
dynasty kings established their capitals
respectively, with its unfinished pagoda and the
world's largest intact bronze bell.
|
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Shwenandaw Monastery
|
|
|
This is one of
the important attractions in the town of Mandalay.
The monastery is prominent for a building, which has
been moved from the ancient royal palace area in
1880, after King Mindon had died inside it, which
was taken as a bad omen. In 1880, the building was
turned into a monastery. It was reconstructed at the
present site in 1880 under the orders of King Thibaw.
This monastery is famous for its incredible
woodcarvings (consists mostly of teak wood, is
richly ornamented with carvings and hints at the
grandeur of the ancient royal palace) and is
reminiscent of old Mandalay Palace.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Mahamuni Pagoda
|
|
|
In 1784, Mahamuni
Pagoda is built to be revered as the holiest shrine
by King Bodawpaya. The Buddha Image is brought from
Rakhine State to house at recent Pagoda. The donor
was King Canda Suriya (Mon religion),one of the most
illustrious of Rakhine Kings. The Image is said to
have been cast in the life - time of the Buddha and
that the Buddha embraced it seven times thereby
bringing it to life. In ever early morning, ritual
of washing the face of the Buddha image draws a
daily crowd of devotees.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Mandalay Hill
|
|
|
Mandalay hill is 230 meters in
elevation and can enjoy a spectacular sight at
sunset. The legend says that Buddha on his visit had
prophesied that a great city would be founded at its
foot. A magnificent view of the city and the
surrounding countryside would be seen from Mandalay
Hill. And also, small stupas and monasteries half
hidden under the thickly-clustered trees can be seen
down the hillside.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Other interesting places of
Mandalay
|
|
|
 
Arts and crafts
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Atu mashi
Kyaut Taw Gyi
Mandalay Zeygyo Market
Wood and marble sone carving
Silk thread weaving
Ancient tapestry
|
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Pyin Oo Lwin
|
|
|
It lies some 69
km, north of Mandalay, at 1040 meters above sea
level and only one and a half hour drive from
Mandalay. The weather at Pyin Oo Lwin (May Myo) is
pleasant and cool the whole year. It is surrounded
by low hills within an area of approximately 30
square km. Coffee, vegetables and strawberries are
grown successfully on the slopes of the hills.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Other interesting places
|
|
|
The Botanical Garden
The Chinese Temple
Pwekauk Waterfall
Peik-Chin-Hmyaung Cave
Buildings from British colonial time |
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Amarapura
|
|
|
It lies on the
eastern bank of mighty Ayeyarwaddy River and
situated about 11 km south of Mandalay. It was
founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783 and one of the
capitals of the third Myanmar Empire. Amarapura
means City of Immorality. It is famous with the
longest Wooden Bridge 1.2 km in Myanmar which is
built totally with teak two centuries ago. It was
named after its donor U Bein and built since 1782
with over 1700 huge teak pillars. It spans
Taungthaman Lake, near Amarapura, with its farther
end at Kyauktawgyi Pagoda.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Other interesting places
|
|
|
Mahagandayone Monastery
Silk Weaving Handlooms
U Bein wooden bridge on Taungthaman Lake
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Sagaing
|
|
|
It lies on the
western bank of Ayeyarwady River and 21 km
south-west of Mandalay. It is well known for
meditation centers, 600 Buddhist pagodas, temples
and 400 monasteries. Myanmar people from all over
the country visit Sagaing for religious purposes.
Nearby is Ywataung village known for its silver
craftsmen.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Mingun
|
|
|
It's
located in 12 km north of Mandalay across majestic
Ayeyarwaddy River. Mingun, here Kongboung dynasty
kings established their capitals respectively, with
its unfinished pagodas and the world's second
largest ringing bronze bell 90 tons in weight.
Mingun Pagoda, unfinished pagoda, was dedicated to
be the world largest monument however which today
stood to be the world largest brick pile. It is
reached by ferry boats across the river and takes 1
hour for up-river and 40 minutes for down-river, A
boat trip to Mingun is pleasant with plenty of life
on the river to see.
|
 |
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
Innwa ( Ava )
|
|
|
Innwa is one of
the memorable cities as well as Royal capital city
(400 years ago) about 20 kilometers southwest of
Mandalay. Bargaya teak monastery is famous for its
teak pillars amounting to 267 in total are still to
be seen today.
|
|
............................................................................................................................................... |
|
 |
| |
