Mandalay, the last capital of Myanmar Kingdom, 445 miles (716 km) north of Yangon, is located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Mandalay is not only the second largest city after Yangon but also commercial centre in Upper Myanmar. Mandalay was built in 1857 by King Mindon, the second last King. The palace, the walled fort surrounded by a moat, was formally opened in 1859.
Since king Thibaw, the last Myanmar king, was deposed by the British in 1885 Mandalay ceased to be the royal capital. Unfortunately the palace was burnt by Allied booming in 1945.
King Mindon performed innumerable works of merit in Mandalay- construction of palace, religious monuments, rest houses, convening of the 5th Buddhist Council and the promoting of Buddhism.
Mandalay is rich in many historical sites, religious edifices and cultural memories. Centre of Myanmar Culture and Arts and Crafts as well as focal point of Buddhism is the befitting pride and glory of Mandalay.
Mandalay is surrounded by old capitals- Amarapura, Inwa and Sagaing within a distance of some 13 miles.
Significant attractions are Mandalay Palace; Mahamuni Buddha, one of the most-venerated Buddha Images; Kuthodaw Pagoda, famed as the world’s largest book since entire Buddhist Scriptures are inscribed on 729 stone slabs in the precinct; Mandalay Hill, a sacred hill which is a vintage point for panoramic view.