Mandalay Hill a beautiful cultural city, a relic of ancient Burma

Spectacular sunset in Mandalay Hill. Image: sanooaung.wordpress.com

Burma, a country in Southeast Asia, and is now called Myanmar has opened itself to accept the arrival of investors and international tourists. Thailand's neighboring countries is now becoming increasingly well known and visited by many tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty and culture. 

Mandalay is a beautiful city that you should visit if you come to Myanmar. Mandalay is not only a former capital and the second largest city in the country, it is also a very cultural, religious and historical spot in Myanmar.

 

Cruise, road to Mandalay. Image: worldtraveldesigner.it

Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose center is dominated by the enormous Royal Palace, now almost entirely reconstructed after the damage inflicted during the Second World War.

Whilst exploring keep your eyes peeled for the many traditional craftsmen, including marble sculptors who will be proud to tell you that their Buddha images are often made to order and exported to the USA, Thailand, China maind land and Taiwan. Around Mandalay there are many interesting remnants of several former capitals dating from different periods in the region's history.

Before the era of British colonial rule, the Royal Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It was built during the time of the Konbaung Dynasty, which is actually the last monarchy in the Kingdom of Burma. Mandalay, the British colonial capital in Upper Burma, is now the market town of the Shan and Kachin people as well as a centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning.

 

Amazing pagoda in Myanmar. Image: sanooaung.wordpress.com

This cruise links it with Bagan, a city of 3,000 pagodas, each with its own story and legend, and one of South East Asia’s greatest archaeological treasures. Mandalay is known for its strong cultural environment. Plus, the Burmese people are nice, down to earth and friendly. Even the simple act of roaming around Mandalay's wide lanes, will give you a unique sense of what the city is all about.

With the recent increase of tourism, hotel prices have risen significantly, but if you get the right travel agent, then you can stay in a nice hotel with friendly rates, and combine international flights to Mandalay with a one-week cruise, eschewing the need for a hotel stay and unpacking only once, yet encapsulating the essence of Burma.

When you arrive at Mandalay, When you arrive at Mandalay, it is not perfect without visiting the hill one way or another. Located on the northeast corner of the Royal Palace, the hill acts like a tower that watches protectively over the city. Just to add to your knowledge of Mandalay history, the city's ancient name is Ratanapunja, but its modern name is based upon the Mandalay Hill. Measuring about 236 meters in height, the hill is arguably the most popular attraction in the city.

 

Beautiful scenery at Mandalay hill. Image: travelmarvel.com.au

If you are a lover of the rising sun, especially if you are very crazy about the beauty of the sunset, then in addition to views of the sunset in Kuta beach, Bali, it is at the top of Mandalay Hill will be a wonderful memory for you and your loved ones. 

A pagoda is nestled on top of the hill. Mandalay is home to many significant Buddhist pagodas, monasteries and structures. Your visit to the city will most probably involve exploring these exquisite places of worship. The Shwenandaw Monastery is one of the most impressive sites. A major reason for this monastery's popularity is its intricate carvings and pure teak wood construction. When you visit a monastery, you will not only appreciate its history but you will also admire its architectural style and construction.

 

Buddhist monks in Myanmar. Image: ciaoasiatravel.com

If you want to capture the beautiful moments of sunset or sunrise with a digital camera or a camera of your smartphone, then you need to pay attention to the rules in this wonderful hill. Please understand that if you decide to climb to the pagoda, footwear is prohibited. 

In addition you have to pay the entrance fees, and it is usual in tourist areas throughout the world, there is also be an applicable camera fee to be collected on the top if you wish to take photos. 

Of course you do not mind, because you will get wonderful pictures of DSLR camera or your compact camera, so that you can distribute to various social media such as Facebook or Instagram. Once you visit Bali and Thailand, make sure you to continue your holiday to Myanmar, and remember to climb the hill Mandalay, which is so enchanting and will give you wonderful memories.