Monywa
Monywa
Monywa is a capital city and largest city in Sagaing region, Myanmar, located 136 miles north-west of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin.Monywa and neighboring parts of the 'Dry Valley' are the only places in South East Asia. It can be reached by bus. Monywa is linked by road & rail to Sagaing and Mandalay. In the monsoon season, most of the year to Homlin. The major attraction in Monywa is Thambuddhe Pagoda , Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Laykyun Sekkya, Phowintaung cave and historic ruined temple in A Myint village.
Thanboddhay Pagoda
Buddhist temple with a huge stupa resembling Indonesia's Borobudur which locates near Monywa. It is just a few kilometers far from the second largest standing Buddha image in the world, Maha Bodhi Tahtaunga . It dates from 1303, although it was reconstructed in 1939. The columns and towers throughout the pagoda, completely coated with tiny Buddha images. The total of Buddha images from inside to outside are over 500,000. Unusual with other temples in Myanmar is that the entrance, the two white elephants shield the pagoda rather than lions.
Around November, there is the pagoda festival which held every year, lasts for several days. Villagers from near the pagoda come and participate in music and dancing. You can also purchase traditional accessories of all around Myanmar from the numerous stalls. Furthermore, Myanmar Thanakha, sandalwood and textile such as blankets can be found during this festival.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
It is located in Minkin township of Sagaing Region. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1941 and opened as a National Park in 1984, it is the largest National Park in Myanmar. Increasingly, the forests of Alaundaw Kathapa are also coming to the notice of international trekkers. The park, at 1605 km2, is the largest protected area in Myanmar and is famous for its wildlife. The park is excellent for bird watching. The journey from Monywa to Alaungdaw Kathapa is about 90 km and takes at least 5 hours in the dry season. Alaungdaw Kathapa has for many years been home to elephants working in forestry. Alternatively, whilst trekkers walk through the forest, the elephants are used to carry their luggage.
Alaungdaw Kathapa pagoda is one of the most famous religious pagodas in the region near the park. Hundreds and thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Pagoda annually during the dry season.
Shwe Ba Hill
It is located on the west bank of Chindwin river just beyond the Pho Win Hill. Many caves and temples are carved out from the surrounding volcanic rocks and filled with ancient Buddha Images. 13th century mural paintings can be seen in some of the caves inside walls. Those caves and temples are between the walk through narrow cliffs which is lead down by stone stairs
Kaung Mhu Daw Pagoda
The pagoda is on the northwestern outskirts of Sagaing and on the way to Monywa. It was built by King Thalun in 1636. It modeled on the form of the Mahaceti of Srilanka. The legend said the King was used breast of his wife as the temple of the stupa type. The enormous dome rises 46 m (151 feet) high and house a large white marble Buddha in its center. There are over 800 stone pillars circle the base along with image-filled niches. .The shops inside the temple complex offer a range of local products.