TOUR DESTINATIONS

Tour destinationS in Myanmar

Yangon

It is located just to the north of central Yangon, between the People’s Park and Kandawgyi Lake. It is the greatest pagoda of its kind in the world, comparable in size and grandeur to the Angkor Wat of Cambodia and the Boro Budur of Indonesia. The history of the ancient town of Dagon is closely associated with the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. More than 2,500 years ago it was known as Asitanjana and Okkala of the Mon country. Two merchant brothers Tapussa and Bhallika went on a trading journey to India. They saw Lord Buddha seated in blissful Enlightenment under a Linlun tree (Buchanania latifolia). It was the 49th day after His Enlightenment. The two brothers filled with adoration and offered honey cakes, which the Buddha partook. Then they beseeched for a relic for them to worship. The Buddha passed His hand over the head and there were eight strands of hair that He bestowed to them. On their arrival back, King Okkalapa was pleased to hold a grand celebration in honour of the Sacred Relics. Then the Singuttara hillock was chosen to build the Shwe Dagon Pagoda for enshrining the relics. On excavation they found the water dipper of Kakusandha, the bathing robe of Konagamana and the staff of Kassapa the three preceding Buddhas. Hence the Shwe Dagon Pagoda was enshrined the relics of the Four Buddhas. The importance of Okkala grew with the popularity of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda as a pilgrimage centre and gradually the town was referred to as Dagon. Centuries later, as pilgrims decreased the pagoda precincts overgrew with shrubs and trees. After the propagation of Buddhism gained grounds and firmly established, King Sirimasoka of Suvanna Bhumi (Thaton) had it cleared and built a befitting pagoda raising it higher. When king Banya U (1353-1385) came to the throne of Hanthawady (Bago) he had it enlarged and raised it higher. His descendents the successive kings also reconstructed and enlarged it and raising it still higher. Queen Shin Saw Pu (1453-1472), the grand daughter of King Banya U, brought a great host of skilled workers and had the pagoda enlarged and raised. She donated gold to her weight and was the first to have gilded the pagoda with gold. Her successor and son-in-law King Dhammazedi, continued the good works and among other things donated gold the weight of himself and his queen for the gilding works. He had a huge bell cast 8 cubits wide at the mouth and 12 cubits high. It was installed in a hall at the eastern entrance. This huge bell was carried away by Filipe de Britto e Nicote to melt down and cast into cannons. His attempt did not succeed, as the bell was lost in the Yangon River where it lies submerged still. Various Myanmar kings also made major improvements upon it and around it, installing new Htis (Glorious Crown) and gilding the pagoda and building rest houses and prayer halls. King Hsin Byu Shin (1763-1776) donated a new Hti and so did King Min Done (1753-1778), the second-last king of the Kone Baung Dynasty. The present government regaled the pagoda from top to bottom and installed a new Hti in April 1999. From the covered stairways to the numerous structures and the pagoda itself, everything about the Shwe Dagon is permeated with beauty and art born of loving veneration. It is the holiest place of worship to Buddhists all over the world and practically the whole complex is a work of art. Most of the buildings around the pagoda are decorated with the best specimens of Myanmar painting and sculpture so that a few hour’s study of the pagoda and its environs can give you a fairly good idea of Myanmar arts and crafts. Today, the pagoda has a height of 326 feet and a circumference of 1420 feet at the base.

The Chauk-Htat-Kyi Pagoda is famous for its huge image of Reclining Buddha, built in 1966 replacing the old image built in 1907 by Sir Hpo Thar. It measures 65 meters and is housed in an iron structure with corrugated iron sheets roof of six layers. Hence it is generally referred to as the six-tiered pagodas. The heavy cost of this construction was entirely donated by the people. The image is larger than the image of the Reclining Buddha at Shwe Thar Hlyaung Pagoda in Bago. The monasteries in the vicinity of this pagoda accommodate over six hundred monks who study Buddhist Scriptures from the senior and qualified monks. The entire cost of maintenance is met from the people’s donations. Visitors to this pagoda can see the 108 distinguishing symbols engraved on the soles of Buddha’s image.

Located on Pyay Road, the National Museum has five floors of exhibits. It displays the Lion Throne, the Elephant Throne, the Royal Regalia, manuscripts, paintings, etc. Located on Pyay Road, about a few minutes away from downtown, the newly built five-storied museum will let you know the glory of Myanmar. It exhibits the Lion Throne of the last Myanmar king, royal regalia of 19th century Myanmar kingdom, artifacts of various ancient periods, articles of cultural heritage and archaeological value, art and craft articles, weaponry, musical instruments and paintings.

Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly hand-made, are the best souvenirs, silver ware, brassware, silk and cotton fabric, traditional garments, and shoulder bags are some of the favorite items. World renowned Myanmar rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls are also available at Myanmar Gems centre and other licensed Jewellery Shops. Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) is the largest market in Yangon and it is one of the best places for souvenir shopping. It is a fantastic prewar structure in Yangon known as Scott Market before. It is the most famous shopping place in Yangon. Myanmar arts and handicrafts are best souvenirs available there at reasonable price. Lacquer wares, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics, and shoulder bags as well as jewelry are some of the most favorite items it has to offer.

It is a shrine with hollow passages inside to walk through. The name Botahtaung means “a thousand military leaders”. This pagoda was named after the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the sacred hair relics of Buddha, brought from India over two thousand ago. Inside the pagoda, there are glass showcases containing many ancient relics and donated artifacts sealed but visible inside the shrine. The original shrine was destroyed during the World War II bombing. Present day structure is built over the old original one. Above this interesting interior, the golden pagoda spire rises to 132 feet (40 meters).

A Pagoda standing right at the heart of the Yangon is the famous Sule pagoda. The place of the pagoda is used as a milestone from which locations are measure towards North. Close to the Pagoda are the City Hall and the Independence Monument.

Mandalay

One thousand seven hundred steps uphill will give you a bird’s–eye view of the city. It will give you a spectacular sight with the outlaying areas of the Ayeyarwady plains and the misty Shan hills. You can also take mini-taxi to the top of the Mandalay hill and then walk down. Along the stairways are fascinating and interesting sights along the way including the souvenir stalls, the Peshawar Relics Shrine where the Relics of Buddha is enshrined and the gold-plated Shweyattaw Buddha image of immense size.

Mandalay palace was the first palace to be built in Mandalay, by King Mindon when he shifted his capital from Amarapura in 1861, to fulfill an old prophecy. The site was chosen with the auspicious omen and astronomical calculations. The magnificent palace was built of teak wood on raised brick plinth gilded with gold and vermillion. The queens’ chambers is in order of priority 1 Southern, 2 Northern and 3 lesser queens in the West. All ancillary buildings for the court, the fortified high walls with ramparts, the moat, water systems, roads, gardens with shady tamarind trees, recreational playgrounds, swimming pools, mint, security ports with infantry, cavalry, archers, artillery, sheds for royal elephants, stables, audience halls, throne halls, religious edifices and monastery and devotional halls were superbly planned and executed to minute details. The implementation and completion of construction took five years (from 1857 to 61). The artistic workmanship and handicrafts depicting the glory of the golden age of the days gone by is still amazing, awe inspiring and the beholder will be spell bound with wonder. The entity of the palace cannot be separated from the Mandalay Hill, from where the prophecy and name is dewed. It is located right in the centre of the palace grounds, which is meticulously a true square, enclosed within fortified high walls with ramparts and the beautiful deep moat all the layout in perfect squares. So much so the city surrounding the place too had been laid-out in blocks of squares enclosed by sheets. The supply of water to the moat is fed by a muddy canal. It is surprisingly strange that the red muddy water turns crystal clear. This moat water is potable and the source of home consumption and is free from lime content. It also serves a double purpose as a good protection from enemy assault of those days. The reflection of the Mandalay on the eastern moat is a beautiful scene to behold from the south-eastern corner. The panoramic view of the Palace and the surrounding areas as far as the Sagaing Bridge, the Ayeyarwady River and the hill ranges seen from the Mandalay Hill during sunset will be an enchanting experience. The beautiful palace with many other buildings were destroyed by fire due to the ravages of been reconstructed in brick masonry from photographic records, plans and drawings. As seeing is believing, a practical visit will confirm an enchanting experience than a thousand words in theory

This beautifully built monastery was originally inside the palace compound. King Thibaw had it moved to its present site east of the palace in 1879 after his father’s death

King Bodawpaya built Mahamuni pagoda in 1784. In 1884, the original shrine was destroyed by fire and the current one is comparatively recent. This Pagoda is also known as Payagyi (Big paya) or the Rakhaing Paya. The centerpiece of the shrine is the highly venerated Mahamuni image that was transported to Myanmar from Mrauk U in Rakhaing (Arakan) in 1784.

