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Mandalay is the second-largest city of Myanmar, located on the east bank of Ayeyarwady river. It is an important economic centre of the northern side of Myanmar and is regarded as a cultural centre of the country. The city has been named after the nearby Mandalay Hill. Mandalay was the former capital of the country and has a rich history behind it. It was founded at the foothills of the Mandalay hill in 1857 by King Mindon. The city was founded to fulfil a prophecy of founding a metropolis of Buddhism on the occasion of the 2400th anniversary of setting up of Buddhism. The city served as the capital of the country until its final annexation by the British Empire in 1885. From the ornate royal palace to breathtaking sunsets over the river, Mandalay takes days to explore. It provides a thorough glimpse of the culture of Myanmar and its people.
Mandalay has people from Myanmar, Kayin, Kayah, Chin, Pao, Mon, Shan. Most people speak Myanmarese/Burmese, Shan, Chinese, limited English and follow Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism.
Mandalay has a mild climate with no rainy season like a dry zone. It is bordered by Magway Region, Sagaing Region and Shan State. It spreads across 37,024 sq.km/ 14,295 miles.
Mandalay City is the capital of Mandalay Region and is the former capital of Myanmar. As per 2014 data, 6.1 million people live here.
With a significant history behind it, Mandalay takes a tourist back to the 19th Century when the city was formed. Mandalay was the last royal city before the country was colonised by Britain in 1885. Evidence of this rich history can be seen in the royal city which houses the magnificent palace complex which was devastated during World War II. Tourists can also visit the Mandalay Palace which was the last palace built by Burmese royals. The palace is located at the heart of Mandalay and is surrounded by a moat and a wall. Another significant monument to visit is the gigantic Mingun Bell stupa located near the city. Mandalay also hosts a number of Monasteries and Pagodas of historical significance such as the Atumashi Monastery, Kyuktawgui Pagoda, Maha Mya Muni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, Hsinbyume Pagoda, Mingun Pahtodawgyi and many more. The Kuthodoaw Pagoda hosts the world’s biggest book, a listed item on the Memory of UNESCO.
With a significant history behind it, Mandalay takes a tourist back to the 19th Century when the city was formed. Mandalay was the last royal city before the country was colonised by Britain in 1885. Evidence of this rich history can be seen in the royal city which houses the magnificent palace complex which was devastated during World War II. Tourists can also visit the Mandalay Palace which was the last palace built by Burmese royals. The palace is located at the heart of Mandalay and is surrounded by a moat and a wall. Another significant monument to visit is the gigantic Mingun Bell stupa located near the city. Mandalay also hosts a number of Monasteries and Pagodas of historical significance such as the Atumashi Monastery, Kyuktawgui Pagoda, Maha Mya Muni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, Hsinbyume Pagoda, Mingun Pahtodawgyi and many more. The Kuthodoaw Pagoda hosts the world’s biggest book, a listed item on the Memory of UNESCO.
Shwe In Bin Monastery is one of the most attractive monasteries in Mandalay, located to the southwest corner of Mandalay city. It exhibits traditional Myanmar architecture and is one of the few buildings that have survived the test of time. Constructed in 1895 by Chinese merchants, the monastery consists of many impressive wood carvings and also contains a number of admirable works of art.
Shwe In Bin Monastery is one of the most attractive monasteries in Mandalay, located to the southwest corner of Mandalay city. It exhibits traditional Myanmar architecture and is one of the few buildings that have survived the test of time. Constructed in 1895 by Chinese merchants, the monastery consists of many impressive wood carvings and also contains a number of admirable works of art.
