Tourist Attractions in Mandalay, Myanmar
Mandalay Fort
In the year 1861, King Mindon ordered the construction of Mandalay city’s well-known and towering fort. After deciding to move his capital from Amarpura to Mandalay in 1857, the monarch issued the first orders for development of the new city. The fort is in the form of a square, and its walls extend in all directions for around 2 km and are approximately 25 feet high. There are a total of 12 gates. The fire that broke out in the fort in 1945 left it in ruins, but it was rebuilt in the years that followed. Today, the majority of the work being done in this fort is on the concrete construction.
Mandalay Hill
The Mandalay Hill is a well-known landmark in the city of Mandalay. It is widely believed that the Buddha travelled to this location at some point and made a prophecy about the eventual development of a large metropolis at the base of this hill. The Mandalay Fort and the surrounding areas may be seen in all its splendour from this hill today, which provides stunning views. It is possible to reach the peak of the hill, which is about 754 feet above the valley floor, in around thirty minutes.
Atumashi Monastery
This monastery may be found in the vicinity of the base of the Mandalay Hill. It was once thought that this monastery was an unparalleled location in the nation; however, all that is left of it now are the ruins, since the main amount of it has been ruined over the course of time. The existing building has been given an outstanding appearance by having its surfaces painted in white and gold respectively.
Kuthodaw Paya
This location is referred to as “the largest book in the world,” and it is made up of a central pagoda in addition to 729 smaller shrines or temples. King Mindon is responsible for the construction of this location in the 1860s. Each of the shrines includes a marble slab that contains Pali translations of Buddhist texts taken from the Tipitaka collection. All of the shrines are located throughout an area that is about 13 acres in size.
Sandamuni Paya
This location is in close proximity to Kuthodaw Paya as well as Mandalay Hill. A significant number of slabs with Buddhist inscriptions may be discovered at this location. On the grounds there are also a significant number of stupas that have been painted white.
Shwenandaw Kyaung
The building known as Shwenandaw Kyaung can be found in the middle of the city of Mandalay. In the past, it was a part of King Mindon’s residence palace. Following the death of the monarch, this timber edifice was converted into a monastery. During the Second World War, a significant portion of the King’s palace was destroyed. As a result, Shwenandaw Kyaung is the sole structure in Mandalay that continues to showcase the traditional timber architecture of the nation.
Kyauktawgyi Paya
This pagoda may be seen not far from the bottom of Mandalay Hill. It was King Mindon’s goal to do this. A stunning Buddha carved out of marble may be seen at this location. It is estimated that over 10,000 men worked here over the course of 13 days to erect this monument.
Mahamuni Paya
This structure, which dates back to 1784 and literally translates to “Great Sage Pagoda,” has been the pride of Mandalay ever since it was built. A fire entirely destroyed the complex, which was then rebuilt in 1884 after it had been destroyed. The temple is home to a Mahamuni Buddha statue fashioned in the Rakhine style, cast in bronze, and dating back to the first century A.D. The devotees throughout the years have coated the statue with gold leaf, which they have presented to the statue.
Eindawya Paya
This magnificent building was constructed in 1847 and can be found in the middle of the town to the west of the Zegyo Market. King Pagan Min was the one who put everything together. In the past, this location was home to a palace that served as Pagan Min’s residence before he was elevated to the position of King. The building is embellished with gold leaf, which, when exposed to sunlight, creates a spectacular display to see.
Amarpura Town
This town prides itself on its historic legacy, having served as the capital of Upper Burma before Mandalay was declared the capital. Its name, which literally means “the location of immortality,” reflects this heritage. It is located approximately 12 kilometres south of Mandalay, and it is now well-known for the skillful artisans that live there. These craftsmen are masters of embroidery, bronze casting, and teak carving. The 1.2 kilometre long U Bein’s footbridge that was erected on Taungthaman Lake and connects the town to Kyawt Taw Gyi Pagoda is a popular attraction to visit when in this area. It spans a distance of about 0.75 miles. The Bagaya Kyaung Monastery is a wooden structure that dates back to the nineteenth century and is another sight that is well worth seeing.
Kaunghmudaw Paya
It is thought that this building, which can be found around 10 km west of Sagaing, was intended to represent the breast of a queen in Myanmar. The large white dome has a height of around 151 feet. The building was constructed some time in the 17th century. Around the perimeter of the foundation are around 812 stone pillars and over a hundred carved representations of nats.
Mingun Paya and Mingun Bell
Within the confines of the city of Mingun may be found the enchanting location of Mingun Paya. If it had been finished, the Mingun Paya, which is now only a destroyed foundation, would have been the highest structure in the world at the time it was constructed. Construction activities continued for a further 20 years, until the death of King Bodawpaya in 1819. After the king passed away, the location was no longer used. The Mingun Bell may be found in close proximity to the Mingun Zedi. It is the second biggest ringing bell in terms of size and the largest one in the world that has not been broken.
Pyin U Lwin
The settlement of Pyin U Lwin is located around 11 kilometres from the metropolis of Mandalay. In order to escape the oppressive heat of the central plains, the British established their settlement there. Maymyo was the name given to this little hill resort while it was still under British control. It is situated at an elevation of about 2624 feet. Quite a few historic homes designed in the Tudor style may be found in this area. The botanical garden is another feature that draws visitors to this area. It was created with the help of Turkish POWs who were used as labourers.
