Mandalay
Mandalay is the second-largest city of Myanmar, located on the east bank of Ayeyarwady river. The town had been founded only 29 years earlier in 1857 by King Mindon. It is the last royal capital of Myanmar( Burma) and has a rich history behind it. So, Mandalay can be considered the center of Burmese culture as well as the main place to learn about Buddhism.
Mandalay Hill and Royal Palace
Top Attractions in Mandalay
1.Mahar Myat Muni Buddha Image
One of the most holy Buddhist sites in all of Myanmar. King Bodawpaya built this Pagoda in 1784 to house the Mahar Myat Muni Buddha Image brought from Rakhine State. That is believed to have been cast in front of the Buddha himself. Since Myanmar Buddhists are so devout countless thousands of devotees apply gold leaf to gain merit, the image has completely covered with 15 cm thick gold and original shape is distorted.
2.Mandalay Palace
This huge complex located in downtown Mandalay was home to the last King of Myanmar. Destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt and it is now the best place to learn about the lifestyle of Myanmar royal families. The plan of Mandalay Palace largely follows the traditional Burmese palace design, inside a walled fort surrounded by a moat. As seeing is believing, a practical visit will confirm an enchanting experience than a thousand words in theory.
3.Kuthodaw Pagoda (World’s Largest Book)
The Kuthodaw Pagoda or Maha Lawka Marazein Paya is often called the world’s largest book and listed in World Record. The reason for this name is that it contains 729 shrines housing marble slabs with Buddha’s teachings inscribed on them. Its central stupa is modeled on the Shwezigon at Nyaung U near Bagan. Each Building Has Marble Slabs on which Buddha`s Teaching was inscribed.
