Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Mandalay, Myanmar, Asia
Mandalay is situated in the Asian continent in the center of the country, Myanmar in the Mandalay Region. The Irrawaddy River flows at the west of Mandalay city. The city is at a distance of 185 km from the countries capital city, Naypyidaw. Mandalay was the last imperial capital of Burma and is the 2nd biggest city of the country that represents the economic center of upper Myanmar. Mandalay spans over an area of 45.70km2 is located at an average elevation of 70 feet above sea level. The geographical coordinates puts the place at 21058’30” N and 9605’0” E.
Climate in Mandalay:
During summer season the average temperature is 450C and in winter temperature drops to 50C.
History of Mandalay:
As per legends, Buddha predicted the formation of the Mandalay city at the base of a hill that existed in the region. In the year 1857 on 13th February, the capital city of the kingdom was built under the reign of King Mindon. The former royal capital city of the kingdom was created in the year 1842 in Amarapura. Mandalay is 11 km away from Amarapura. The capital was shifted to Mandalay and official work commenced only in the year 1859 on May 23. The time in power of the King continued for over 26 years. This was the last royal capital city in the entire country. On 28th November 1885, the British made Mandalay their capital city. During the British administration Mandalay region continued to prosper economically and in education sector. Many educational institutions were opened during this period. From the period May 1942 to March 1945, Myanmar was under the control of invading Japanese forces. After Second World War, the British regained control of the entire country and reconstruction work was commenced. The year 1948 marked the beginning of an Independent Myanmar and the end of the British rule in the entire country.
Food and Shopping at Mandalay:
Mandalay is renowned for its cuisine and serves traditional and authentic Shan cuisines which include Muslim Chinese noodles, Htou moun and several Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Burmese cuisines.
There are shopping centers in Mandalay city. The names of these shopping centers are listed below
- Minny Shopping Center 1
- 78 Shopping Mall
- Shopping Mall
Tourist Places in Mandalay:
Mandalay Hill
The hilltop at this hill provides a picturesque view of the entire surroundings. As per legends, this is the place where the Buddha predicted the location of the formation of the city.
Maha Muni Pagoda
This Pagoda was created in the year of 1784 under the reign of King Bodawpaya and houses an image of Buddha towering at a height of 12.7 feet.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
This Pagoda was created in 1857, during the reign of the King Mindon.
Atumashi Monastery
The word Atumashi Kyaung when translated into English means inimitable monastery. This is a famous monastery in the Mandalay Region.
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens
As the name indicates, this zoo is situated between Mandalay hills and Palace. The main attraction of this zoo is the Burmese Roofed Turtles.
Other Places to visit in Mandalay:
- Mandalay Palace
- Golden Palace Monastery
- Kuthodaw Paya
Means of Commutation to Mandalay:
Mandalay is connected via airways with entire world. The Mandalay International Airport located at a distance of 45 km from the city caters to the arrival and departure of domestic flights. There are daily domestic flights available to places such as Thandwe, Mandalay, Tachilek, Nyaung U, Kengtung, Heho and Yangon and vice versa. There are also international flights to countries like China and India.
Mandalay is also connected via rail links to places within the country Myanmar. There are train services available at Mandalay central railway station to places such as Yangon, Myitkyina, Mogaung, Hopin, Kanbalu, Mohnyin, Naba, Kawlin, Lashio, Monywa, Shwebo, Gangaw, Kalay, Pakokku and Maymyo.
Mandalay has well established networks of roadways to places within Myanmar. There are Buses available daily to places located in lower, western and upper Burma and to neighboring countries such as India and China and intercity transportation is facilitated by Buses, Cycle Rickshaws and Taxis.
Accommodation Options at Mandalay:
Mandalay is famed and most visited tourism spots in Myanmar and the city hosts plentiful deluxe hotels and resorts exclusively designed for utmost comfort of the guests. The hotels are arid with natural lightening and attractive ethnical ornamentation in each and every chamber. The facilities offered by the hotels include pub, bar, room heaters, spa and so on and some of the hotels in Mandalay are listed here below:
- Sedona Hotel Mandalay
- Mandalay Hill Resort
- Hotel by the Red Canal, Mandalay
- Rupar Mandalar Resort
- Mandalay City Hotel
- Ayarwaddy River View Hotel
- Royal City Hotel
- Royal Guest House
- Silver Swan Hotel
- Emerald Land Inn Mandalay