mandalay

Mandalay, The second capital of country was founded by King Mindon in 1857, serving as King's Palace until 1885. The city reflects so many aspects of cultural, historical, religious and social values of a century time. Mandala's Buddhist monasteries are amongst the most important in the country- about 60% of all the monks in Myanmar reside in the Mandalay area. 

Despite modern houses, plazas and hotels had replaced the old Mandalay; countless ancient temples and religious monuments together with splendid natural scenes are still widely strewn over the region. Mandalay is called to be Heart of Culture. 

Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is a best place to enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of city from the 790ft-high summit on which Gautama Buddha had believed to have arrived in His lifetime. Mode of transportation to hilltop is either by car until the apex or climbing up along the roofed stairway at 1700-over steps by frequent halts to rest and breath fresh air. 

Mandalay Fort and Moat

Mandalay Fort and Moat The construction of the Mandalay fort which lay in the center of the city was ordered by King Mindon in 1857. The immense eight-meters-high walls are made of fired bricks backed by earth ramparts and are three-meters-thick at the base. Each of the 2km-long four sides are surrounded by moat is 70 m wide and 3m deep. A channel from the Mandalay irrigation canal fills the moat. After the British occupied the city in 1885, the compound was named Fort Dufferin and became the seat of the colony's government house. Presently, the military offices and residences take place and famous Royal Palace is also re-built for visitors. 

Kuthodaw pagoda

World's largest book (or) Kuthodaw pagoda houses 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhism inscriptions which was built in 1872 when Fifth Buddhist Synod was historically held by King Mindon. The superb work of people who painstakingly carved these marble stone slabs is incredible. 

Shwenandaw Kyaung 

Shwenandaw Kyaung is 140-years-old traditional teak monastery, famous of its intricate woodcarvings. King Mindon stayed during his last sick days in it and later King Thibaw transformed it as meditation center for palace monks. 

Atumashi Kyaung

Atumashi Kyaung is also called Incomparable monastery for its giant structure made of huge teak columns. The original structure was burnt in a big fire during world wars and the identical duplications were recently rebuilt. 

Maha Muni Pagoda

Maha Muni Pagoda One of the five statues of Buddha that were supposed to be made during his life; according to the legend two of them remain in India and the other two in Paradise. The image was believed to be breathed over by Buddha. Holy image was shifted to Mandalay only in 18th Century from its original place Rakhaing. The Image originally was made of alloy but had been heavily gilded with fine foils of gold on the bodyThe gold crown on the Head is studded with precious gem ( rubies, sapphires, emeralds, jades, diamonds etc, donated by pious devotes. 

Zegyo market

Zegyo market is the center of trade linking between towns of upper and lower Myanmar. Various local and imported (mainly from China and Thailand) goods are in business. The Italian-styled old market building was demolished and replaced with modern form. 

Kyauktawgyi Pagoda

Kyauktawgyi Pagoda is a huge Buddha image made of single marble block.The history says the raw stone was carried by 10,000 men taking 13 days from quarry to the pagoda site. 

U Bein bridge

U Bein bridge is 200-years old rickety wooden bridge made of teak planks from the demolished Inwa Palace, crossing Lake Taungthaman. It is intersting to learn villagers and cyclists travelling on that bridge for daily routine. 

Maha Gandayone Monastery

Maha Gandayone Monastery is a huge Buddhist monastery, which contributes religious atmosphere where hundreds of young monks are studying Buddhism classes, and, also a typical place to witness the disciplined way oif life of Buddhist monks. 

mingun

Mingun is an interesting quiet small village where a giant unfinished brick pagoda, an aged home, and the world's biggest ringing bell are located. An-hour-long up-river boat trip from Mandalay to Mingun by watching the social life of villages along the shore is an unforgetable experience. 

pyin oo lwin

Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo) is a 1070m-high beautiful hilltop resort town built by Colonel May in late 19th Century. Two-hour-long Jeep-ride along snaky hilly roads from Mandalay to Pyin U Lwin gives breathtaking views. British colonial buildings, pleasant cool temperature, Botanical Garden, Waterfalls, Chinese temples, historic huge Maha Ant-tu-kan-tha Buddha image, lovely horse-cart and local Shan food would add the city tour much more facinating.

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