Amarapura was an ancient capital of Myanmar Monarchy, 11 km south of Mandalay. It was a capital until 1857 when King Mindon decided to move the capital to Mandalay. Although there are little remains of the old palace area, the other attractions include, Patodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein’s Bridge and the silk weaving industry.

Amarapura, an ancient capital, is situated about 11km south of Mandalay. Pohtodawgyi Pagoda, 1208 metre long U Bein Bridge which was built with teak planks and silk weaving industry are places of interest to visit.

bagan

Situated about half a mile west of Nyaung U, Shwezigon Pagoda has three terraces, bell shape, embossed circular rings, down-turned and up-turned lotus petals, celestials stairways and so forth, like a sacred reliquary of typical early Bagan architecture, built by King Anawrahta of Bagan, as guided by Shin Arahan in 421 ME, finished by King Kyansittha, enshrining various relics of Buddha. At its four facades were all standing-posture images of Buddha. It has nine wonders:

(1) Its umbrella being stead-fast without being fastened without being fastened with cable
(2) Its shadow not extending beyond its walls
(3) Gold leaf papers dropped from atop not getting beyond the walls
(4) Its walled envious never being congested regardless of number of pilgrims
(5) No human could be the first in offering food at the first bowl
(6) The stupa seeming to be higher than it is
(7) The drum sounded from one side is not heard from the other
(8) No rainwater remains within the walls
(9) The star flower plants bear flowers all year round.feet at the base.

Ananda Temple is one of the finest, largest and best preserved of the Bagan temples. It was built by King Kyanzittha in 1105 AD and contains statues of Buddha and stone sculptures of exquisite workmanship representing various scenes in Buddha’s life. It is one of few hollow pagodas and is perfectly proportioned temple that holds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. The Ananda Temple built after the Shwezigon in 1090 is the masterpiece of the early temple architecture. There are four huge Buddha images in the standing position and eighth reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha from his Birth to his Enlightenment.

It was built by King Kyansittha in the year 426. It lies on Anawrahta Road. In the reign of King Anawrahta, Kyansittha was his commander-in-chief general. At that site he prayed for victory, for peace from all dangers and for a chance to promote the Sasana. His wisher were fulfilled and hence the name of the pagoda ‘wish-fulfilling pagoda’ that was built with the guidance of Ashin Arahan. An ink writing of 16 lines on the wall in Gandha Kutitaik says it was renovate over 100 years after that by a monk named Ngatokthin. It is a single-entrance cave pagoda. On the walls inside can be ink writings of Bagan Period of over 100 sutta desanas and murals of Buddha giving sermons.

It is situated near Upali Ordination Hall east of Bagan-Nyaung U motor road, about a mile east Bagan. It was built in AD 1211 by king Nadaungmya (Htilominlo), the youngest of the five sons of King Narapati Sithu. The king put the royal umbrella at the centre of the five sons positioned in circle and took an oath for the umbrella to bend towards the one who should be King. The umbrella bent towards Zeya Thinkha. Thus he was known as Hitilominlo, meaning favoured by the Royal Umbrella as went as the king. When the prince became king; he built the pagoda at the venue of the Royal Umbrella. It is the only Bagan pagoda. It was among the last-built of the great pagodas and temples of Bagan.items it has to offer.

It is on the way to Minnanthu Village about 1 ½ miles south-east of Bagan It was built in 1183 by King Narapatisithu. It is a cave pagoda and massive in structure. Its entrance was decorated superb architectural works of art. There are also wall ink writings of later Innwa and Konbaung Periods. At 15th century writing said it was named Zawta Mani Ruby Brilliance Pagoda. Legend had it that the King spotted the place exuding ruby-like brilliance and was inspired to build a pagoda there but it happened to be a gorge so he had it filled with earth despite his mentor monk’s entreaties. The monk was about to leave the kingdom when the king begged for forgiveness and sought advice to build the pagoda.

It is a 1500 metre high extinct volcano. The mountain stands in a perpendicular rock formation with almost vertical sides. It is a legendary home of the nats or spirits. The Mt. Popa area has also been designated as a National Park, one of the popular ecotourism destinations in Myanmar. Mt. Popa is located about 50 km southeast of Bagan ad 651 km north of Yangon. Mt. Popa hosts two major Natpwe (spirit festiva l), one in the May/June and other in November / December. Spirit possession and overall drunken ecstasy are still part of the celebration.

