Mandalay was the last capital of the third Myanmar Empire. It is located 668 km north from Yangon. Mandalay’s value lies in that it is a repository of late Myanmar history. Mandalay embodies all the elements of Myanmar’s ancient educational, social and cultural system. Mandalay is the home and guardian of the best traditions of Myanmar music and dance .The Mandalayans preserves the proper spoken language of Myanmar. Symbols of religion are richer in Mandalay than in any of the living Myanmar city. It is the principal centre for studies of Buddhist literature. The other tourist attractions are Mandalay Hill, Mya-nan-san-kyaw Golden Palace, the old city walls and the moat; Mahamuni Image of Buddha, which is the most revered and sacred site of Mandalay; Kyauk-taw-gyi Buddha, white Marble huge seated image of the Buddha carved from a single block of stone; Kuthodaw Pagoda with the entire Buddhist scriptures inscribed on 729 marble slabs, known as the “World’s Biggest Book”; Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), a superb example of a traditional Myanmar wooden monastery.
One account states that during the reign of King Mindon, steamers began to come up to INNWA (AVA) and Amarapura. Since both towns were on the bank of the AYEYARWADDY(IRRAWADDY) RIVER, it would have been possible for the Europeans to bring artillery pieces up-river aboard the trading ships and to shell the then capital of AMARAPURA. King Mindon therefore decided that the capital should be moved some distance from the river, beyond the range of enemy fire. This must have been the original reason of founding Mandalay though there were some other reasons.
How to get around ?
Air – There are daily flights from Yangon to Mandalay via Air KBZ and Mann Yadanarbon Airline. Mandalay now has an International Airport, so there are also flights from other countries directly landing to Mandalay. Bus and Express – There are daily local express from Yangon to Mandalay and many other parts of the country. Taxi – Pickups and vans are available to travel around Mandalay, Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing. Train – Mandalay has a new Yadanarbon Central Railway Station in downtown area. It is a seven-storey complex, including two floors devoted to a hotel. The old station is on the further south of the new one. There are daily schedules from Yangon to Mandalay. Motorbike – Motorbikes can be seen everywhere in Mandalay. Travelling by motorbike can be very convenient in local places. So, motorbikes can be rented mostly everywhere in Mandalay. Boat – The Inland Water Transport office is located at the Gawwein Jetty at the western end of 35th Street. Bicycle – There are several places downtown where you can rent bicycles.
Shopping in Mandalay
Mandalay is full of variety to do shopping. The new Mandalay Zaycho is the main market place in Mandalay. You can get almost anything from there. Things to shop are Acheik (Mandalay Silk Longyi), Cotton clothing, Hto Moat (greasy cakes), Laphet (Pickled tea leaves), Kadipar slippers (Velvet Slippers), Silverware, Lacquerware, Jewelry, gems and more.
Entertainment in Mandalay
Mandalay is a busy city which is the central trade centre of Myanmar. There are cinema halls, beauty salons, spas and karaoke lounge in the most populated part of the city. There are also many well-known astrologers and palmist in this city. Media – The city dwellers can enjoy listening to the radio progammes broadcast by M.B.S and watching the TV channels of MRTV and the Myawaddy. The newspapers the Light of Myanmar and Kye Mon are published and distributed by the presses of Mandalay for Upper Myanmar.
Food in Mandalay
Mandalay is a city with great historical heritage. Many traditional food can be tasted in this city.