Amarapura

Amarapura (pronounced AM – A – RA – PURA) was the Royal Capital of Burma twice before Mandalay. Once from 1783-1819 and again from 1842-1857. Locally known as Taung-Myo (South city) it is now an outer suburb of Mandalay situate 10km South of central Mandalay.

Amarapura means the city of Immortality and was founded by King BoTaw in 1783. The main occupation in Amarapura nowadays is the silk and cotton weaving industry producing traditional Burmese clothing along with house wares including tablecloths, bed runners, scarves etc.

The most famous landmark here is the U-Bein Bridge which at 1.2km is the world’s longest teak wood bridge and it offers some fantastic sunrises and sunsets.

Like Mandalay, Amarapura has ancient temples and pagodas dotted around the landscape. Highlights include Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (beautiful mural roof and walls), Bagaya Kyaung (great collection of ancient Buddha statues), Mahagandayon Monastery (home to 1,000 monks), Pathodawgyi Pagoda and the peaceful Sandamuni Pagoda.