Lokananda Pagoda is on the bank of River Ayeyarwaddy near Thiripyitsays Village south of Bagan, a place where there used to be a ferry landing in ancient times. It was the third stupa enshrining the Tooth Relic of Buddha. It was built by King Anawrahta in AD 1059 and said to be the most extraordinary among all. Legend has it that the king himself had borne the Sacred Relic on his head as hewaded neck-deep in the water in conveying it there for enshrinement. It is now over 900 years old and there has never been erosion of the river bank at that place. Even when the river is swollen by torrents, the water level never reaches the platform of the pagoda. And strangely enough, Tthitkanet trees alien to Bagan climate are growing there. From Fromkj the pagoda platform one can get a breath-taking panoramic view of the river in the north-west and some parts of Bagan in the east.

The Thatbyinnyu Temple, a white stucoo building, is the Bagan’s highest pagoda. It was built by King Alaungsithu in mid-12th century. The view form its terraces is spectacular both at dawn and dusk.

The Gawdawpalin is a double-storeyed temple in the Late Style. It is square in plan, with porticoes on all four sides, but with the eastern portico projecting further than the others. Each of the two storeys is surmounted by three receding terraces, which are ornamented with crenellated parapets and corner stupas. A curvilinear spire rises above the upper terraces and is crowned by a slim, tapering stupa. In the ground storey, a vaulted corridor runs around a central block against whose four sides are placed images of the Buddha. A narrow flight of stairs built into the thickness of the walls provides access to the upper storey here there is another seated image of the Buddha, facing east.

One of the most massive temples of Bagan, the Dhammayangyi can be seen from quite a distance from all directions. It is also noted for its fine brickwork, the bricks fitting so close together that there is hardly any space between. In plan, the Dhammayangyi resembles the Ananda, a square, with porticoes projecting on all four sides to form a Greek cross.

Shwesandaw enshrines the Buddha’s Hair presented to King Anawrahta by the King of Pegu (Bago) in lower Myanmar. The five receding terraces are accessible on all four sides by flights of steps. This pagoda built by King Anawrahta in early 11th century displays a strong Mon influence with a steep stairway directly to the terraces for a superb view from the upper level.

It is on a promontory on the bank of the river at Bagan. Its two spiraling diamond-top rows and the river make fine scenery against the natural background. It was built by the third King Pyusawhti of Bagan. It had a base rock that looked like a gourd. Gone were its ancient decorations, replaced by later mosaics of glass and gold. Standing on the brink of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the Bupaya Pagoda is a conspicuous landmark for travelers along the river. The name itself means Crowning Jewel or Small Ruby. It was the first and most important temple of the late period (1170-1300) of Bagan monument building. This pagoda with bulbous dome resembling the ”Bu” or gourd is a favorite spot for visitors to watch the sunset.

inle lake

Inle Lake is the jewel of the Shan State, famous for its unique one-leg rowers, floating villages and colorful market. Inlay silk woven by hand looms. The enchanting lake on the Shan plateau is located about 30 km to the south of Taunggyi, sheltered by 1500 m high mountains ad covering 145 km. The lake itself is situated at 900 m above sea level. Accessible by raod or rail. It is about 15 hours drive from Yangon across the countryside.

Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda is in Namhu Village, Innlay, Nyaungshwe, and southern Shan State. The story has it that King Alaungsithu once came near the foot of Zabu Thabyi tree while on tour in the country. At that time an ogress looking on from the bank with a child in the river. The king struck the water with his Yamahta cane whereupon the nat of the water saved the child and placed it before the king. The mother ogress was so relieved that she cut off a portion of the genuine Tharetkan tree with its fragrance and presented it to the king. The king of nats made five Buddha images with the Tharetkan, one with noble alloy Myitzu and two Shinbyu-Shinhla images, totaling eight, and presented them to the king. In Sakarit 721, people observed radiation form the four images in Thanhtaung Ward and so they dug up to find them and convey them to Shwe-intain Pagoda in Nyaungshwe, to come together with noble alloy Myitzu imag e. In Sakarit 1251, the images were conveyed to the permanent pagoda built in Namhu Village. They have been the since then.

It lies in Relic Village, Kakku Village-tract, Taunggyi Township, Taunggyi District, and Shan State. The place was a border post and it was so called Kakku Pagoda. It was also said that the Pagoda was as named as it as dedicated to Kakkusana Buddha the first of its Buddha World, although it contained relics of Gautama Buddha. The cluster has two large pagodas flanked by a diverse array of 2548 smaller pagodas. It is a sight unseen anywhere in Myanmar. You can go there by boat about hours from Inle Lake.

