 During the 19th century, Mandalay was the capital of Burma’s last independent kingdom. Today it reigns as Myanmar’s centre of Buddhist learning and Burmese culture, and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The city is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, approximately 350 miles north of Myanmar’s current capital, Yangon. Known as the 'City of Gems,’ due to its proximity to gem-mining areas and its prominence in gem trading, the city is strategically situated on important river routes from India and China, and land routes from Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. This is a city of monasteries as well as markets, and Mandalay boasts a number of significant historic sights that well merit seeing.
Within an hour’s drive of the city are several destinations worthy of including on your itinerary. There’s the lovely hill station town of Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo), where you’ll find good examples of colonial architecture, and the unfinished pagoda at Mingun, where you’ll see the world’s largest working bell.
 The former capitals of Ava and Amarapura are a short drive to the south, where the tranquillity of rural Myanmar can best be appreciated. Although the royal palaces are no longer standing, you’ll find a wealth of monasteries, pagodas and temples. Of particular interest is the long teak footbridge at Amarapura.
It’s possible to reach Mandalay by air, river and road connections. Once you’ve arrived, the city is a good base for exploring upper Myanmar. Myanmar’s second-largest city offers lodging choices spanning all price and style preferences. Accommodation options here range from budget hotels, resorts and five-star deluxe properties.
This is an important destination for visitors to Myanmar, offering enough attractions for at least a few days of sightseeing, and some interesting shopping as well.
History
 Mandalay was founded by King Mindon in 1859, and was the last capital of an independent Burmese kingdom, annexed by the British in 1885. The city was built at the foot of Mandalay Hill; it was prophesied by the Lord Buddha that this spot would become a ‘Metropolis of Buddhism’ on the 2,400th jubilee celebration of the founding of Buddhism.
In January 1857 the king issued a proclamation to establish a new kingdom (and city) to fulfill the prophecy. The royal city of Amarapura was moved by teams of elephants in July 1858 to the new site at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The new city was called Yadanabon Naypyidaw, but in the Pali language it was known as Ratanapura, the ‘City of Gems.’ Its name was later changed to Mandalay, after the hill rising above it.
When the British captured Mandalay in 1885, King Thibaw and his queen, Supayalat, fled to exile in India. The palace and fort were re-named Fort Dufferin, with the palace used for housing British and Indian troops. Many of the palace’s treasures were looted by the troops; and some of the most important pieces were sent to England where they can be seen in the Victoria and Albert Museum today.
 During WWII, Mandalay was captured by the Japanese in May 1942. The occupying forces turned the palace and fort into a supply depot, which suffered significant damage from British bombing raids during the liberation of the city in early 1945. It wasn’t until the 1990s that a replica of the original palace was completed.
 Since 1990, the country has been under the direct control of the military junta which refused to acknowledge the results of the free democratic elections of 1989. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party (NLD) won the election by a landslide; however, she and many leaders of the democratic movement have been under house arrest for the bulk of the time since the elections.
Weather
Mandalay’s climate is tropical, and features three quite distinct seasons. The months from November to February constitute the winter season, which is characterised by cool, dry weather. Following this period of relatively cool weather, temperatures climb from warm to hot during the months of March to May. The humid and often wet monsoon season follows from late May through October: this is the time of the heaviest rains, although the sun comes out for extended periods on most days.
Daytime temperatures average at 30°C throughout the year and drop slightly at night-time. The lowest temperatures are experienced during the cool season, when temperatures average at 25°C, sometimes dropping as low as 15°C. In the summer, it’s not unusual for temperatures to range from 35 to 40°C.
The best time of year to visit Mandalay is during the winter months, when the weather is most favourable and you can enjoy time outdoors. The winter is also the time when most festivals are held, giving visitors the opportunity to observe Burmese cultural traditions first-hand.
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