Mandalay
Mandalay, the royal capital of Myanmar’s last dynasty, is located between the
mighty Ayeyarwady river and the gloomy Shan plateau. Mandalay is described as
“the Centre of culture, City of arts and handicrafts, the Gate way to upper
Myanmar, Trading centre of products from all directions”. The geometric patterns
of streets, busting bicycles riders, low building, about 150 years old palace
wall and moat are the most visible feature of Mandalay. This second largest city
of Myanmar is also famous for having the most revered gilded Mahamuni Buddha
Image. Everyday pilgrims and monks perform “face washing ceremony” of the Image
at 4:00 in the morning.
The old royal cities of Amarapura, Sagaing, Inwa, and the Mingun Bell can be
easily reached from Mandalay by boat or by car in less than one hour. The hill
station Pyin Oo Lwin is located about two hours drive from Mandalay. All these
sites offer a great variety of scenic beauty and the lifestyle of the local
people.
  
  
Mandalay-moat
|