Vistitors to Myanmar often visit the hill resort town of Taunggyi and Kalaw and the beautiful Inle Lake nearby; all located in the southern part of the Shan State. They some-times miss seeing another picturesque town in the same region famous for its ancient caves, a tranquil lake with an avenue of some of the biggest banyan trees, whose massive spreading branches provide cool, shady places for picnics. Pindaya is only about 28 miles (45 km) by car from Kalaw which can be reached by the railway which goes on to Shwe Nyaung, the terminus for Naung Shwe and the Inle Lake. Alternatively, Pindaya can be reached by car from Heho airport, the journey taking only about two hours. About 45 minutes drive from Kalaw, the road from Kalaw to Pindaya is a breathtaking beauty of the region. Pindaya is 3,880 feet above the sea level, and is situated at the foot of a western ridge of mountains over 5,000 feet high. The road from Kalaw or Taunggyi to Pindaya goes t hrough the little town of Aung Ban, famous for its sweet tangerine groves. This scenic rode between Aung Ban and Pindaya is one of the loveliest in the Shan State passing through enchanting villages like Pwe Hla where over two thousand Shan, Pa-o and Danu hill tribes’ people live. You can see fields of red-coloured earth where patatoes and cabbages are grown and sent by trucks to all over Myanmar. There are also fields of dry cultivated mountain rice, tangerine orange groves, avocado orchards and other vegetables and fruits all along this fertile area. Pindaya Township covers about 85 square miles, with a population of over 20,000 hill tribe people. The majority of the population is Taung-yoe, but there are also Danu, Taung-thu, Shan, Palaung, Bama and Intha people. The people are very likeable and friendly and are sure to give visitors a warm welcome. Visitors approaching Pindaya by road will se a welcome concrete sign-post with a huge black spider in the centre of its web towering above. This buge spider is connected with the legendary history of Pindaya.

Legend says that the name Pindaya comes from “Pinku” (Spider) and “Ya” (get). Both the picturesque lake “Pone Ta Loke” and the limestone cave “Shwe U Min” play a part in the legend. Thousands of years ago, seven princesses were so absorbed with playing at Pindaya lake. They soon realized that it was too dark to go back. They looked around and decided to stay overnight, in the harmless looking Pindaya cave. But at mid-night, a huge spider sealed the cave’s entrance with its web. The next morning, the princesses discovered that were locked in. A passing prince heard their cries for help and he comes to rescue them. When he finally killed the huge spider, he exclaimed “Pinku Ya-Pyi” means “I’ve got the spider”. From that time on, the place come to be known as “Pinku Ya”. Later on, it corrupted to Pintara, and then to “Pindaya”. It is all about how the name of “Pindaya” gets into being. The name Pindaya according to the legend comes from Pingu (meaning spider in Myanmar) and ya (meaning get). Scholars say that actually Pin in Shan means “a wide plain”. Pindaya is located on a plain, actually a plateau; with abound ant water from the Zawgyi River and also from smaller streams and lakes. This has enabled the local people to cultivate the land extensively.

The ancient caves are about one mile southwest of the town, and can be reached by taking a horse-cart, or motoring there by jeep or just walking along on foot. Except for the young and energetic, the best way is to go leisurely be horse-cart to the foot of the hills, reserving your energy for the 200 steps up the covered stairway leading to the cave entrance and for exploring the huge meandering maze made up of numerous caves. The caves are supposed to be 200,00 million years old and since ancient times they have been places of worship and veneration with 8,094 Buddha images made from various materials like teak wood, marble, alabaster, brick, cement and lacquer, and all enshrined in the nooks and corners of the winding caverns. At the entrance to the main cave thee is a pagoda 50 feet in height. This pagoda is called Shwe U-min Hpaya or the Golden Cave pagoda. The tazaung or prayer hall was built by the famous hermit U Khanti who also built many of the religious edifices on Mandalay Hill. The entire length of the cave is 490 feet. The numerous stalactites and stalagmites in these limestone caves, from fanciful shapes and have given rise to such names as the “Fairy Princess Loom”, “Posts for tying horses and elephants” and so on. Some of the smaller caves used meditation chambers are accessible only if you crawl in on your knees and elbows. Visitors should plan to stay for one or two nights in Pindaya to explore the natural beauties all around; the tranquil lake, the limestone caves, the ancient pagodas and images and the lovely old trees.
Kalaw stands high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is 70 km west of Taung Gyi, about halfway along the Thazi-Taung Gyi road. It takes hours drive from Yangon across the countrysides. Visitors from Yangon can catch a one hour flight into Heho Airport and travel km by road into there. The flights have daily flight to Heho from Yangon. This was a popular hill station in the British days and it is still a peaceful and quiet place. At an altitude of 1320 m it is also pleasantly cool and a good place for hiking amid gnarled pines, bamboo groves and rugged mountain scenery. You can make interesting excursions around Kalaw. The population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslims, Bamars and Nepal is (Gurkhas retired from British military service), many of whom are missionary educated. Places of interest are Thein Taung Pagoda, Aung Chan Tha Pagoda, Su Taung Pyae Pagoda and the King Church.
sagaing

