Mandalay has a tropical wet and dry climate. The Mandalay streets are laid out in a grid system, and are numbered east to west (up to 49th) and North to South (over 50th).Among the various types of traditional food on offer in Mandalay, are the famous Mont T, Htoe Mote and La Phat. Highlights of the city, it’s seven structures include Mya Nan San Kyaw Shwe Nan Daw (Golden Palace), Moat, Pitakas Taik, Thu Damar Congregation Hall, Atu Mashi Monastery, Ku Tho Taw Pagoda and Thein Taw Gyi.

Mya Nan San Kyaw Shwe Nan Daw (Golden Palace)

It is one of the seven royal buildings in Mandalay which was built by King Mindon. It was the first palace where King Mindon lived when he transferred from Amarapura Nay Pyi Taw to Mandalay Yadanabon Nay Pyi Taw. It was bombed during World War II and was rebuilt.

Moat

During the time of the ancient kings, a moat was built outside of the city walls to prevent the enemies from entering the city. There are three types of moat; moat with water, mud and plain ground (in which iron sticks and piles of wooden pieces are embedded). At the city walls, there is an entrance which was guarded by soldiers. The Mandalay moat is 225 feet wide and 11 feet deep. The water in the moat comes from Yay Ni Myaung @ Yadana Nadi Creek.

Pitakas Taik

(Repository of the Buddhist scriptures)
It was located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. It was a library which stored all the sermons of Buddha. But during World War II it was bombed and everything was destroyed.

Thu Damar Congregation Halls

They are located near the foot of Mandalay Hill. King Mindon donated these halls on May 22 in 1859. The halls are gilded and have many Pabu arts. In Yadanarpon era, monks’ examinations were held in these rest houses. There were 33 Thu Damar congregation halls, but there are only 18 left.

Atu Mashi Monastery

At this monastery there are many examples of the Pantaut arts (the art of making floral designs out of stucco). There are 146 pillars in the monastery. Yaw Ahtwin Wun U Pho Hlaing supervised the construction of the monastery. In 1890, it sadly burnt down, but was rebuilt between 1995 and 1997. Tampawaddy U Win Maung supervised the reconstruction.

Ku Tho Taw Pagoda

The pagoda is located at the South East of Mandalay Hill and was built in 1862 through donations from King Mindon. It contains the world’s largest book. In the grounds are 729 kyauksagu or stone inscription caves each containing a marble slab inscribed with a page of text from the Tipitaka, the entire Pali Canon of Therevada Buddhism.

Thein Taw Gyi

(Buddhist Ordination Hall)
The hall was situated at the foot of Mandalay Hill, near the entrance of Kyauk Taw Gyi. It was a wooden building and decorated with Pantaut arts. It was destroyed in World War II.

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The Mandalay streets are laid out in a grid system, and are numbered east to west (up to 49th) and north to south (over 50th).Addresses show the block where the building is located by giving the main street which it is on and the streets which is between: for example, 56th (between 19th and 20th Street).

There are Six Townships, namely Aung Myae Thar San, Chan Aye Thar San, Mahar Aung Myay, Chan Mya Thar Si, Pyi Gyi Tagon and Amarapura.

Moreover, Mandalay is well known for its pagodas and historical buildings; Maha Muni Pagoda, Maha Thatkya Thiha Pagoda, Shwe Kyee Myin Pagoda, Sanda Muni Pagoda, Kutho Daw, Atu Mashi Monastery, Golden Palace Monastery, Mandalay Hill, Yankin Hill and U Bein Bridge.

The heart of the city dominated by Zegyo market. The Clock Tower, built in 1903 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. Eain Daw Yar Pagoda, a very popular pagoda known for fulfilling wishes. St Joseph’s Cathedral (Father Lafon Church), a gothic style church built by French Fathers in 1894. Shari Krishna Temple, built during the Japanese occupation during World War II. Gold leaf being made at the small workshop. Catch a film at Myo Ma and Win Light Cinema, the largest cinema in Mandalay. Htoe Mont, Mandalay’s most famous sweet snack, fresh fruits at Thit Thee Dan Market, Fresh vegetables from the many street sellers, Coconut rice and Biryani from the night time street sellers, Indian Snacks, Shan, Chinese and Myanmar foods, late night snacks at the 24-hour tea shops and restaurants along 35th St by the eastern edge of Yan Gyi Aung Bridge are part of Mandalay city.

North of Mandalay is the main historical and religious area of Mandalay with many ancient pagodas and monasteries. Sunset from the view of the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda on top of the Mandalay Hill is famous for its panoramic views over the city. U Khan Ti Museum which houses and interesting collection of historical and religious items at the footage of the Mandalay Hill. There’s also Kutheikhtaryon Ingyin Pagoda (Sal Tree Forest Pagoda), a man-made forest surrounding and ancient recling Buddha statue at the footage of the hill. Kuthodaw Pagoda, the biggest book in the world with 729 marble slabs etched with the words of Tipitaka won’t be missed out to see in Mandalay. Have fun at Yadanapon Garden with its 55 acres of green space with a zoo, swimming pool, and amusement zone. Can practice your golf swing at the Asia Centre Golf course and Keep fit by walking up Mandalay Hill. Paintings at the many art galleries at the base of Mandalay Hill is one of the attractive places for tourists. There are cold drink shops and tea shops scattered around the base of Mandalay Hill. National Theatre which hosts regular traditional performances. Shwe Nandaw Kyaung called Golden Palace Monastery , an ancient ornately carved teak monastery built in 1880. Atumashi Monastery , the largest monastery in Mandalay with a unique five-tied terraced roof is famous.Visit Mandalay Palace by entering through the main entrance, U Hteik Gate, on the east site of the moat.

Fresh Foods and vegetables available from the villages to the east of Mandalay at Nan Shay Market. There’s also have Myee Shay, Salads and other snack shops along 19th Street. Visit Mya Kyauk Monastery and ask for a bottle of mineral water from the Mya Kyauk natural spring. Yankin Hill, climb the hill to see views over the countryside and see the statue of three golden fishes at the top which are believed to bring the rain during droughts. And can learn to ride a horse or have a painball fight at Nature’s life.

You are most warmly welcome to the Royal City Yadanabon!

Writer @ MayMalarWin
Photo Credit: Aditya Kumar

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