Bagan
Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. It is also well-known as the city of Million Pagodas. The monuments seem to overwhelm the landscape. There are about 2,000 Pagodas covering an area of 16 square miles on the eastern banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River in central Myanmar. The ancient city of Bagan became famous in 11th century during the reign of King Annawrahta.
How to get there
There are daily flights between Yangon and Bagan which take an hour and ten minutes. There are regular Express Coach services to Bagan from Yangon and Mandalay. There are also regular flights from Mandalay and Heho to Bagan which take only 20 minutes. Express Trains from Yangon and Mandalay stop at Nay-Pyi-Taw Junction, from/ where it is accessible to Bagan by 12-hours’ drive. There are a double- Decker steamer services between Mandalay and Bagan and a luxury cruise ‘Road to Mandalay’.
Where to stay
Bagan and Nyaung U have hotels and guest houses or motels with modern facilities at reasonable prices.
Where to see
Shwezigon Pagoda
This is a solid pagoda, a cylindrical structure resting on three square terraces. It is a prototype of Myanmar stupa. This stupa was built by King Anawrahta in A.D. 1059, but completed by King Kyansittha n A.D. 1090. Shwezigon stupa is the most sacred pagoda in Bagan because of the relics of the Buddha such as the frontal bone and the Sacred Tooth.
Ananda Temple
The Ananda Temple is the most artistic and graceful temple in Bagan. It was built by King Kyansittha in 1091 A.D. The name symbolizes “the endless wisdom” (Ananta Panna) of the Buddha. The whole edifice is ornamented with plaster moldings, stone sculptures, wood carvings and glazed plaques. Because of it religious and historical significance, graceful architecture, and artistic accomplishment, Ananada Temple is the object of fame and admiration at home and abroad.
Thabinnyu Temple
Thabinnyu is the tallest monument in Bagan measuring 64ms in height. Thatbinnyu means “Omniscience”, one of the attributes of the Buddha. It was built by King Alaungsithu in the mid 12th century. The structure has five storeys. The first and second were used as residences of monks. Images of Buddha were kept on the third, and the 4th was used as library. The 5th floor was used as a repository in which holy relics are enshrined.
Dhamayankyi Temple
This temple is the most massive temple in Bagan. It was built by King Alaung Sithu’s son Narathu in the mid-12th century. The name of this temple symbolizes “the Light of the Buddha’s Dhamma”. It is one of Bagan’s architectural marvels. It has withstood ravages of time, natural disasters and vandalism throughout its long life.
Dhamayazika
It was built in 1196 by King Narapate Sithu. It has five entrances. There are two pagodas in Bagan which have five entrances, and Dhammayazika is the bigger one.Such kind of pagodas are rare because of the most pagodas have only four entrances. Nanda Manya Temple It is a small temple like an art exhibition of Bagan. Inner wall of this temple has mural paintings of the Bagan period and arches were still visible. It is about 30 feet high and built on brick base.
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wet-Kyi-In)
This early 13th century temple displays a strong influence of Indian culture. Inside are the wall paintings of Buddha images in sitting position.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
This pagoda built by King Anawrahta in early 11th century displays a strong Mon influence with a steep stairway directly to the terraces for a superb view from the upper level.