Sagaing is famous for Buddhism in Myanmar. It is the capital of Sagaing Division and has numerous meditation centres on the hill. Once an ancient capital, Sagaing lies 21 km a little south of Mandalay, beside the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Sagaing Hills are dotted with Pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for some 6000 monks and nuns. Monywa, Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung Hmudaw Pagoda and Ywahtaung Village are places worth visiting. Near Sagaing is a village named Ywahtaung which is the center of silversmith craftsmen. They are well-known for their engraving of beautiful figures and scenes and for their silversmith skills. Sagiang with its hills and pagodas is well-worth visiting to see both the beauty of nature and human religious endeavors.

Once you cross the Inwa Bridge, you see the hilltops, each crested with a pagoda, the banners proclaiming the Buddha’s teaching, the refuge from all ills and tribulations where over 600 monasteries for monks and nuns are located for Buddhistic studies and meditation. The Padamyazedi dates from 1300 while the U min Thonze or thirty caves pagoda has many Buddha images in a crescent shaped colonnade. Mural paintings can be seen in the Tilawkaguru cave temple, which was built around 1672. At the nearby village of Ywahtaung you can see silver workers producing bowls and other silver items by traditional methods. The most impressive Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda nearby was constructed in 1312. The view of Sagaing from Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin and its approach is marvellous.

This huge pagoda is 10 km beyond the town of Sagaing. The enormous dome rises 46 m (151 feet) in the shape of a perfect hemisphere and was modelled after the Mahaceti Pagoda in Ceylon. Also known as Rajamani sula, the pagoda was built to commemorate Inwa’s establishment as the royal capital of Myanmar. Around the base of the pagoda are stone pillars, each of which is 1.5 m high. The details of the pagoda’s construction are recorded on them.

Mingun is a village on the western bank of the river Ayeyawaddy, approximately 7 miles north of Mandalay. It is reached by ferryboats across the river and takes 1 hour for up-river and 40 minutes for down-river. It is famous for many Buddhist shrines, monasteries, meditation centre and monuments of historical and cultural importance. Highlights in Mingun are Pa Hto Daw Gyi (The world’s largest unfinished pagoda), the Great Mingun Bell and Mya Thein Dan Pagoda.

King Bodawpaya (1781-1819 A.D) had made a vow while he was in hiding at Mingun that should be ascend the throne he would implement four projects as a deed of merit that should be outstanding, viz., (1) Pagoda (2) Bell (3) Reservoir & (4) Two huge leogryphs. Over 20,000 workers toiled for twenty years on the construction of the Pa Hto Daw Gyi Pagoda, which was 
unfortunately abandoned due to the death of King Bodawpaya in 1819. A 15feet miniature model of the pagoda is in close proximity. Judging comparatively the work done each length measuring 230 feet of square base and completed to a height of 162 feet up to the first terrace is less than one third of the final height. Had this pagoda been completed, then it would have been the largest monument. This unfinished structure was badly damaged with cracks by the earthquake of 1838. It is a colossal mound of brickwork. A visit to this site by a ferry service launch would be the trouble. Then you will wonder and agree to believe it.

Through King Bodawpaya did not complete the pagoda project during his lifetime, yet he did complete the other three projects successfully. The Mingun Bell was east in 1790. During the smelting of the bronze, the populace was allowed t donate their contributions, who brought ornaments of silver and utensils of brass, copper, aluminum, zinc and iron metals. The bell was cast perfectly and weighs 90 tons. It is the world’s biggest ringing bell. The much heavier and larger bell at Moscow has a crack and duel in sound. This colossal, weighing bell was cast on a raised stand of sand and the mounting on large teak trunks. When it was fitted steadfast, the sand stand was washed away leaving the bell hanging on the teak trunks. Though it withstood the quake of 1838, yet a century later it dropped to the ground in the quake of 1938, where it remained till the end of World War II. The Ayeyarwady Flotilla Company lifted the bell with mechanical cranes and installed it on the existing pillars with a befitting pavillion to shelter it. One can go within the bell and stand upright. It’s worth a visit to witness the Biggest Ringing Bell in the world.

