We drive to the ancient capital of Amarapura, the city of immortality, described in its heyday as a microcosm of Burmese civilization. As a capital it was founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783 and went back and forth as the capital until in the 1857 with King Mindon in power, Amarapura was finally displaced by Mandalay.
On to U Bein’s Bridge (Bridge of Love) a beautiful 1.2 kilometer structure built from teak planks the longest of its type in the world. The local mayor, U Bein, salvaged the wood from pieces of the dismantled teak palace at Amarapura when the capital moved to Mandalay.
After a wonderful lunch which included a whole steamed Sea Bass we visit Bagaya Monastery with its myriad Buddha images and vast collection of various antiques. This teak wood monastery was first built in 1593 and rebuilt during King Bagyidaw (1819–1837). It consists of the seven-tiered spire with eight brick stairs.
Back in Mandalay, we visit Shwenandaw Monastery, otherwise known as the Golden Palace Monastery, was built in 1880 and was originally part of the royal palace at Amarapura, before it was moved to Mandalay. The building was heavily gilt with gold and adorned with glass mosaic work. The monastery has teak carvings of Buddhist myths.Then to Mandalay Palace was the residence of King Mindon and King Thibaw, the last two kings of the country when 28 November 1885 when the British Burma Field Force entered the palace and captured the royal family. Finally we stop by a factory to see how gold leaf is produced.
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