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Amarapura, just 11 KM
south of Mandalay, one
time Capital City, was
found in 1783 by King
Bodawpaya. But in 1823
King Bagyidaw moved his
court to AVA ( Inn Wa ).
In 1841, Amarapura was
to once again play the
role of the capital city
till 1857 when King
Mindon decided to make
Mandalay the capital.
Amarapura was also the
site of the first
British mission in 1795.
When the capital moved
back to Amarapura,
around 1841, U Bein the
Mayor at the time of the
move salvage material
from the Ava Palace to
build the 1.2 KM long
teak bridge, which spans
across Taungthaman Lake.
Ever since, this bridge
has stood its ground for
over two centuries and
is the longest teak span
in the world. Beside the
bridge, there is a lot
to visit, Amarapura
Palace or what remains
of it; the Treasury
Building and the Old
Watch Tower, Bagayar
wooden Monastery. After
crossing the bridge, you
will find the
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda,
constructed in 1847 by
King Pagan and is said
to be modelled on Ananda
Pagoda of Bagan.
Amarapura is known for
its silk and cotton
weaving and is also the
centre for bronze
casting.
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U Bein Bridge
(Amarapura)
Mahagandaryon Monastery (Amarapura)
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