BAGAN

Bagan is one of the Asia's most amazing and richest archaeological sites. The ancient temples of Bagan stand today as they have been standing for a thousand years. Their tranquility embrace the visitors who feel as if they shed their anxieties as son as they see these temples. Timeless and at peace, Bagan temples and pagodas soar to the skies , standing in splendour. Bagan was the seat of power of the first kingdom of Bagan founded by King Anawrahta who was well dedicated to the people , to the country and Buddhism.From this time , Theravada Budhism flourished in Myanmar and the thousands of temples we still see today, began to take shape. The successive Kings built magnificent pagodas , perfecting the architectural skills with each generation. Bagan was a great kingdom that rose to glory in the early 11th century. The age of Bagan was from AD 107 to AD 1369. According to the inscription from Bagan period , the literary name of Bagan was " Arimadadana Pura " which means " crushing of enemies ". Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River in the dry zone of Central Myanmar, Bagan is about 193 km south of Mandalay. Covering an area of 42 sq.km.Bagan is still well pereaerved with it's ancient pagodas and temples of 11th -13th century AD.

SHWEZIGON PAGODA

The Shwezigon Pagoda for its sacredness, is a solid, cylindrical structure resting on three squares terraces, a prototype of Myanmar's style stupas. It was built by King Anawarahta and completed by King KYANSITTHA in 1087 A.D.It is believed that the Pagoda enshrines the frontal bone and a tooth of the Buddha and is thus held in great veneration by the Buddhists in Myanmar.

ANADA TEMPLE

Anada Temple for its gravce and artistic works, was built in 1090 A.D. by King Kyansittha. This Temple is the masterpiece of the early style temple architecture. It is one of the finest and most venerated temples in Bagan, symbolizing the endless wisdom of Lord Buddha. There are four huge Buddha images in the standing postion, 10 metre high inside the Temple and eighty reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha from his Birth to his Enlightenment. The significant features of the Temple are architecture stone carvings, stucco carvings, glazed terracotta tiles and mural paintings. The Anada Pagoda festival held every year in January attracts large numbers of pilgrims.

DHAMMAYANGYI TEMPLE

Bagan's most massive temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, was built by King Narathu in 1170 A.D.Although the temple's construction has not been completed, it displayed the finest brickwork.

LAWKANADA TEMPLE

This pagoda was built by King Anawratha in 1059 A.D. The riverside and the sunset view from the Pagoda is one of the tourist attraction places in Bagan. Other attraction in Bagan are Htilominlo Temple, Mingalazedi, Manuha Temple, Bupaya, Tharabar Gate and Bagan Museum.

THATBYINNYU TEMPLE

Thatbyinnyu for its omniscience, is one of the highest Temple in Bagan, rising to a height of 61 metres. Built by King Alaungsithu in mid-12 th century A.D. it consists of four main stoeys. The mural painting can be seen on the ceiling of the west porch.

SHWESANDAW PAGODA

Built by King Anawrahta, in early 11th century A.D. Shwesandaw Pagoda is a cylindrical stupa with five terraces, showing a strong Mon influence. The Pagoda has a step stairway directly to the terraces for a popular sunset viewing from the upper level.

GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE

This early 13th century temple displays a strong influence of Indian culture. Inside are the wall paintings and 28 Buddha images in sitting position.

GAWDAWPALIN TEMPLE

This 13th century temple is like Thatbyinnyu, about 60 metres high with a fine view of the Bagan plains.

SULAMANI TEMPLE

A temple built in 1181 by King Narapatisithu is known for its murals dating from 11th -12th century.

SALAY

Salay is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan and can be visited on a day's trip. Salay is one of the religious centers in Myanmar. Among the most famous is the historic home of Salay U Ponya, a Bagan Era writer poet. The Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique leaquerware, wooden relifes and a large standing gilded Buddha image. The figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha –ta Na Kyaung ( Keythar monastery ), where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.

MOUNT POPA

Mt.Popa is an extinct volcano, located a about 50 km from Bagan. It is 1520 metres high and is famous for being the legendary home of Myanmar Nats a collection of 37 supernatural beings. The Mt.Popa area has also been designated as a National Park, a perfect place for ecotourism.