Introduction
Mandalay, a city located in the upper Myanmar has built different images of itself in different people's imagination. For some, this is the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his famous poem, "the road to Mandalay" and for some, this is the last royal capital of Myanmar. Mandalay, for many westerners is the only connection to Burma of colonial times that is trying to cope up with its lost glory. Today, Mandalay is the second largest city of Myanmar that has lost many of its architectural héritages in natural and manmade calamities. Still, Mandalay has many architectural jewels to give you just a feeling of what the place had in the past. This is the most Burmese of all the places in Myanmar and centre of art and craft.

What to do
Mandalay is the cultural capital of Myanmar and for good reasons. Historical sites ruined or not are scattered all around and sightseeing is the best option to start your visit in Mandalay. The places around Mandalay are as much important as the city itself culturally as well as historically and missing on an excursion to these places would not be a good idea. Make sure that you have searched extensively for the souvenirs in Mandalay as there is no better place in Myanmar to collect these lifelong items.

City at a Glance

Latitude 21º59'N Longitude 96º6"E Population 532,949 (1983) Language Burmese Religion Buddhism, Christianity, Islam Telephone Code 02

History
The places around Mandalay held the centre position for quite a long time in the history of Myanmar. But, the city as such was founded in the year 1857 by King Mindon. It got its name from the Mandalay Hill, situated at the north-east corner of the present Mandalay. According to the legends,Lord Buddha had prophesied that a great city would be founded on the on the foot of Mandalay Hill. It fall on King Mindon's shoulders to make the legend a reality. The building of the new capital was planned in the year 1857 and in 1859 it was inaugurated. Most of the structures that you see in Mandalay today were built during this period or after that. But, the city could not remain the capital of Myanmar for a long time. British, after taking control of Myanmar shifted their capital to Rangoon (now Yangon) in the lower Myanmar. During the World War II, most part of the Mandalay Palace was destroyed by a fire. Today, Mandalay is the second largest city of Myanmar and still a place of great touristic importance

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Myanmar has tropical climate with some variations depending on the regional differences. The winter is cool and dry lasting from November to February. Summer is hot and humid starting from March and ending in May. After this a long period of rain starts. The best time to visit Mandalay is winter. This is also the time when major festivals are celebrated and gives you a chance to explore the Burmese culture much closely.

Attractions
Mandalay Hill
Situated at the north-east corner of the city, Mandalay hill rises over 235 metres and gives fascinating views of the city. The hill is full of pagodas, monasteries, and a colossal standing image of the Buddha at the top. Footwear is not allowed here because of the religious importance of the hill.

Maha Muni Pagoda
The pagoda is situated to the south of the city and considered as the top priority by many visitors to the city. The pagoda was named after the holy image of "Maha Muni" housed therein. The image originally belonged to Myohaung, a town in Rakhine State. The pagoda is second only in the importance after Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar and revered by the Buddhists from all over the world.

The Mandalay Royal
Once, the palace was itself a city in the city. Now, most of palace is destroyed due to British bombing in the Second World War. There is a small museum in the palace ground that exhibits models of the original palace buildings. The palace has been rebuilt but certainly though it is difficult to gain the same glory as it had in the past.

The Atumashi Kayung
There is not much left of Atumashi Kyaung or the inimitable monastery after a big fire partly destroyed it in 1890. The monastery had drawn ecstatic accounts from Western travellers who described it as a wooden building which stood on five rectangular terraces. It was known for the Buddha image made of silken garments of the king with a lacquer exterior and a big diamond on the forehead.

Shwe kyi Myint Pagoda
Located in the heart of Mandalay, this pagoda was built by King Monshinsaw (1114-67) of Pagan. Unlike other pagodas of Mandalay, this pagoda still has the same image built by its original builder. Now, the pagoda has become the repository of many images made of gold and silver salvaged from other ruined structures of the city.

Other Highlights
Zegyo Bazaar was designed by an Italian named Count Caldrari in 1903. A shopping centre operates from the same place even now. Eindawya Pagoda was built by the Pagan Min in 1847 on the site of the palace he lived in before ascending to the throne. At a few kilometres from the city centre lies Amarapura (immortal city) the capital of Myanmar from 1782 to 1882.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
On January 4, the city celebrates the Independence Day of Myanmar. In April Thingyan or the Water Festival is celebrated to welcome Burmese New Year. The Full Moon of Kason Lunar Month is celebrated in different pagodas in the month of April-May. Three - month period of Buddhist Lent begins with the Waso Festival in June/July. Taungbyone Village near Mandalay held the Festival of Nats (spirits) in the month of August/September.

Places nearby
Saging is famous for its sunset view from a hilltop pagoda. Maymyo has the only botanical garden in the country, Pyin Oo Lwin. This is a former British Hill Station and gives a nostalgic atmosphere. Mingun is a must visit to see the massive unfinished pagoda and world's largest ringing bronze bell.

SHOPPING
Mandalay has remained the centre of trade from the days of its foundation in 1857. A wide range of Myanmar's traditional handicrafts can be purchased in the markets of Mandalay. Zegyo Market is famous for its fine jewellery and handicrafts. Phatahe Bazaar is the best place in Mandalay to collect souvenirs. Most of the articles available for sale here are related to the services of worship and prayer to Lord Buddha. Nyaung Pin Bazaar is the biggest grocery market in the city selling food stuffs produced in the Shan state.

WHERE TO STAY
State owned as well as private hotel accommodation is available in most part of the city. Prices are moderate and the services adequate. Staying in the Maymyo Hotel is a journey in the past heritage of Mandalay.

WHERE TO EAT

Chinatown offers the best of Burmese food in the evenings. You can shop around and taste the exotic delicacies of Shan region. Upmarket restaurants are located mostly in the good hotels. Chinese, European, and Indian food can be had from many restaurants in the hotels and outside.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Domestic flights connect Mandalay with Yangon and some other principal cities of Myanmar. It is an easy ride to city centre from airport by government and privately operated taxis and buses. It takes just an hour to reach Mandalay from Yangon by air.

Road and Water
You can hire taxis or cars from the rental companies in Yangon to visit Mandalay. It takes almost 12 to 14 hours to reach Mandalay from Yangon by an all weather road. Train service also connect the city with Yangon and some other principal cities in the country. Mingun can be reached only by a boat ride upriver that takes almost one hour. The ride in itself is a visual treat and should not be missed. Pagan is also connected to Mandalay by water.

Local Transport
Bicycle Rickshaw and buses are two most important modes of transportation in Mandalay. Government run as well as private taxis are also available. Buses are sometimes numbered but otherwise they use the sign and it makes the journey confusing.