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 Though Yangon is the present capital of Myanmar,
Mandalay was the former capital founded by King Mindon
in 1857 with the name of "Yadanar Pon" meaning “Pile of
Gems". It was the last kingdom in Myanmar dynasty before
the country was colonized.
Situated in the heart of Upper Myanmar, Mandalay is
the economic and religious center in the upcountry and
abundantly rich in historical memorials and Buddhist
monuments as well.
Of all the places in Mandalay, Mandalay Hill is a top
priority to visit. Apart from its Pagodas and buildings,
it is the best place to enjoy the sunset. Visitors are
seen hurrying up the hill to get a panoramic view of the
sun going down majestically behind the mountain. Pagodas
and shrines on the mountains and hues and rays of the
setting sun reflecting in the Great River Ayeyarwady
will make it a memorable event for life.
Down the Hill, you will find many great Pagodas
Kyauk-taw-gyi, noted for its great image which was
carved out of a single block of huge marble, Kutho-daw,
known as the world's Biggest Book for its 729 marble
slabs on which the whole teaching of Buddha is inscribed
and Golden Monastery or Shwe Nandaw Kyaung, the only
living masterpiece of wood carving of King Mindon's
time.
Mahamuni Pagoda, also called Paya Gyi, the Great
Image, was brought here from Rakhine (Arakan) state in
1784 by King Bo-daw-paya. To the Buddhists in Myanmar,
this richly gilded image is not a mere representation of
the Lord Buddha but is an icon which is considered
sacred itself. The pride of Mandalay is the Royal
Palace. It was the seat of the last Konebaung Dynasty,
burnt down by bombs during the Second World War and
recently it was reconstructed to its present glory.
 On the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, 21km
south-west of Mandalay, there exists Sagaing. It is said
that Sagaing was a capital of a Shan Kingdom around 1315
after the collapse of Bagan. Nowadays, Sagaing is known
as a famous meditation centre. Along the picturesque
Sagaing hills beyond the town are over 600 monasteries
for both monks and nuns. It is a sacred place for
Myanmar Buddhists to find peace away from the hustle and
bustle of city life. There can be nothing more sublime
than to wander in these hills beneath a canopy of
flowering trees, surrounded by the gentle murmur of
chanting monks and nuns. You will also find Sun-Oo-
Pone-Nya-Shin Pagoda on the hills. And other interests
in Sagaing are Kaung-mhu-daw Pagoda, enormous solid dome
shape and Ya-taung Village where you can see silver
smith and marble work.
 Situated about 11 km south of Mandalay, Amarapura is
on the shores of the large, placid Taungthaman Lake. It
was the capital city immediately before Mandalay. The
modern town of Amarapura is often referred as Taungmyo
"The southern city" to distinguish it from Mandalay, the
northern city. Amarapura is the place of the traditional
weaving in silk and cotton. You can see the local
hand-looms and buy at reasonable prices lovely silk
material with traditional Myanmar patterns and designs.
Of particular interest is the 1.2 km long U Pein Bridge,
the longest teak bridge in the world which planks and
supports have stood for more than two centuries. At the
end of the bridge, you will find Kyauk-taw-gyi Buddha
Image, it is said that the white colour of the Marble
Image has now gradually changed to the colour of gade.
 About 11km up-river from Mandalay on the opposite
bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River is the pleasant and
peaceful Mingun. This 45 minute memorable journey gives
you a fascinating experience of life along the
Ayeyarwaddy River.
It is home to the world's largest unfinished Pagoda,
Pato-daw-gyi built by King Bodawpaya and the pagoda
remains unfinished as the king died in the middle of the
building. As well as the 90 tons weight world's biggest
ringing bell which was also donated by the same king
built at the same time. But the bell was well finished.
You can also see Mya-Thein-Dan Pagoda built in strange
architecture with seven concentric terraces.
 A former capital situated only 30 minutes drive in
the south of Mandalay. It was the former Myanmar
Capital. Though the royal palace has gone now, the
Pagodas, temples and monasteries still remain. Of
particular interests are the brick monastery called Maha
Aung Myay Bonzan, built by Queen Me Nu, Nanmyint watch
tower which gives a birds' eye view of the ancient site
and Hti-hlaing-shin Pagoda built by King Kyansit.
 Situated some 136 km northwest of Mandalay, Monywa is
in the centre of the Chindwin Valley. Being the second
largest river of Myanmar, Chindwin River is important
for trading in the area. History has it that Monywa was
founded in the Bagan era (1044-1287) and it was formerly
called "Thalarwady" It is noted for its unusual temples.
One of the most famous is Thanboddhay Temple which
resembles Indonesia's Borobudur in its architectural
design. Kyaukka village, some 16 km east of Monywa, is
also famous for its lacquer ware cottage industry. Its
lacquer wares are comparable with Bagan's wares in
quality. Another highlight of Monywa is Twin Taung Lake
from which Sperulina is widely produced. And Monywa is
the city from which you can get to famous Po-win Cave
and Shwe-ba Cave after crossing the Chindwin River.
Inside the caves, you will find strange type of ancient
Myanmar stone carvings.
 Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly called May Myo) is one of the
most famous Hill Station of Myanmar. Its fine, pleasant
weather and fresh cool air makes it a popular summer
resort. It enjoys another name given affectionately by
the local-Pan Myo Daw, or Royal Flower City due to its
variety of colorful flowers growing in abundance all
over the town. This beautiful resort is situated only
some70 km away from Mandalay. Some of the highlights are
enormous waterfalls-Pwe-kauk, Dat-taw-gyaik, the famous
Botanical Garden and the Chinese Temple. Being rich in
natural scenic spots, Pyin Oo Lwin is the favourite
place for nature lovers, photographers, artists, and
movie makers. Besides, it is also on the way to the
border towns of Lashio and Muse.
Pyay (Sri Ksetra)
Sri Ksetra was the capital of Pyu Kingdom and more
ancient than Bagan. Indeed, it pre-dates the 11th
century Bagan by more or less 700 years. It was built on
a site some eight-km from Pyay (formerly Prome) and the
tall conical Pagodas can still be seen.
These are the visible reminders of the Pyus' reign of
glory. Although Sri Ksetra was established by king
Duttabaung, legend has it that Sakka, King of the
celestial beings, built the Kingdom for him. You can see
9 gateways of the city which remain nowadays.
Judging from the ruins of the old wall, the city may
have been of an oval shape instead of a square as usual
types. According to the architects, the Pagodas of Sri
Ksetra are Indian influenced. Highlights among the
temples and pagodas in Sri Ksetra are Bawbawgyi Pagoda,
Phayamar Pagoda, Bebe temple, Ashae-Zay Temple,
Anauk-zay Temple, Lay- myet- hnar Temple, to name a few.
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