Destination

Amarapura

Situated 11 km south of Mandalay, the modern town of Amarapura is often referred to as Taungmyo, ‘the Southern City’, to distinguish it from Mandalay, the northern city. The old name means ‘City of Immortality’, but Amarapura’s period as capital was brief. Amarapura was founded by Bodawpaya as his new capital in 1783, soon after he ascended the throne, but in 1823 Bagyidaw moved his court back to Ava. In 1841 Amarapura again became the capital but in 1857 King Mindon decided to make Mandalay the capital and the changeover was completed in 1860. Amarapura was also the site for the first British embassy in Myanmar in 1795.Today little remains of the old Amarapura palace area, although there are several interesting sites to be seen.

U BEIN’S BRIDGE

South of Amarapura, the shallow Taungthaman Lake is crossed by a long and rickety teak bridge. During the dry season the bridge crosses dry land. U Bein was the ‘mayor’ at the time of the shift from Ava, and he wisely salvaged material from the deserted Ava Palace to build this 1.2 km-long footbridge. It has stood the test of time for two centuries and remains the longest teak span in the world. Near the bridge is a cluster of tables where you scan take tea, beer and snacks. The best times to visit the bridge are just after sunrise or just before sunset.

MAHAGANDHAYON MONASTERY

Mahagandhayon is one of the largest monasteries not only in Amarapura but also in Myanmar.The presence of up to 1,200 monks (during the Buddhist lent) in the Mahagandyon Monastery contributes to the religious atmosphere of city. Visitors are welcome and it is a spectacular sight to witness the hundred of monks lining up for their one daily meal every morning at 10:30 am. This meal is donated each day by someone. There are always plenty of donors waiting for their chance to earn merit for the next life.