4 Things You Won't Forget After Trekking in Burma

Burma has long cultivated a shroud of mystery against the outside world. Run for many years by an unyielding military junta, the lack of connection with an increasingly globalised world has strangely added to the lure and appeal of this Asian nation. The scent of its cuisine, culture and history has drifted over the world and beckons many an inquisitive and curious traveller.

With the country slowly becoming more open to tourists, now is an ideal time to venture into somewhat unchartered waters and see a destination not yet slung with the trappings of a bloated tourist market. When you do visit, be prepared to be struck by the special beauty and charm of this small country that will impress itself heavily on your memory.

Bagan

There is no better way to truly sink your teeth into this place than by trekking in Burma. A must on an exploration is a foray into the ancient (once the capital) Bagan, one of the most significant Buddhist temple complexes in Asia. Nearly 10, 000 temples, pagodas and other constructions were built across this vast plain, of which nearly 2200 still survive in their original form. You will never forget the site as you walk past these historic and beautiful monuments, which harken back to an ancient culture.

The Elephant River

One of the great joys of trekking in Burma is the opportunity to enjoy the lush and unique natural surrounds the country has on offer. It boasts full flowing rivers and humid, vividly green jungles that mark this area of Asia, and its own unique heritage within these environs to boot. A boat ride down the majestic waters of the Irrawaddy or Elephant River is the opportunity to create the memory of a lifetime as you gaze at the historic Arakan Buddha image and visit the Shwe Nandaw Monastery.

Tawya Monastery

Speaking of monasteries, trekking in Burma gives you ample time to begin to appreciate the depth and breadth of the religious and social significance of the country's long heritage. The series of kingdoms that rose and fell in the course of this nation's development to its state in the present day, and the influence of various schools of Buddhism and Islam still flavour the landscape and culture. As such, no visit to this nation is complete without engaging in a site such as the Tawya Monastery, one of many full of nuns, monks and volunteers, and rich in its own traditions.

Golden Rock Mountain

Finally, of all the natural, cultural and historical wonders that will be firmly implanted in your mind after trekking in Burma, no doubt Golden Rock mountain will stand out. Also known as the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, it is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. You will marvel at the small pagoda perched on a hanging rock which, adorned with the gold leaves of devotees, seems to mock gravity as it almost falls off a cliff.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday trekking in Burma to see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Article Source: Tony_Maniscalco

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Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Yangon

Yangon is one of the most important cities of Myanmar and it is filled with history along with a wealth of tourist attractions that are worthy of your time. No matter if you want to visit the museums and get a deeper insight into the local history and traditions, or you just want to enjoy the natural beauties in Yangon, you will definitely not get bored here! In this article you will find 5 of the most visited tourist attractions in Yangon:

1. The Botahtaung Pagoda

Yangon has several worship sites where the people can go and pray, and the Botahtaung Pagoda is one of the most important ones. The beautiful design coupled with the great location (this Pagoda is located near the Yangon River) have made Botahtaung Pagoda a popular tourist attraction spot. In addition to this, those who want to see the interior of the Pagoda can do it, as it allows visitors to walk inside and admire the building.

2. The Taukkyan War Cemetery

This is a memorial cemetery that was raised in the memory of the 30,000+ British soldiers that died in Myanmar during the World War II. The memorial pillar is imposing and all the names of the soldiers are engraved on it.

3. The Yangon Zoo

If you travel to Yangon city with your family, then you must stop by at the zoo to admire the animals! If you want to relax in an amazing location away from the noise of the city, then the Yangon Zoo is certainly an inspired choice. The zoo has been around for over 1000 years and it has over one thousand animals from 200 different species, some of them being in danger of extinction. Elephants, leopards, crocodiles, Bengal tigers, bears and tens of reptiles and birds - you can admire all of them at the Yangon Zoo.

In addition to the wealth of animals, the zoo is also famous for hosting many different plants and trees, such as bamboo trees, palms and a variety of seasonal flowers that add color to the entire zoo. The pleasant scent of the flowers is floating in the air.

4. The Museum of Natural History

If you are passionate about Myanmar and you want to find out more about the indigenous animals, then the Museum of Natural History will certainly appeal to you. Here you will find hundreds of different animals along with captions and information boxes.

5. Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon pagoda (The Great Pagoda in English) is one of the most sacred pagodas in the country of Myanmar, as it contains relics of the past Buddhas, such as strands of hair or pieces of the robes of the Buddhas. Tens of thousands of people visit the Shwedagon Pagoda every year to pray and to connect with Buddha and with nature.

These are 5 of the tourist attractions that should draw your attention if you plan to visit Myanmar in the near future.

If you're looking for a good and luxurious hotel in Yangon, visit Luxury Hotel in Yangon.

