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Not only Mandalay has a great history about the capital of the Konboung dynasty, but there are also some ancient capitals of the Burmese Kingdom in the Mandalay Region such as Innwa, Sagaing, Mingun, and Amarapura. They are easily accessible from Mandalay. In these destinations, all the attractions have related great history with their ancient dynasties. There is also one hill station called Pyin Oo Lwin near Mandalay.

Innwa

A compact riverside town in Sagaing Region, Mingun lies on the Ayeyarwady River on the west bank about 10km from Mandalay. It is a popular excursion and worth spending at least half a day exploring its impressive sights. Arriving by boat from Mandalay is the most enjoyable although you can also arrive by road from Sagaing. Mingun is of immense historical significance and holds monuments which stand evidence of history. One can explore the Mingun Bell, Mingun Pahtodawgyi and the Hsinbuume Pagoda n Mingun.

Mingun

Innwa, (also known as Ava) the capital of several kingdoms between the 14th and 19th century, is located on the banks of both the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge rivers. It is about 21km from Mandalay and its main attractions are the 19th-century MahaAungMyeBonzan Monastery and the BagayaKyaung Monastery supported by nearly 300 huge teak stilts built around 1830. It is known for its intricate woodcarvings.

Pyin Oo Lwin

At an altitude of 1,070m, Pyin Oo Lwin is the nearest hill station with a cool alpine climate. It is the perfect escape from the heat of the Mandalay city. The refreshing colonial hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin was a summer retreat during British rule. It takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Pyin Oo Lwin from Mandalay and can be reached through road or train.

Popular attractions nearby cities

Mya Thein Tan Pagoda

Three years before King Bagyidaw succeeded to the throne, he built Hsinbyume Pagoda in 1816, in memory of his late wife the Hsinbyume Princess. A representation of the Sulamani Pagoda, this pagoda stands atop Mount Meru. The seven wavy terraces around the pagoda represent the seven mountain ranges around Mount Meru. Badly damaged in 1838 by a quake, it was restored by King Mindon in 1874.

Mingun Bell

he Mingun Bell was intended to be installed at the top of the giant Mingun Pagoda but for some reason, sheltered in a nearby Zayat, an intricate Burmese style pavilion with multitier roofs. It was said to be cast on an island in the middle of the Ayeyarwady River, and to transport it to the present site a barge was constructed directly under the bell.

Unfinished Stupa

The massive, unfinished stupa is an impressive site on the bank of Irrawaddy River. Two giant stone lions about 29 meters high guard the pagoda, which if completed, will be the largest stupa in Myanmar. However, when the pagoda reached a height of 50 meters, the project was halted due to a lack of fund and labor..Nevertheless, it still serves as a place of worship and meditation with a Buddha image enshrined in it. To enter the shrine, you need to take off your footwear.

Mahar Gandarone Monastery

This monastery is situated in Amarapura Township on the Western bank of Taungthaman Lake near the famous U Bein Bridge. The monastery was built around 1910 and is a well-known monastic college complex for monastic study in the world. The monastery is very strict and rigid in religious discipline and currently has more than 3,000 monks including very young novices in the monastery.

U Bein Bridge

Amarapura is an old capital of the KoneBaung dynasty and is famous for silk weaving. U Bein Bridge, built in the mid 19th century using reclaimed teak from dismantled buildings, is a glorious sight especially in the early evening as it becomes silhouetted against the vivid sunsets. Worth a visit nearby is MaharWai Yan Bon TharBargaya Monastery, decorated with over 28,000 carved wooden figures.

Maha Ant Htoo Kan Thar Pagoda

Maha Ant Htoo Kan Thar Pagoda is located in Pyin Oo Lwin near BE waterfall or Pwegauk. It has a sublime image of Buddha in the shrine. The pagoda is located on top of a hill providing a magnificent panoramic view of Pyin Oo Lwin. With a interesting history behind it, this pagoda is a must-visit place for tourists visiting Pyin Oo Lwin.

Mal Nu Oak Kyaung

The Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan, well known as Me Nu Oak-kyaung (Brick Monastery), was built in 1818 by Nanmadaw Me Nu, Chief Queen of King Bagyidaw for the Royal abbot (Nyaunggan Sayardaw). This monastery is well-known as Me Nu Oak Kyaung which translates to Me Nu’s brick monastery. The Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery is a fine example of Burmese monastery architecture during the Konbaung dynasty.

Bagaya Monastery

With the famous 267 teak pillars, Bagaya Monastery is one of the most aesthetic monasteries of Myanmar, located in Le Daw Gyee, the great royal rice fields, in Innwa. The best way to visit this monastery is to walk along the narrow path across the field. The carving creatures on the doors and walls are still well maintained. The main hall has a platform and monks’ quarters.

Leaning Tower

The acutal name is Nanmyint Palace Tower. It was built by King Bagyidaw in 1822 and leaned by earthquake in 1839. It is 60ft in height and 30 ft in breadth. It was nickenamed leaning tower.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Pyin Oo Lwin named as The National Kandawgyi Garden was first founded during 1915-16 by a British botanist, Mr Alex Rogers, a forest researcher. Originally, the Botanical Garden was spread over 170 acres of land and 70 acres of water. Since the climate of the area is cool alpine, most of the 4840 trees planted here are of pine varieties. It also has 575 different floral species.

Dattawgyaik Waterfall

A place for trekking travellers, the Dattawgyaik Waterfall is located in Ani Sakhan, a half-way point between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. The height of the waterfall is nearly 400 feet (122 metres) and the depth is about 300 feet (91 metres). It has blue water and fresh air to relax. The best time to visit this waterfall is between May to October (monsoon season).

Pyin Oo Lwin Market

As Pyin Oo Lwin is a scenic mountain town, visitors should be sure to spend some time walking its streets, soaking up all the sites as well as the atmosphere. Worth a visit is the Pyin Oo Lwin Market, located in the center of town: many local products, including wine, strawberry jam, and coffee are sold at the market, as well as woolen clothing and other local goods and crafts.

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