Mandalay is not only a cultural city but also a center for Buddhism studies. It was the last capital of Myanmar kingdom and boasts landmarks including Kuthodaw pagoda (famous for the “world’s biggest book”: 729 stone slabs of Buddhist sculpture), Mandalay hill & Myanansankyaw Royal palace. Here you can study Myanmar art and crafts of Shwechihto (golden-Weaving), silk weaving, wood, marble & stone carving, bronze casting.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Kuthodaw Pagoda was built in 1868 by King Mindon, who surrounded it with 729 marble slabs inscribed with Tipitakatext, often called the “World’s Biggest Book”
Mandalay Hill
Mandalay Hill is, perhaps, one of the best known sites in Myanmar. It reaches 235m in the northeast of Mandalay. It depicts traditions of Buddhism and of the city in its many sculpted figures. One may ascend paths on foot or ride to the top. At the summit, a gorgeous view of the surrounding countryside, including the battlements of Mandalay Palace, induces visitors to linger.
Kyauktawgyi
Kyauktawgyi is located near the southern entrance of Mandalay Hill. Built by King Mindon in 1864-65, it is best known for an enormous seated image of Buddha, carved from a single block of marble.
Shwe Kyi Myint Pagoda
This pagoda built in 1167 by Prince Minshin Saw, the exiled son of King Alaung Sithu of Bagan (1114-1167). This image is the original one and the oldest pagoda in the city.
Eindawya Pagoda
It was built in 1847 by King Bagan Min. It lies a little to the north of Setkyathiha and 27th Road and 89th street. It was carried to Myanmar Naing- Ngan in 1839 from Bodhagaya
Around Mandalay
Amarapura
It is a town about 11 km to the south of Mandalay, 20 minute’s drive by car. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, Nagayon Pagoda, Maha Gandayone Monastery, and Cotton and Silk Weaving Cottage Industry, and U Bein bridge across Thaungthaman Lake.
Mahamuni Pagoda
The Mahamuni Pagoda was built by King Bodaw Paya in 1784. It houses a 4.5m high image of Buddha that was brought from Rakhine State to Amarapura near Mandalay in 1784, during the reign of King Bodaw Paya. Its crown was an offering of King Thipaw in 1884, after it was damaged by fire. The pagoda was rebuilt in 1890. The Mahamuni Buddha is a highly gold-leafed image that is revered among Buddhist. A special ceremony is held each morning to wash and polish the face of the image.
Sagaing
21km South West of Mandalay. Enormous dome-shaped KaungHmudaw, Ywataung village for silver smith, are worth to visit.
Kaungmudaw Pagoda
This pagoda also called Rajamanicula 6 miles north of Sagaing was built by King Thalun of Eva in 1636. The pagoda rises from the plain 46 meters (151 ft) high and 274 meters (900ft) in cir-cumference.
Mingun
11km North of Mandalay, it features Pahtodawgyi and the largest ringing bell in the world.
Myatheindan Pagoda
This pagoda lies at the north end of Mingun. It was built by King Bagyidaw, grandson of Bodawpaya in 1816.
Mingun Bell
It weights 87 tons, stands 3.7 meters (12ft) high and is 5 meters (16 ½ ft).King Bodawpaya had this bell cast in 1790 to be dedicated to his huge Mingun Pagoda.
Monywa
Monywa is the second large trade sport at upper Myanmar. Agriculture products and daily commodity for the Khin hill region and upper Chindwin areas are connected from this town. And famous for some Indian’s product trading via border trade activities. The area are ranging from religion edifices to historical site to study. Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha image, Thanboday pagoda and Boditahtaung Buddha image are famous in the Monywa area. Can enjoy the cruise trip from Monywa to upper Chindwin Area by Chindwin river.
Mogok
Located at 7500 feet sea-level, Myanmar people known as Ruby Land. The brilliant rubies and Sapphires are pulled from their land for countries. And also famed for her natural beauty and resources, six hours drive from Mandalay to the North east. The new ruby mines are developed such as Pyinlone and mine shu but the quality of ruby at mogok is the best.
Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
Previously known as Maymyo because Major May founded this city during colonial time. Located at about 348 feet of sea level near east of Mandalay an Shan Plato famous for summer resort as cool for year round. Two hours drive from Mandalay and can see its beautiful with the Land scope. Visit to Pait Chin Myaung cave, track to Dattawgyi gait water fall and leisure at BE fall and Royal botanical garden are excellent. Riding the horse drawn coach and visit to wire product cartage industries are the unique of Pyin Oo Lwin.
Alaungdaw Kathapa
It is believed that Alaungdaw Kathapa attained nirvana at this spot. He died in the area, and his remains are in a cave in what is now a national park. Legend holds that his holy corpse will remain until Arimettaya Buddha attains Buddhahood. A stone wall at the cave has been gold leafed as tribute to the monk. Alaungdaw Kathapa (Kassapa) is remote and difficult to reach, but natural beauty of the area makes the long journey worthwhile.
Phowin Taung
After cruising the chindwin river by ferry and continue to ancient Phowin Taung cave about 1 hour drive to the Northern can arrive to call Powintaung Cave. Its famous for stone scripture and mural painting of the dozens of the caves. The statue and paintings are showing the old workmanship of 17 and 18 Century and also there are more than 400,000 Buddha images can see in this caves and surrounding area. Tamed monkey are make lovely to the visitors. The Mearina tiger and flog statues are make wonderful interest.
Shwe Ba Taung
Close to Phowin Taung, famous for filled with Buddha images at sand stone caves. The greening sport area at dry zone make the visitor refreshment when you visit Shwe ba Taung.
Twin Taung
It is located at Butalin Township about 2 hours drive from Monywa. It’s famous for spirulina weed products. Spirulina is one of the Natural weed which is full of minerals and vitamins agerts. Now established the cottage factory near Twin Taung to product the spirulina weeds. Another 3 places where can find the spirulina natural weeds are located at near by of Sagaing city, Sagaing division.
