BAGAN

Visit to Myanmar would not be termed complete without seeing the 11th century capital and cradle of Myanmar civilization. Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. This enchanting city is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River about 193 km south of Mandalay. The rains of the ancient capital cover an area of 42 sq. km contain wore than 2,000 edifices. The majority of these well-preserved temples and pagoda offer a rich architectural heritage from the 11th to 13th century era.

WHAT TO SEE IN BAGAN

                                                                   Shwezigon Pagoda

                                                                   Ananda Temple

The Ananda Temple built after the Shwezigon in 1090 is the masterpiece of the early style temple architecture. There are four huge Buddha images in the standing position and eighty relief depicting the life of the Buddha from His Birth to His Enlightenment.

                                                                   Thatbyinnyu Temple

The temple can easily recognized by its soaring white exterior. It is also known as the "Temple of Omniscience" and is the tallest building in Bagan with 66 meters high. It was built by King Alaungsithu in the middle of the 12th century. It is made of two enormous cubes that make up its shape conceal interior corridors and stairways that lead to its upper terraces. There are two tiers of windows in each story of Thatbyinnyu as well as huge arches inlaid with flamboyant pediments making the interior bright and allowing a breeze to flow through. At the top was a stupa containing holy relics.

                                                                   Dhamayangyi Temple

It is said to be Bagan's most massive shrine. It was built by King Narathu in 1167. This temple was not finish but the finest brickwork is to be seen in this temple.

Gubyaukgyi Temple

It was built by Prince Rajakumar on the death of his father King Kyansittha in 13th century. This one-storey temple is built in pure Mon-Style, and is of great importance for its inscriptions.

Bupaya

It is the oldest of the shrines and situated on the bank of Ayeyarwady River. It was built by King Pyusawhti, the third King of Bagan (163-248 AD) before Anawrahta period. Legend has it that the pagoda was built in a place where a gigantic Bu or gourd like climbing plant grew. It has the bulbous form and is built on rows of crenulated walls over looking the river. It is a favourite site to watch the sunset in Bagan.

Gawdaw Palin Temple

The 12th century temple was built by King Narapati-sithu, is about 60 meters high. From the upper terrace of Gawdaw Palin Temple, one can leisurely watch the sunset over the scenic beauty of the Ayeyarwady River with the backdrop of Tant-kyi-taung hill and the panoramic view of ancient Bagan. The fading light gradually veils the ruined city of Bagan- a "Bagan Sunset", and one will never forget one's itinerary in Myanmar.

                                                                   Archaeological Museum

The new Archaeological Museum in the most splendid and significant with its main hall, Bagan literature hall, social and military paintings hall, architecture hall, fine arts hall, stupa and temple paintings hall, and Buddhist arts hall. It is located near Gawdawpalin Temple in Bagan-Nyaung U Township.

Shopping

Master-pieces of lacquer-wave have been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. It is still the main industry of Bagan today and every body can see the process of making lacquer-wave from the basic stage to the finished products ready for sale at the shops. Lacquer-waves such as ash-tray, bowls, jewellery boxes, trays and paintings are the best souvenirs of Bagan.

WHAT TO SEE AROUND BAGAN

                                                                   Mount Popa

Popa - a great extinct volcano last active 250,000 years ago, is a forest clad landmark rising to 1520 meters (4981 feet) from the flat, surrounding Myingyan Plains. The natural springs, flowers and wooded hillside greatly contrast to the arid lands surrounding it. Popa is famous for its wealth of medicinal plants and rave orchids, home for over 90 different species of birds. This are has been establish as the Popa Mountain Park and is being developed actively for the promotion of ecotourism. It is located about 50 km (32 miles) southeast of Bagan. Apart from the Popa Mountain, there is a tower-like volcanic plug called as Popa Taung Kalat. Upon the eruption of Mt. Popa some 250,000 years ago, the top was blown away with such force that it landed some distance away. Taung Kalat is a small rocky mountain shoots up like a tree trunk of 2500 feet high. On the top are picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and Buddhist shrine. The steps and path climb steeply up Mt. Popa Taung Kalat - an energetic climb rewarded by fabulous view from the top.        top