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A Mountain Lover’s Guide to Myanmar
A Mountain Lover’s Guide to Myanmar By June Franco Love travelling down long winding hilly roads, soaking up the hillside greenery while enjoying cool weather? Then Myanmar is just the…
Fascinating Facts
- Mandalay is the last royal capital of Myanmar, founded in 1857 by King Mindon based on a dream. The British conquered Mandalay in 1885, marking the end of monarchy in Myanmar.
- Mandalay is the country’s cultural capital. With its amazing wooden palace and pagoda-studded Mandalay Hill, the city will awe you.
- Mandalay is also an important religious centre of the country, housing around 700 Buddhist pagodas.
Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, was established in 1857. Mandalay is located in central Myanmar, on the eastern bank of Ayeyarwady River. This city, named after Mandalay Hill has been a matter of fantasy for people over the ages and has been named in renowned literary works such as the poem ‘Mandalay’ written by Rudyard Kipling, the song ‘On the road to Mandalay’ written by Oley Speaks and George Orwell’s novel ‘Burmese Days’.
The Mandalay as seen today is Myanmar’s blooming cultural centre and one of the country’s best religious sites that display astonishing masonry and architecture. The city is Myanmar’s major commercial, education and health centre and has been ranked as the fifth on the ASEAN Smart Cities Network list. Witness the unique blend between modern development and ancient history when you visit Mandalay.
History
King Mindon established a new royal capital surrounded by 4 rivers at the foot of Mandalay Hill in February 1857. The construction was intended to fulfil a prophecy in which a Buddhism metropolis was to be built at the exact location where the 2,400th jubilee of Buddhism took place. The city grew as a strong capital city for 26 years before being conquered by the British Empire, establishing the Mandalay we see today as the last royal capital city of the Konbaung Dynasty. Mandalay city was heavily affected by the Second World War but the royal mint and watch tower survived the damages.
HOW TO GET THERE
- Mandalay is well-connected with the rest of the country as well as the world. It has an international airport with connecting flights to major cities in the world. Domestic flights operate from Mandalay to almost all domestic airports in Myanmar.
- It takes up to 6 hours by bus to reach Mandalay from Bagan and 9 hours from Yangon. Bus services are also available from Inle Lake. The travel takes around 7 hours.
- Mandalay is also well-connected with the rest of the country by train. It takes about 8 hours to travel to Mandalay from Bagan by train and 15 hours from Yangon. There are two daily trains from Lashio, Hsipaw and Pyin U Lwin. The train rides from these areas are slow, but you can enjoy the view along the way.
- There are boat rides available from Bagan to Mandalay. In fact, it is highly suggested if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Myanmar countryside.
Top Attractions
Mandalay is a large city, dotted with plenty of amazing tourist destinations that will surely make you fall in love with this city. Explore the monasteries and temples which reveal the best of the country’s ancient architectural designs. Many of these places are places of worship for the local and international devotees. Hence, this will be a unique opportunity for you to get a first-hand experience of the religious setup of the country. Enjoy the sight of monks in traditional holy robes walking along roads packed with modern vehicles when you visit any monasteries near the hill.
Mandalay Hill is also an ideal destination to experience the scenic sunrise or sunset with the entire city as the backdrop. The view from the hilltop is amazing. They will give you the best Instagram photo opportunities. There’s more! Walk on the world’s longest wooden bridge at U Bein bridge, located about a 20 minutes drive away from the city.
If you’re up for a great shopping session, head to the famous 42nd Street Jade Market and be spoiled for choice as you walk along the market. You will get the best local produce. If you have a love for jewellery, do pick up some jade accessories and jewellery made from precious stones here. Mandalay is often called the cultural capital of the country, and it is only when you are here, that you will know why.
Things To Do
WALK ON U-BEIN BRIDGE
This is the longest wooden bridge in the world – 1.2 km long built over a lake. Enjoy a memorable walk on the bridge and take stunning photographs. This is one of the hottest attractions in Mandalay visited by thousands of visitors every year. Our tip – reach 2 hours before sunset to enjoy something you will never forget.
A TRIP TO MANDALAY HILL
Mandalay Hill is by far the most important and the primary must visit place in Mandalay. Climb up this 240-metre high hill and be awestruck by the panoramic view. Don’t worry, you don’t have to climb up – there are elevators and escalators. Visit during sunrise or sunset for an added oomph to your trip.
MANDALAY ROYAL PALACE
You cannot miss the Mandalay Palace – the huge fortress located near the hill. A walk through the corridors of this palace will take you down history when Myanmar was ruled by Burmese royals. The palace has 48 turrets and 12 gates. We recommend keeping a few hours aside to explore this majestic structure.
TASTE THE AMAZING LOCAL FOOD
Is trying the local food an essential part of any of your trips? Well it should be in Mandalay! The city has an amazing array of street food vendors and local restaurants here. Sit at a local restaurant, drink some tea and observe the local people. Don’t miss the tea leaf salad and chicken with coconut gravy while you dine.
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Mandalay Itineraries
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN PYAY
DAY 2: VISIT SRI KSETRA ANCIENT CITY
DAY 3: GO TO TAUNGDWINGYI
DAY 4: EXPLORE BEIKTHANO ANCIENT CITY
DAY 5: EXPLORE BAGAN
DAY 6: TRAVEL TO SHWEBO TOWN
DAY 7: VISIT HALIN ANCIENT CITY
DAY 8: EXPLORE MANDALAY
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DAY 2: VISIT SRI KSETRA ANCIENT CITY
DAY 3: GO TO TAUNGDWINGYI
DAY 4: EXPLORE BEIKTHANO ANCIENT CITY
DAY 5: EXPLORE BAGAN
DAY 6: TRAVEL TO SHWEBO TOWN
DAY 7: VISIT HALIN ANCIENT CITY
DAY 8: EXPLORE MANDALAY
Read More …
DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN MANDALAY
DAY 2 – SIGHTSEEING AROUND MANDALAY
DAY 3 – MINGUN & AMARAPURA
Read More …
DAY 2 – SIGHTSEEING AROUND MANDALAY
DAY 3 – MINGUN & AMARAPURA
Read More …
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