|
The modern centre of Buddhism and Myanmar
arts, the old royal city of Mandalay, 670km north of Yangon,
is also the home of traditional artisans - including wood
and stone carvers, silversmiths and weavers - and for the
production of gold leaf.
The former capital, prior to British rule,
and the second largest city in the country, it takes its name
from the nearby 240-metre Mandalay Hill, and is rich in monasteries
and pagodas.
Shwe Nandaw Kyaung Temple Grounds
Within the grounds is the sole remaining
building of the once sumptuous moated palace. King Mindun's
former apartment, built mainly of teak, is decorated with
beautifully carved panels and a photograph of the Atumashi
Kyaung Monastery, destroyed by fire in 1890.
Mahamuni Pagoda
The 'Great Pagoda' houses the revered Mahumuni
image. The image was brought from Rakhine in 1784, and is
thickly covered in gold leaf from years of worship by devout
Buddhists.
Eindawya Pagoda
Built in 1847 and covered in gold leaf.
Shwekyimyint Pagoda
Contains the original Buddha image consecrated
by Prince Minshinzaw during the Bagan period.
Mandalay Hill
Stairways lead up to temples and a panoramic
view. Shweyattaw Buddha - Close to the hill. The statue's
outstretched finger points towards the city. Mandalay's abandoned
cities
There are several abandoned former capitals around Mandalay.
Amarapura
Some 11km south of Mandalay. It became the
capital of the Konbaung Dynasty in 1783 during the reign of
King Bodawpaya. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda,
U Bein Bridge across the Taungthaman Lake, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda,
Nagayon Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and cotton and silkweaving
cottage industries.
Inwa (Ava)
Known as the Kingdom of Inwa during the Second
Myanmar Empire, today it is a small town south of Amarapura.
The sights to see in In-wa include Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha
Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Monastery, the lacquerware
factory and Inwa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwad River.
Sagaing
Once an ancient capital, Sagaing lies 21km
south west of the Ayeyarwad River. The Sagaing Hills are dotted
with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat
for some 6000 monks and nuns. Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung
Hmudaw Pagoda (a copy of the Mahaceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka),
and Ywahtaung village (home of the silversmiths' guild) are
places worth visiting.
Mingun Bell
A delightful river trip from Mandalay is
required to get to this marvelous unfinished temple. Famous
for the 90-ton Mingun Bell, supposedly the largest hung bell
in the world, it was cast in 1790 on the orders of King Bodawpaya,
who wished for it to be installed at the top of his planned
giant 150 metre-high pagoda. Due to the king's death in 1819,
however, the pagoda was never completed.
Pyin Oo Lwin
The former British hill station of Maymyo,
67 km east of Mandalay, stands about 1,000 meters above sea
level. Though the town was damaged during World War II, several
of the old English houses were spared. This is also the centre
for Myanmar's small but burgeoning new coffee industry.
|
