MYANMAR – MANDALAY D1-- FEB 2016

 

Myanmar Feb 2016

Mandalay Day 1

01 Mar 2016

Mandalay was the last royal capital until the British colonized Burma. Today it is the second largest city, economic centre of Upper Myanmar and a centre of Burmese culture.

 

Mahamuni Pagoda, most famous temple in Mandalay with 12 feet brass Buddha. Also there is a famous Zegyo bazaar within the complex

5723 to  5752

A colour temple ritual during our visit to this temple

Another traditional and religious Shin Pyu Ceremony seen on the road

Mahawizayayanthi Pahtoedawgyi. In the shrine, gifts of Buddhist relics were given by the King of Nepal.  The ornamental spire or hti on the top of the pagoda was donated by Ne Win.

                                        

                                                  

                                     

Maha Gandayon Monastery in Amarapura, Mandalay was built in 1910 and is Myanmar’s best known monastic college. A thousand Buddhist monks and novices paraded in neat rows at 10 o’clock to receive their meal of the day and proceed to the dining halls to eat in strict silence. It was just a meal, but a dignified and solemn ceremony.

Ava (Inwa) tour

On the banks of the Irrawaddy River, and for more than 500 years there was an ancient Burmese capital named Ava or Inwa. We took a boat ride across Myitnge River and then toured the area on horse cart. There are many historical landmarks rich in Myanmar history. Here in this laid back and rustic rural area, we also saw farms and paddy fields.

               

               

       

                                       

                                            

Shwezigon Pagoda

Bagaya monastery was built in the 14^th century renowned for its detailed architectural structure and exquisite teak wood carvings.

                                         

Yadana Hsemee Pagoda Complex is kind of neglected 15^th century pagodas. But are still beautiful remnants of a little monastery in a nice jungle setting surrounded by big trees.

                                         

The rickety horse cart brought us to these ancient ruins in the old capital city, Ava or Inwa of the Burmese Kingdom. Most of the treks are unpaved. We rode past the  “Leaning Tower of Inwa” (Nanmyint Tower)

Mahar Aung Mye Bon San Monastery was built in 1822. The monastery with  Burmese architecture are well preserved.

                            

                                                 

The tour in Ava was completed and we drove to Sagaing across the Yadanabon  Bridge to Sagaing to the west side of Irrawaddy River.

Umin Thonze Pagoda was destroyed and rebuilt in 1847. It has 45 seated Buddha images arranged in curved formation and behind them are decorated with sparkling glass-works.

View from outside this pagoda of other temples around Mandalay

U Min Thonze Temple. This temple was just about 100 meters from the Pagoda.

Mandalay city viewed from temple terraces

U Bien Bridge is made of teak from the remains of a royal palace. Construction completed in 1851 after 3 years. It is supported by over a thousand wooden pillars that were hammered into the bottom of the shallow lake.

Car for the private tour