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Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and was established in 1857. It lies on the east bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River and in the upper part of Myanmar. Mandalay has the Royal Palace of the last Konbaung Dynasty. Mandalay inherits many cultural heritage from the ancient Myanmar Kingdoms and beautiful places to visit.
Former capital of Myanmar until British annexation in 1885 is the cultural center of the country as well as being the commercial and Buddhist education-center for the whole Myanmar. Geographical focus from four corners of country, Mandalay is about 700km from the north of Yangon, situated between the vast plain of Ayeyarwady river’s terrace and plateau of Shan state in the east, and just on the foot of historic Mandalay hill.
Mandalay was founded by King Mindon of Koneboung dynasty in 1852.The royal palace, established at the center of royal compound protected by immense brick wall and moat, four gates at sides, covers 2 square kilometers, which had been completely destroyed, except palace’s wall with fort, during World War 2, but in recent years, the reconstruction has been finished. Although many significant places to explore in Mandalay, it is quite interesting to visit the palace site for nostalgic thinking, if time permits. Not far from palace, Mandalay hill, with 235 meters above sea level, is absolutely a pleasant place to contemplate the sunset.
Mahamuni Pagoda
Locally named Phayagyi which means Great Pagoda, is the most sacred place in Mandalay where hundreds of Buddhist is praying, in most of the time, in front of a venerable bronze statue of Buddha image whose height is 1.5 meters, placed on the golden throne, which is thickly covered by layers of gold leaves, except the face.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Kuthodaw pagoda of king Mindon from 19 century, situated on the foot of Mandalay hill, where hundreds of white temples, despite the small size, to shelter the sacred writings of Buddhist philosophy, being carved on the white marble slabs, attracts many visitors by famous name of the world’s biggest book.
Shwenandaw Monastery
The old wooden monastery of Shwenandaw, next to Kuthodaw, is considered as type example of Myanmar architecture of 19 century where huge teak pillars as well as decorative teak sculptures are marvelous. The royal usage of gold leaves in this monument is remarkable; interior is visibly covered, because it was one of the royal buildings of Mandalay palace under the reign of king Mindon.
Mingun
Mingun
A nice typical village across the Ayeyarwady River, was royally denoted as recreational place for noble families during the time of monarchy. One hour boat trip, about 12km upriver from Mandalay, brings the most scenic points along the river side. Upon arrival, the huge bell of Mingun with its weight of 90 tons and the unfinished brick pagoda with its impressive cracks caused by an earthquake must be particularly attractive for sightseeing.
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