Mandalay is located 716 km North of Yangon. It was the royal capital of the last two kings of Myanmar, and is the cultural and religious centre of Buddhism. The city is also famous for its traditional crafts. Mandalay has a tropical wet and dry climate.
The Mandalay streets are laid out in a grid system, and are numbered east to west (up to 49th) and north to south (over 50th).Addresses show the block where the building is located by giving the main street which it is on and the streets which is between: for example, 56th (between 19th and 20th Street).
There are Six Townships, namely Aung Myae Thar San, Chan Aye Thar San, Mahar Aung Myay, Chan Mya Thar Si, Pyi Gyi Tagon and Amarapura.
Moreover, Mandalay is well known for its pagodas and historical buildings; Maha Muni Pagoda, Maha Thatkya Thiha Pagoda, Shwe Kyee Myin Pagoda, Sanda Muni Pagoda, Kutho Daw, Atu Mashi Monastery, Golden Palace Monastery, Mandalay Hill, Yankin Hill and U Bein Bridge.
The heart of the city dominated by Zegyo market. The Clock Tower, built in 1903 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. Eain Daw Yar Pagoda, a very popular pagoda known for fulfilling wishes. St Joseph’s Cathedral (Father Lafon Church), a gothic style church built by French Fathers in 1894. Shari Krishna Temple, built during the Japanese occupation during World War II. Gold leaf being made at the small workshop. Catch a film at Myo Ma and Win Light Cinema, the largest cinema in Mandalay. Htoe Mont, Mandalay’s most famous sweet snack, fresh fruits at Thit Thee Dan Market, Fresh vegetables from the many street sellers, Coconut rice and Biryani from the night time street sellers, Indian Snacks, Shan, Chinese and Myanmar foods, late night snacks at the 24-hour tea shops and restaurants along 35th St by the eastern edge of Yan Gyi Aung Bridge are part of Mandalay city.
North of Mandalay is the main historical and religious area of Mandalay with many ancient pagodas and monasteries. Sunset from the view of the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda on top of the Mandalay Hill is famous for its panoramic views over the city. U Khan Ti Museum which houses and interesting collection of historical and religious items at the footage of the Mandalay Hill. There’s also Kutheikhtaryon Ingyin Pagoda (Sal Tree Forest Pagoda), a man-made forest surrounding and ancient recling Buddha statue at the footage of the hill. Kuthodaw Pagoda, the biggest book in the world with 729 marble slabs etched with the words of Tipitaka won’t be missed out to see in Mandalay. Have fun at Yadanapon Garden with its 55 acres of green space with a zoo, swimming pool, and amusement zone. Can practice your golf swing at the Asia Centre Golf course and Keep fit by walking up Mandalay Hill. Paintings at the many art galleries at the base of Mandalay Hill is one of the attractive places for tourists. There are cold drink shops and tea shops scattered around the base of Mandalay Hill. National Theatre which hosts regular traditional performances. Shwe Nandaw Kyaung called Golden Palace Monastery , an ancient ornately carved teak monastery built in 1880. Atumashi Monastery , the largest monastery in Mandalay with a unique five-tied terraced roof is famous.Visit Mandalay Palace by entering through the main entrance, U Hteik Gate, on the east site of the moat.
Fresh Foods and vegetables available from the villages to the east of Mandalay at Nan Shay Market. There’s also have Myee Shay, Salads and other snack shops along 19th Street. Visit Mya Kyauk Monastery and ask for a bottle of mineral water from the Mya Kyauk natural spring. Yankin Hill, climb the hill to see views over the countryside and see the statue of three golden fishes at the top which are believed to bring the rain during droughts. And can learn to ride a horse or have a painball fight at Nature’s life.
You are most warmly welcome to the Royal City Yadanabon!
Writer @ MayMalarWin
Photo Credit: Aditya Kumar