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 fascinating.
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