Article Source: Jeff_Molenda

 

Travel To Burma's Top Sights: Mount Popa and Taung Kalat

Those who choose to travel to Burma are in for a rare adventure, through colourful cities, lush countryside and ancient ruins, with so much to see that it can be hard to choose. One destination that is certainly worthy of a place on the itinerary is Mount Popa; this has been a significant site since the Bagan era, which spanned the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. Here are just some of the reasons why.

Mount Popa: History

Fifty kilometres to the south-east of Bagan, Mount Popa is one of Burma's most striking sights, and an intriguing one for those who see it for the first time when they travel to Burma. Standing out from the surrounding landscape, this 1518 metre high volcanic peak is the remarkable site of much historical, cultural, spiritual and geographical interest. It is thought by geologists to have last erupted over 200,000 years ago, while the Burmese chronicles connect it to Buddhist legends (a nineteenth century chronicler having written that it rose from the ground as a sign foretelling the arrival of the Buddha).

Legends of Mount Popa

The mountain's name is thought to come from the Sanskrit word for flower, puppa, thanks to a legend from Bagan - one of the most famous tales of the mountain that visitors are likely to hear when they travel to Burma. According to the story, King Anawrahta sent a man to gather flowers from the mountain; the man, Byat-ta, fell in love with a flower-eating giantess, Mae Wunna, and was late returning to Bagan - earning an order of execution from the King. Mai Wunna later gave birth to Byat-ta's sons, who grew up to work for King Anawrahta, and were also executed for failing to contribute to one of the king's pagoda-building projects. In Burmese tradition, certain great humans became powerful Nat spirits after death, and the brothers - Min Gyi and Min Lay - were among these. The giantess became known as Mother Popa, and she and her sons remain important figures of worship. Other important Nats said to dwell at the mountain include Min Mahagiri, once a blacksmith of great strength and now Lord of the Great Mountain.

Taung Kalat

The highlight of a visit to Mount Popa, for many who travel to Burma, is the chance to walk up the steps that wind around Taung Kalat - or 'Pedestal Hill' - an impressive-looking volcanic plug that stands at 737 metres, crowned with a graceful white monastery dotted with golden pagodas. At the base of the hill is a shrine to Mother Popa and her sons, along with statues of the of rest of Burma's most important Nats, and more shrines and devotional images can be found at the top. Another treat awaits at the end of the climb - the panoramic view over the surrounding hills and forests, proving that Mount Popa is a place where Burma's treasures are truly showcased.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run tours enabling people to enjoy travel to Burma. Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Article Source: J._Limburn_Turner

 

Travel Burma to Experience Ava's Ruins and Sagar and Thakong

Travel Burma's length and breadth, and no doubt you will find that some areas are well-trod by visitors (although with careful management of your itinerary and timing, the big crowds can be avoided). Many others remain almost untouched, offering unique chances to see the lives of the Burmese people and their beautiful land.

Ava (Innwa)

Located on an island between the Ayeyarwady and the Myitnge Rivers, Ava (Innwa) was the capital city of Burma for approximately 400 years, between 1364 and 1841 (during which time, brief dynasties sometimes moved the capital elsewhere). Its formal title is Ratanapura, meaning 'city of gems' in Pali. Its modern name has a more prosaic meaning: 'mouth of the lake'. Easily reached without too much travel, Burma's former capital offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the country's history.

The major sights within the ruined city include Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak monastery built in 1834 and still adorned with detailed carvings, and the Nanmyin Watch Tower, which leans at an angle following an earthquake. From its top, the views across the island and the river beyond it are excellent. The city's ancient walls also remain in parts, and within them lies the brick and stucco monastery Maha Aungmye Bonzan. When planning to travel Burma, Ava is well worth adding to the itinerary.

Sagar and Thakong

A world apart from Ava and the modern, populated cities of Burma is Sagar and Thakong, a rarely visited area to the south of Inle Lake. Travel Burma with some specialist tour operators and you will have a chance to experience this quiet, little-explored corner of the country. The southern lake area is dotted with villages inhabited by some of Burma's ethnic minorities, including the Pa-O, Shan and Intha people. To this day, the Pa-O women wear the bright red and orange headwear that has earned the Pa-O the nickname of 'dragon people'. Visits to particular villages give you an opportunity to see robes woven from lotus stems and see the fermentation process of the local rice alcohol. From small markets to tranquil, traditional village life, Sagar and Thakong is a quiet gem that helps to make travel in Burma a unique and memorable experience.

The rest of Inle Lake and its environs also rewards its visitors. Highlights include the famous leg-rowers, who propel their small canoes across the water with one of their legs, floating gardens built upon rafts of water hyacinth, villages on stilts above the water, and the shore-side Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda that contains five Buddhas so heavily covered in gold leaf that they look more like eggs than holy figures.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run tours enabling people to travel Burma. Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Article Source: Jude_Limburn_Turne

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