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Mount Popa, a major pilgrimage site about 50 km from Bagan.
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Bullock cart in front of Shwesandaw Paya.
This stupa was built around 1100 A.D. and...
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...is a popular sunset-viewing spot. |
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I don't know how many thousand stupas and temples there are in Bagan,
but the number is more than large enough for most visitors with limited
time on their hands.
Most of the buildings were erected between 1044 AD and the end of the 13th
century.
Many were partially destroyed when the Mongols swept by and subsequent
earthquakes have also contributed to the need for restorations.
Fairly ambitious restoration projects have been carried out by UNESCO and
other organizations.
I spent four days before taking a minibus to
Mandalay.
By the way, for the benefit of those thinking that I may have taken
the "Road to Mandalay" that Rudyard Kipling wrote about, it may be
worth pointing out that he was really writing about the Ayeyarwady river.
It is still possible to make the river trip but unfortunately there
was no boat leaving for Mandalay when I wanted to go.
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Pindaya Inle Lake Around Inle Kyaiktiyo Bago Mawlamyine | |