Interesting Destinations and Places to Visit in Mandalay
Myanmar is known to have the best places in the world. A Southeast Asian country where the best finds and places are found. Mandalay, being Myanmar's capital is located in the country's northern regions, officially known as Yadanabon. Mandalay is considered as the center of Myanmar's culture; the place where the things which makes Myanmar famous all started. Mandalay is the place where wood carving, Bronze casting, gold embroidery or what the Mandalays call Kalakan and other Myanmar art crafts were first made.
Mandalay was the last capital of Myanmar's kingdom back in the year 1800s. The royal palace was also built here, just along the foot of Mandalay hill. King Mindon, during his reign back in 1859 established Mandalay as the center of Buddhism in the country. King Mindon also made Mandalay his capital being nearest to his palace.
It takes an hour and a half long plane trip from Yangon to Mandalay. It can also be reached via train, car ride, and busses which will take a little longer. There are several places that are best visited in Mandalay. The city is full of beautiful and historical destinations everyone would surely love to see.
Here are some of the most-visited places in Mandalay, Myanmar:
o The Mandalay Palace - located at the foot of Mandalay hill. The palace was destroyed during the Second World War and now fully renovated. It is now open for the public, and considered as a museum. The original design of the palace was kept after it was restored, so visitors can view the actual physical features of the original palace. Inside the palace grounds, a Floating Restaurant was built along the trench where visitors can stop by to have their breaks and refreshments.
o Shwe-nandaw Monastery - the place where the founder of the royal palace died. It is one of the country's historical sights, for it is the only remaining residence of the Mandalay Palace. Originally built inside the palace before the king decided to move it, and made it to a monastery. The monastery was made with complex beautiful wood carvings, which the monastery is known for.
o Maha-muni Pagoda - considered as the most sacred pagoda in Mandalay. It was built by King Bodawpaya in the year 1784. The pagoda holds the well-preserved image of the Maha-mani Buddha which is brought all the way from Rakhing State. The regular ritual ceremony of washing the Buddha's face every morning draws a very large number of devotees in the site everyday.
o Kuthodaw Pagoda - also known as 'Mahaatula Marrazein", which means "the royal bounty". Another structure built by King Mindon in 1857. The Pagoda is surrounded by 792 stone wedges where the entire Buddhist Scriptures are inscribed. Famously known as the "world's biggest book". These inscriptions are known as the "Buddhist Canon".
These are just few of the best places to visit in Mandalay. There are a lot more to Mandalay has to offer, and visitors may always feel free to explore them once they get to Mandalay.