Destinations>> Mandalay's
Environs
 Mandalay is the last Burmese Royal capital before the
British annexation, and scene of Byzantine palace intrigue.
Of the palace itself little remains but the walls; built
entirely of teak, it was destroyed in fire in 1945.But it is
Mandalay that is the cultural heart of Burma, the city where
traditional crafts abound; gold and silver, silk,
tapestries, marble and teak carving. Methods haven’t changed
for hundreds of years, and the quality is exquisite.
Mandalay is situated on the Irrawaddy in central Myanmar,
688 km due north of Yangon. It is the country’s second
largest city. It is not only the principle center for
Buddhism studies in Myanmar but also the heart of the
various handicrafts. Tour highlights include fabulous
Mahamuni Pagoda, whose Buddha is almost distorted from the
thickness
 of gold leaf that the devout cover him with daily.
The red and gold colonnades around the temple lead to six
arresting bronze Khmer sculptures that were among a group in
a raid from Angkor Wat in 1431.
Intricately carved Shwenandaw monastery is one of the few
wooden temple left in Mandalay, which was moved from the
palace ground to its present location in 1880. Kuthodaw
Pagoda, known as the world biggest book for its 729 upright
stone slabs on which are inscribed the entire Buddhist
scriptures. Mandalay Hill, 230 meters in elevation commends
a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside.
AMARAPURA
 Situated
about 11km south of Mandalay, Amarapura is an ancient
capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. Places of interest include
the Patodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein Wooden Bridge (1208 metres
long), silk and cotton weaving workshops and Maha Gandayon
Monastery.
AVA (Inwa)
Ava lies 20km southwest of Mandalay.
Founded by the Shan King Thadominbya in 1364, it remained
the royal capital for almost 5 centuries. Visitors cross the
river on a ferry and ride around the sites of Ava in a
horse-drawn pony cart. Highlights include the Nanmyin
Watchtower, Bagaya Teak wood Monastery, Maha
Aungmye Bonzan, Htilaingshin Paya and the workshop making
lacquer alms bowl for monks.
 The ancient capital of Sagaing lies 21km
southwest of Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy
River. The Sagaing Hills offer famous religious retreats
where monks and nuns go for study and meditation in over 400
monasteries. Nearby is Ywataung Village known for its silver
craftsmen.
 Pyin Oo Lwin, 1070 metres above sea
level, is 67 km east from Mandalay. It is best known
as Maymyo, a former British Colonial summer retreat. The
famous Candacraig Hotel, Royal Kandawgyi Garden (formerly
botanical garden) and the Pyin Oo Lwin Market are popular
sites. Excursions to Pwe Kauk Falls, Peik Chin Myaung Cave
and a ride on a horse-drawn stagecoach through the town-Pyin
Oo Lwin is an easy day trip from Mandalay. Hiking trips to
the nearby Anisakan Falls can be arranged.
MONYWA
 Monywa, about 140 km to the west of
Mandalay is a commercial centre of the Chindwin Valley.
Bodhi-ta-taung Pagoda(one thousand Bo trees), a 300 foot
long reclining Buddha, Kyauka Shweguni Pagoda and lacquer
ware village, Thanbodhyi Pagoda (with over 500,000 Buddha
images), and Shwe Ba Hill and the famous caves of Po Win
Daung across the river are major tourist attractions. Monywa
is about a 3-hour drive from Mandalay.
MINGUN
 Mingun is 11km upriver from Mandalay on
the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is noted for
the Mingun Paya, a huge unfinished pagoda, Myatheindan
Pagoda and a gigantic
90-ton bell-the largest uncracked ringing bell in the world.
The 45minutes boat trip to Mingun is a very pleasant way to
see the life along the Ayeyarwaddy River.
MOGOK
 Roughly, 200km north of Mandalay, Mogok
is famous for its gem mines of rubies and sapphires. The
town is nestled in a valley at over 1000 m around a large
lake-the weather is cool. Visits to the mines, gem markets
and lapidary workshops can be arranged. Mogok means 'ruby
land'.
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