Pagodas dot the landscape all over Myanmar, but the ones in the historic city of Mandalay, especially those rising up on the surrounding hills, are truly a sight to behold! Lush greenery, glittering gold, and a whole lot of Buddha make for a memorable visual spectacle. After coming down the hill, stop at a temple where a giant buddha is literally becoming more golden by the moment!
You can walk it if you want
If you are so inclined, you are can certainly walk all the way from the base up to the pagodas, but since you are probably going to be in a car anyway (figure around 30 USD for a car with driver for the day, up to 4 passengers), and it will probably be hot and steamy, you may as well opt for a ride up the various pagoda’s entrances. Rest assured there will still be opportunities to climb at the pagodas themselves.
The top two reach for the sky and show you the world below it
Climbing the hill by car, you (or rather, your driver) will reach a ‘T’ intersection where if you go left, you get to OoHminThoneSel Pagoda, and if you go right you end up at SoneOoPoneNyaShin Pagoda. The two are only around five minutes apart, and both are worth a visit. The view from both is great, but the picture above showcases the world as seen from SoneOoPoneNyaShin Pagoda.
Step inside for SoneOoPoneNyaShin Pagoda for some solace
With so many facets to SoneOoPoneNyaShin Pagoda’s multi-level layout, it is easy to forget to pop into the interior spaces, especially with all those views vying for your attention. However, it would be a shame to give these quiet spaces a miss. Spend a few moments examining the statues and engravings that adorn the halls.
Super golden, as it should be
Myanmar’s pagodas seem to be more popular the more golden they are, which makes OoHminThoneSel Pagoda, as photographed from SoneOoPoneNyaShin Pagoda, a worthy jewel of the crown. The majesty and elegance of design is apparent from afar, and once you enter the premises, the pilgrims and prayer alcoves combine with the architectural elements to form an ambiance of quiet import and great spiritual power.
Stick something on the buddha at Mahamuni Buddha Temple
Back down the hill, and on the way back into Myanmar town, you should stop on by the Mahamuni Buddha Temple. The buddha contained within it is famous for being constantly adorned with more and more gold, as believers line up to affix gold leaf to the buddha’s body. Like other temples, you’ll need to wear leg and shoulder coverings to get in, but in the case of Mahamuni, you’ll also need to be a male to affix gold. Non-affixers must settle with viewing the action via closed-circuit TV.
Views, interesting temple architecture, and gold galore make for an enjoyable half-day trip
This afternoon or morning of hillside temple exploration and golden buddha viewing give a nice overview of both the area south of Mandalay City proper, and also of the landscape at large. It’s easily combinable with a half-day trip to Inwa, too.
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Top 4 Things To Do In MandalaySarah J -
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