Mandalay is the city of last Kingdom of Myanmar Dynasty before British took over. For this reason, it still has great importance as Myanmar’s cultural heart. It is the second largest city in Myanmar is about 690 km north of Yangon; the former capital of Myanmar, with a population of nearly a million, relatively young dating back only a century. Today Mandalay neighbors the mountain regions of the Shan and the Kachin people, acting as the gateway to the north, and ultimately to China. It is the main market city for “Upper Myanmar’ and a place for the hill tribes to gather and trade. Mandalay still has considerable cultural and religious significance and its Buddhist monasteries are among the most important in the country. About 60% of the monks in Myanmar reside in the Mandalay area.

Mandalay Palace

The whole palace complex was destroyed by fire during the war . The palaces walls , the four gates and the moat still stand today as evidence of the majestic city. A Number of palace buildings have been reconstructed within the premises.

Mandalay Hill

Mandalay hill is located to the north-east of the city and rises 230 meter (or) 954 feet above the surrounding area. The image and hall of Su-Taung-Pyae is donated in 1226 M.E (1864 A.D), in spire-roof by King Mindon.

Shwe Nan Daw Monastery

Shwe Kyaung monastery, originally it was one of the palaces of King Mindon and chief queen Sakya Devi that was built at north of the Royal Palace. King Thibaw. moved this golden to the present site in order to offer the monks as a monastery. In order to construct in a traditional style, King Thibaw, caused it to have a pinnacle, spires, vane, sikhara and other fine decorations. Around these, there are wood-carving of ten great Jatakas made with great artistic details.

Mahamuni Pagoda

King Bodawpaya built this pagoda in 1784 to house the Mahamuni Buddha Image brought from Rakhaine State .Being the most reserved Pagoda in Mandalay , the early morning ritual of washing the face of the Buddha’s image , draws a daily crowd of devotees.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

King Mindon built this pagoda in 1868, surround it with 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka text ( The Three Baskets of the Buddhist Pali canon ) . It is often called the “World’s Biggest Book “,

Atu-ma-shi Monastery

Not too far from the Kuthodaw Pagoda is the Atu-ma-shi Monastery, built in 1878 by King Mindon , and practically destroyed by fire in 1890 .It was however, rebuilt in 1996.

Mandalay Marionettes Theatre

As Mandalay is the cultural heart of Myanmar, there are several entertainment scenes perform at important occasions like Pagoda festivals, weddings and novitiation ceremonies. For those who want to sample Myanma Marionettes, go and check out one of these places: Mandalay Marionettes Theatre – on 66th St., between 26th & 27th Sts or Pyigyimon Floating Restaurant. Both perform marionette shows with music and dancing nightly.