This Pagoda’s architecture does not conform to the prototype of pagodas and is in close proximity of the big bell. It is also called Hsinbyume pagoda because it was built by Bagyidaw in 1816 before he ascended the throne in commemoration of the death of his chief queen Hinbyume. It’s designer presents the Buddhist cosmology Sulamani Pagoda on the Legendary Mount Meru in Tavatimsa, the Celestial abode of the chief spirit, Indra. Seven concentric terraces represent seven mountain ranges going up to the Mount Meru. At four cardinal points are four flights of steps leading to the top stupa. The marble figures in the niches of the balustrades are the mythical monsters guarding Mount Meru.

Lokananda Pagoda is on the bank of River Ayeyarwaddy near Thiripyitsays Village south of Bagan, a place where there used to be a ferry landing in ancient times. It was the third stupa enshrining the Tooth Relic of Buddha. It was built by King Anawrahta in AD 1059 and said to be the most extraordinary among all. Legend has it that the king himself had borne the Sacred Relic on his head as hewaded neck-deep in the water in conveying it there for enshrinement. It is now over 900 years old and there has never been erosion of the river bank at that place. Even when the river is swollen by torrents, the water level never reaches the platform of the pagoda. And strangely enough, Tthitkanet trees alien to Bagan climate are growing there. From Fromkj the pagoda platform one can get a breath-taking panoramic view of the river in the north-west and some parts of Bagan in the east.

The Thatbyinnyu Temple, a white stucoo building, is the Bagan’s highest pagoda. It was built by King Alaungsithu in mid-12th century. The view form its terraces is spectacular both at dawn and dusk.

inle lake

Inle Lake is the jewel of the Shan State, famous for its unique one-leg rowers, floating villages and colorful market. Inlay silk woven by hand looms. The enchanting lake on the Shan plateau is located about 30 km to the south of Taunggyi, sheltered by 1500 m high mountains ad covering 145 km. The lake itself is situated at 900 m above sea level. Accessible by raod or rail. It is about 15 hours drive from Yangon across the countryside.

Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda is in Namhu Village, Innlay, Nyaungshwe, and southern Shan State. The story has it that King Alaungsithu once came near the foot of Zabu Thabyi tree while on tour in the country. At that time an ogress looking on from the bank with a child in the river. The king struck the water with his Yamahta cane whereupon the nat of the water saved the child and placed it before the king. The mother ogress was so relieved that she cut off a portion of the genuine Tharetkan tree with its fragrance and presented it to the king. The king of nats made five Buddha images with the Tharetkan, one with noble alloy Myitzu and two Shinbyu-Shinhla images, totaling eight, and presented them to the king. In Sakarit 721, people observed radiation form the four images in Thanhtaung Ward and so they dug up to find them and convey them to Shwe-intain Pagoda in Nyaungshwe, to come together with noble alloy Myitzu image. In Sakarit 1251, the images were conveyed to the permanent pagoda built in Namhu Village. They have been the since then.

It lies in Relic Village, Kakku Village-tract, Taunggyi Township, Taunggyi District, and Shan State. The place was a border post and it was so called Kakku Pagoda. It was also said that the Pagoda was as named as it as dedicated to Kakkusana Buddha the first of its Buddha World, although it contained relics of Gautama Buddha. The cluster has two large pagodas flanked by a diverse array of 2548 smaller pagodas. It is a sight unseen anywhere in Myanmar. You can go there by boat about hours from Inle Lake.

