The Sites and Landmarks of Mandalay
The Sites and Landmarks
of Mandalay
Centuries of history are entwined with the city’s strong affiliation to Buddhism. It comes as
no surprise that Mandalay leaves a flood of euphoria to department guests, eager to
explore more. A half-day well-spent, where we capture the tip of the iceberg.
WHY THIS TOUR?
The last capital of the third Myanmar Empire, Mandalay is situated in the centre of the country, some 670 kilometres due north of Yangon. It is the largest city after Yangon and is both a bustling commercial centre and a repository of ancient culture.
With the remains of the old Royal City, sacred monasteries and numerous other places of interest, Mandalay is a showcase for Myanmar art and architecture and is known as the country’s cultural capital. It is nationally known for woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk cloth, and other traditional craft products.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 12:30
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13:30 - 18:00
Pick up from your hotel in the morning (or early afternoon, when opting for the afternoon exploration of Mandalay) with your guide and driver. Stops during this half-day tour include one of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar, a guided journey commences with a landmark of invaluable proportions. Said to rival Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon in terms of religious importance, Mandalay’s Mahamuni Pagoda is a blissful example of the importance of Buddhism in the country. Constructed during the 18th century, its gilded interior and exterior are among the finest examples around. The complex’s centrepiece is a Buddha image that was made originally out of alloy but now layered with thin foils of gold. It is now is expected to weigh over a ton.
Further in this tour, we include the Shwe Inbin Monastery and the Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), an imposing teak monastery-temple that was built within the palace complex but subsequently dismantled and rebuilt some years later. Nowadays, although still called a monastery, the complex is one of the finer, well-preserved examples of a bygone era. Next, the Golden Palace Monastery is a superb example of a traditional wooden building. Locally known as Shwenandaw, it once was home to hundreds of monks.
Home to the world’s largest book, the Kuthodaw Pagoda is a religious landmark in its own right and is marked next on our route. A total of 729 marble slabs, on which the entire Theravada Buddhist Pali Canon are inscribed are on display at this primarily white example of its connection with Buddhism. A visit a traditional handloom silk workshop as well as a Kalaga tapestries craftsman’s shop brings forward a more traditional side of Mandalay. Ending at the highest point of Mandalay for superb views over the city and surrounding plains marks the end of exploring the beauty of the country’s 2nd largest city.
