Tourist Attractions in Bagan, Myanmar
Tharaba (Sarabha) Gateway
The remains of Tharaba Gateway are reminiscent of the city wall that surrounded Bagan in the 9th century. It was the most important gate on the city’s wall that ran along the eastern side. The pictures of Lord Handsome Nat may be seen on the right side of the gate, while Lady Golden Face can be found near the left side of the gate. You can also see the deterioration of the stucco work that was done on the gateway.
Ananda Pahto
The oldest temple in Bagan, Ananda Pahto dates back to the 11th century and is the biggest of all the temples in Bagan. King Kyansittha, who reigned in this area from the years 1084 to 1113 AD, was responsible for the construction of this magnificent building. The temple has been well looked for and conserved throughout the years; within, there are four sculptures of Buddha that are posed in a standing stance. There are also Buddha footprints to be found in this area, and the people revere them as sacred relics. The appearance of the building is distinctive in comparison to other temples in the area. The greatest time to go to this location is from the middle of December to the middle of January, during a festival that is held here. During this time, hundreds of people visit the temple.
Thatbyinnyu Pahto
This is the most elevated temple in all of Bagan, and it was built by King Sithu. Between the years 1113 and 1167 AD, King Sithu reigned over the area and oversaw the construction of a number of remarkable structures. This enormous edifice is designed in the shape of two cubes and has been erected to a height of around 60 metres. The Sikhara, also known as the peak of the temple, is reached by climbing the upper cube. On the side of the ancient city wall that faces southeast is where you’ll find the temple.
Gawdawpalin Pahto
In addition to its other name, this temple is also known as the Temple of Worshipping Throne. King Narapatisithu, who ruled over the area between the years 1174 and 1211 AD, is credited with the construction of the site. Despite this, the building was finished in its entirety by the time that Nadaung-mya became king. It gives the impression of being a scaled-down version of Thatbyinnyu Pahto from a distance. An earthquake in 1975 caused significant damage to the building, but it was eventually brought back to its previous glory.
Mingalazedi
In the year 1277 A.D., King Narathihapati was responsible for the construction of this pagoda, which is also known as the Blessing Stupa. During his reign, which lasted from 1256 until 1286 A.D., the monarch was responsible for the construction of a great number of pagodas. It is thought that this particular pagoda was the very last one to be built during the Bagan period. This magnificent building is well-known in the area for its exquisite architecture as well as its glazed jataka tiles. From this vantage point, you can also take in the breathtaking scenery of the areas that are located in close proximity to you.
Shwesandaw Paya
This paya is in the shape of a cylinder and is called a stupa. The stupa may be found perched atop the five sloping terraces. In addition, there is a statue of a reclining Buddha that is about 65 feet long that is located right next to the stupa. The highest point of the structure offers spectacular vistas of the areas immediately next to it.
Shwezigon Paya
During the early Bagan era, King Anawratha erected this golden pagoda in the town of Nyaung Oo. It is believed that the pagoda was dedicated to Buddha. The location is roughly 6 kilometres to the northwest of Bagan, close to the villages of Wetkyi-in and Nyaung U. The pagoda stands at a height of about 48 metres and has the classic form of a bell tower. The breadth at the bottom is about 160 feet. In order to take in this ecstatic scene, a great number of people go to this location.
Manuha Paya
This pagoda, also known as the Captive King’s Pagoda, can be seen in Myinkaba Village, which is located south of Bagan. It was built by King Manuha. It is thought that the building was constructed in the year 1067 A.D. Inscriptions left by King Manuha may be found at this location. Glazed stone is used to decorate the floor of the entryway that faces north. A large number of Buddha statues are housed inside a very limited number of enclosures. You also have the option of going to the Myinkaba hamlet, where you may see the locals working in their lacquer pottery workshops.
Mahabodhi Paya
This monument, which can be seen in the city of Bagan, was constructed during the reign of King Nadaungmya. This temple was constructed in the same manner as the Bodhgaya Temple in India, which may be found in India. Bricks are used in the construction of the pagoda, which is around 143 feet in height. The pagoda’s watchtower is designed in the shape of a square pyramid. At the very pinnacle of the pagoda is a spire that is shaped like an enormous cone. This location is situated in the direction of the Ayeyarwady River.
Mt Popa
Mount Popa is an extinct volcano that can be found adjacent to Kyauk Padaung, not far from Bagan. The eruption of this mountain is thought to have occurred many thousands of years ago. The inhabitants of the area regard this mountain with an elevation of 4,987 feet as a holy place because they believe it to be the dwelling place of both legendary gods and spiritual entities. At the peak of the mountain, there is a location that hosts a little monastery.
Payathonzu
This ancient building may be found in the Salay region, to the north of Minnanthu Village. It dates back to the 13th century. There are three shrines in this area, all of which are linked to one another and include a variety of mural paintings. Bricks are used in the construction of the shrines, while corncobs are used to make the sikharas. It is thought that Mongol invasions caused this edifice to be abandoned before it could be finished because Mongol armies were involved.