Vistitors to Myanmar often visit the hill resort town of Taunggyi and Kalaw and the beautiful Inle Lake nearby; all located in the southern part of the Shan State. They some-times miss seeing another picturesque town in the same region famous for its ancient caves, a tranquil lake with an avenue of some of the biggest banyan trees, whose massive spreading branches provide cool, shady places for picnics. Pindaya is only about 28 miles (45 km) by car from Kalaw which can be reached by the railway which goes on to Shwe Nyaung, the terminus for Naung Shwe and the Inle Lake. Alternatively, Pindaya can be reached by car from Heho airport, the journey taking only about two hours. About 45 minutes drive from Kalaw, the road from Kalaw to Pindaya is a breathtaking beauty of the region. Pindaya is 3,880 feet above the sea level, and is situated at the foot of a western ridge of mountains over 5,000 feet high. The road from Kalaw or Taunggyi to Pindaya goes t hrough the little town of Aung Ban, famous for its sweet tangerine groves. This scenic rode between Aung Ban and Pindaya is one of the loveliest in the Shan State passing through enchanting villages like Pwe Hla where over two thousand Shan, Pa-o and Danu hill tribes’ people live. You can see fields of red-coloured earth where patatoes and cabbages are grown and sent by trucks to all over Myanmar. There are also fields of dry cultivated mountain rice, tangerine orange groves, avocado orchards and other vegetables and fruits all along this fertile area. Pindaya Township covers about 85 square miles, with a population of over 20,000 hill tribe people. The majority of the population is Taung-yoe, but there are also Danu, Taung-thu, Shan, Palaung, Bama and Intha people. The people are very likeable and friendly and are sure to give visitors a warm welcome. Visitors approaching Pindaya by road will se a welcome concrete sign-post with a huge black spider in the centre of its web towering above. This buge spider is connected with the legendary history of Pindaya.

Legend says that the name Pindaya comes from “Pinku” (Spider) and “Ya” (get). Both the picturesque lake “Pone Ta Loke” and the limestone cave “Shwe U Min” play a part in the legend. Thousands of years ago, seven princesses were so absorbed with playing at Pindaya lake. They soon realized that it was too dark to go back. They looked around and decided to stay overnight, in the harmless looking Pindaya cave. But at mid-night, a huge spider sealed the cave’s entrance with its web. The next morning, the princesses discovered that were locked in. A passing prince heard their cries for help and he comes to rescue them. When he finally killed the huge spider, he exclaimed “Pinku Ya-Pyi” means “I’ve got the spider”. From that time on, the place come to be known as “Pinku Ya”. Later on, it corrupted to Pintara, and then to “Pindaya”. It is all about how the name of “Pindaya” gets into being. The name Pindaya according to the legend comes from Pingu (meaning spider in Myanmar) and ya (meaning get). Scholars say that actually Pin in Shan means “a wide plain”. Pindaya is located on a plain, actually a plateau; with abound ant water from the Zawgyi River and also from smaller streams and lakes. This has enabled the local people to cultivate the land extensively.

The ancient caves are about one mile southwest of the town, and can be reached by taking a horse-cart, or motoring there by jeep or just walking along on foot. Except for the young and energetic, the best way is to go leisurely be horse-cart to the foot of the hills, reserving your energy for the 200 steps up the covered stairway leading to the cave entrance and for exploring the huge meandering maze made up of numerous caves. The caves are supposed to be 200,00 million years old and since ancient times they have been places of worship and veneration with 8,094 Buddha images made from various materials like teak wood, marble, alabaster, brick, cement and lacquer, and all enshrined in the nooks and corners of the winding caverns. At the entrance to the main cave thee is a pagoda 50 feet in height. This pagoda is called Shwe U-min Hpaya or the Golden Cave pagoda. The tazaung or prayer hall was built by the famous hermit U Khanti who also built many of the religious edifices on Mandalay Hill. The entire length of the cave is 490 feet. The numerous stalactites and stalagmites in these limestone caves, from fanciful shapes and have given rise to such names as the “Fairy Princess Loom”, “Posts for tying horses and elephants” and so on. Some of the smaller caves used meditation chambers are accessible only if you crawl in on your knees and elbows. Visitors should plan to stay for one or two nights in Pindaya to explore the natural beauties all around; the tranquil lake, the limestone caves, the ancient pagodas and images and the lovely old trees.

Kalaw stands high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is 70 km west of Taung Gyi, about halfway along the Thazi-Taung Gyi road. It takes hours drive from Yangon across the countrysides. Visitors from Yangon can catch a one hour flight into Heho Airport and travel km by road into there. The flights have daily flight to Heho from Yangon. This was a popular hill station in the British days and it is still a peaceful and quiet place. At an altitude of 1320 m it is also pleasantly cool and a good place for hiking amid gnarled pines, bamboo groves and rugged mountain scenery. You can make interesting excursions around Kalaw. The population is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslims, Bamars and Nepal is (Gurkhas retired from British military service), many of whom are missionary educated. Places of interest are Thein Taung Pagoda, Aung Chan Tha Pagoda, Su Taung Pyae Pagoda and the King Church.