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Bagan
Bagan Areas
A historic capital, Bagan, known as city of four million
Pagodas, is the richest archaeological site in Asia. This
enchanting city is situated on the eastern bank of the
Ayeyarwaddy River about 193 km south of Mandalay.
The ruins of the city of Bagan covers an area of 42
sq.-km containing over 2000 edifices. The majority of these
well-preserved temples and pagodas of a rich architectural
heritage from the 11th to 13th century Era.
How to get there
It takes about one hour and twenty minutes to fly from
Yangon to Bagan / Nyaung U. There are daily flights to Bagan
during the tour season. By overland Express Trains to
Mandalay stop at Thazi junction from which one can take a
bus to Bagan. The newly constructed Railways lines of
Mandalay- Bagan was unveiled on 19th September, 1996. The
express trains are running daily and the round-trip takes
about 8 hours only. There is a regular bus and steamer
service between Mandalay and Bagan.
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Ananda Temple
The Ananda Temple, completed in 1090, is King Kyansitha's
master-piece and the crowning achievement of the early style
of temple architecture. The plan is that of a perfect Greek
cross. There are 4 huge Buddha images in standing position
and a series of 80 relieves depicting the Final Life of the
Buddha from His Birth to His Enlightenment, which is
notable. The Ananda Pagoda festival held in January is a big
event drawing pilgrims even from far away places.
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That byin nyu Temple
Over 66 metres high, the temple was built by King
Alaungsithu in the middle of 15th century. It overtops all
other monuments and affords visitors a magnificent panorama
of Bagan Plains. |
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Shwegugyi Temple
Standing on high brick plinth, this temple was built by
King Alaung Sithu in 1131 AD The arch-pediments, pilasters,
plinth and comice moulding are decorated with fine stucco
carving, evidence of Myanmar architecture in the early 12th
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Guibyaukgyi Temple (Wet Kyi Inn)
a 13th century temple with a spire resembling the
Maha-bodhi temple at Budha Gaya. This temple is known for
its well paintings depicting scenes from the Jataka.
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Htilo Minlo Temple
Built about ( 1211 A.D) by Nan-daung-mya Min, the Htilo
Minlo is one of the largest temples of Bagan. It is a
double-storied structure rising 50 metres above the ground.
This temple is noted for its fine plaster carving on the
arch-pediments, frieze and pilaster.
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Shwezigon Pagoda
It was built by King Anawratha and completed by King
Kyansitha in 1084. Shwezigon Pagoda is the prototype for
later Myanmar Pagodas. There are green glazed plaques
depicting scenes from the Jataka. The pagoda festival is
held from late October to early November. |
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Bupaya Pagoda
Standing on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy, the Bupaya
Pagoad is conspicuous landmark for travelers along the
river. This pagoda with a bulbous dome resembling the "Bu"
or gourd fruit is a favourate spot for visitors to watch the
sunset. |
Shopping
Masterpieces of lacquer-ware have been the pride of Bagan
since the days of the Bagan Empire. It is still main
industry 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-wares from the basic stage
to the finished products ready for sale at the shops.
Lacquer-ware such as ash-trays, bowls, jewellery boxes,
trays and paintings are the best souvenirs of Bagan.
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ENVIRONS OF BAGAN
Mount Popa, 1500 metres high, is an extinct volcano
located about 67-km south-east of Bagan. Among the western
foothills, the mountain stands a perpendicular rock
formation with almost vertical sides. The whole top is
dotted with pagodas and shrines which are made accessible by
a series of stairways. It is generally known as the abode of
legendary "Nats" (Spirit Gods) for which the annual festival
is held during the Myanmar month of Nayon (May / June). |
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