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Bagan Areas and Environs

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 Ayeyawady river about 193 km South of Mandalay.

The ruins of the city of Bagan cover an area of 42 sq-km containing over 2000 edifices. The majority of these well-preserved temples and pagodas offer a rich architectural heritage from the 11th to 13th century Era. Zonal Charges - US$ 10, Museum Fee - US$ 4

How to get there

It takes about one hour and twenty minutes to fly from Yangon to Bagan / NyaungOo. 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 Railway line 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. Visitors are advised to check with Tourist Information Services for flight / train / bus / steamer schedules.

BAGAN AREAS

Ananda Temple

The Ananda Temple, completed in 1090, is King Kyansitha's master-piece and the crowning achievement of the early style of temple architechture. The plan is that of a perfect Greek cross. There are 4 huge Buddha images in standing position and a series of 80 relief's 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.

Thatbyinnyu 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.

Shwegugyi Temple

Standing on high brick plinth, this temple was built by King Alaungsithu in 1131 AD. The arch-pediments, pilasters, plinth and cornice moulding are decorated with fine stucco carving, evidence of Myanmar architecture in the early 12th century.

Gawdawpalin Temple

This 12th Century temple was built by King Narapati-sithu, is about 60 metres high. From the upper terrace of Gawdawpalin Temple, one can leisurely watch the sunset over the scenic beauty of the Ayeyawady river with the backdrop of Tantkyitaung hill and the panoramic view of ancient Bagan.The fading light gradually veils the ruined city of Bagan-a "Bagan Sunset", and one will never forget one's itinerary in Myanmar.

Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wet Kyi Inn)

A 13th century temple with a spire resembling the Maha-bodhi temple at Budh Gaya. This temple is known for its wall paintings depicting scenes from the Jataka.

Htilo Minlo Temple

Built about (1211 AD) by Nan-daung-mya Min, the Htilo Minlo is one of the largest temples of Bagan. It is a double-storeyed structure rising 50 metres above the ground. This temple is noted for its fine plaster carvings on the arch-pediments, frieze and pilaster.

Shwezigon Pagoda

It was built by King Anawrahta 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.

Bupaya Pagoda

Standing on the bank of the Ayeyawady river, the Bupaya Pagoda is a conspicuous landmark for travellers along the river. This pagoda with a bulbous dome resembling the "Bu" or gourd fruit is a favourite spot for visitors to watch the sunset.

Archaeological Museum

The new Archaeological Museum is the most splendid and significant with its main hall, Bagan literature hall, social and military paintings hall, architecture hall, fine arts hall, stupa and temple paintings hall, and Buddhist arts hall. It is located near Gawdawpalin Temple in Bagan-NyaungU Township. It was inaugurated on Myanmar New Year Day, 17 April 1998. Open from 09:30 to 15:00 hours daily except Mondays and public holidays. Entrance Fee - US$ 4

ENVIRONS

Mount Popa

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).

Shopping

Master-pieces of lacquer-ware have been the pride 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-wares such as ash-trays, bowls, jewellery boxes, trays and paintings are the best souvenirs of Bagan.

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