Mandalay & Beyond

Mandalay was the royal capital of the last Myanmar Konbaung Kingdom founded in 1857. King Mindon built the capital at the foot of Mandalay Hill to realize the prophesy of Lord Buddha that a great city will rise under the shadow of the Mandalay Hill. He built his Royal Palace within four square walls and moat at outer side of the walls. Although Mandalay ceased to be the capital city of the country it is still acknowledged as the centre of Myanmar culture, handicrafts and music. Mandalay is the best place to see handicrafts such as wood, ivory and stone carving and gold leaf manufacture. Entertainment such as “Pwe” (dances at road side theatre), Nat Pwe (special event of spirit mediums) are held almost the whole year round. The Royal Palace, Mandalay Hill, handicraft workshops, the Golden Palace monastery, Mahamuni Image and medication centers are interesting places to visit.

Mandalay Hill

A young novice

Nunnery at Sagaing            

Mingun is situated on the west bank of Ayeyarwaddy River and accessible from Mandalay by boat. The place is famous for its great Bell of Mingun (90 ton), the biggest and the only ringing bell in the world built by King Bodawpaya. His intention was to build the huge Mingun Bell and the huge Mintara gyi pagoda with 2 huge guardian lions to show his strength and power.

But the pagoda was left unfinished as he died at the age of 75. It is learned that the lowest terrace of the pagoda measures 150ft. It is an enjoyable boat trip from Mandalay across the Ayeyarwaddy River to visit the historical remains in Mingun.

Marionette Theater

Amarapura means the “City of Immortality”. Amarapura became a royal capital in early 18th century under King Bodawpaya of the Konbaung Dynasty. However when King Mindon moved the capital to Mandalay in early 19th century it became just a suburb of the great city. However many interesting things remain to be seen in Amarapura. Cotton and silk weaving is the main industry in Amarapura. Mahagandayon Buddhist monastery and seminary, with thousands of monks and their daily life shows the importance of monastic study in the country. U Bein’s Bridge, that took the name of “U Bein”, who wisely used the teak pillars of deserted Inwa Palace and built this 1.2km long footbridge to connect the two side of the Taungthaman Lake, is a scenic spot. The sunset scene from the U Bein Bridge is a sight not to be forgotten.

Sunset

Sagaing became the capital of an independent Shan kingdom around 13th century after the fall of the Bagan kingdom. Now a quiet town Sagaing is more renown for its hundreds of monasteries, nunneries and meditation centers that hides among the gullies and the numerous pagodas that dot the Sagaing Hills. It can be reached from Mandalay via the Inwa (Ava) bridge that span Ayeyarwaddy River. It is possible to have quiet meditation sessions at many of these centers.

Sagaing Hills

Inwa (The City of Gems) became a royal capital four times .A disastrous earthquake in 1838 caused serious damage but the city was finally abandoned as a capital only in 1841. To enhance the atmosphere of Inwa, it is advisable to take a horse cart to explore the city. Visit the Nanmyint watch tower (known as the leaning tower of Inwa), Maha Aungmye Bonzan brick and stucco monastery donated by one of the most powerful Queens of the Konbaung Dynasty, Mei Nu, and the Bagaya Kyaung, the monastery entirely made of teakwood and noted for its 267 teak posts that support the whole monastery. Inwa nat pwe to celebrate the nat (spiritual being) Thon Ban Hla is held around February/March every year.

Brick Monastery

It is situated at North West of Mandalay takes about 2 ½ hr drives by car. The famous attraction of Monywa is the Thanboddhay Paya decorated with over five hundred thousand small Buddha images in niches. Monywa is also famous for lacquer ware, its style quite different from Bagan.

Another interesting place to visit near Monywa is the Hpowin taung and Shweba taung (a religious site with unique pavilions and images cut from stand stone). Cross the Chindwin River towards the west bank, then another 4hrs drive to reach Pokokku and Bagan. This land journey will offer you the opportunity to observe life style of people living on the west bank of Ayeyarwaddy River.

Thanboddhay Paya

Maymyo is the hill station to the east of Mandalay and over 3000 ft high. As the hill station is a part of Shan mountain ranges, it is a pleasant place for those who wish to escape the heat of Mandalay. The original inhabitants of Pyin Oo Lwin are Bamars and Shans but there were also Nepalis, who were stationed in Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) by the British army after WW II. The best places to visit are the Pyin Oo Lwin National Kandawgyi Garden, Pwegauk waterfall, Pyin Oo Lwin market and Peikchinmyaung Caves. The transport should not miss to take is a horse driven chariot still operating since colonial time.

Botanical Garden

It will be an adventure trip from Mandalay. Thibaw and Lashio towns are on the main road from Mandalay to Muse on the border with China.

After visiting Pyin Oo Lwin take a slow train to Kyauk-me crossing by the Goteik Viaduct steel bridge that traverses a 984 ft deep gorge in the Shan mountains. Continue to Thibaw and visit Thibaw Haw or the palace of the hereditary Shan princes. Take a long tail boat along Dokhtawaddy River for trekking to Shan villages and visit the many orchards along the way. Continue by road to Lashio and visit Lashio market, Lashio hot springs, villages and Mansu Pagoda.

Gohteik Steelth Bridge

A village of Taungbyone is 20 km (13 miles) North of Mandalay. The festival is held every year around July-August in commemoration of the two brothers who were executed by King Anawratha in 11th century. They were believed to become ‘Nat’ (spiritual beings) and believers from all over the country gathered at Taungbyone village during festival. There are lots of music, ceremonial dances, consultation with shamans, mediums and pwes (staged cultural dance). Visitors can reach Taungbyone by a car or by train.

Nat Festival

Kyauk-se village is 49 km (32 miles) South of Mandalay. Kayauk-se is well known for Elephant dance in October every year. The life size decorative elephants are made of bamboo, paper and cloth. The dummy elephant dance according to the rhythm of music by 2 male expert manoeuvre played inside the dummy.

Elephant Dance