Introducing Mandalay
Myanmar’s
second city and the last capital before British rule,
Mandalay is an intriguing mix of ancient and modern,
developing with a distinctly Chinese flavour. The
old-style elegance of the past remains in its shrines
and monasteries, and the workshops of traditional
crafts, the best in the country. Mandalay
The main city spreads out in a southerly direction from
its centre piece, Mandalay Fort and Palace, the latter
of which has just been fully restored and is
open to visitors.Other unique attractions include 'the
world's biggest book'– 729 marble slabs on which are
inscribed the Tripitaka, a Buddhist doctrine, around the
central stupa at Kuthodaw Pagoda.
Nearby Inwa offers a glimpse into Myanmar’s ancient
splendour. The longest serving capital in Myanmar's
history – it was the political hub for almost 400 years.
An 11 km boat ride up the Ayeyarwaddy River from
Mandalay, Mingun lays incomplete, abandoned by its donor
king. It would have been the biggest temple in the
world, but the Mingun bronze bell at 90 tones near by is
indeed is the largest hanging bell in the world. |
