Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
forces,it'salleged,stoodbyandwatched.IntheMuslimdistrict,alongtheroadeastfromthe
clocktower, the burnt-out and bulldozed remains of numerous houses, plus a pair of gutted
mosques, could still clearly be seen at the time of writing.
The lake
InthemiddleoftownisMeiktila'sbeautiful
lake
,fringedwithshrinesandstupasandcrossed
by two bridges. Next to the southern bridge you'll immediately notice Meiktila's most mem-
orable landmark, the striking
Phaung Daw U Pagoda
, constructed in the form of a large
boat, with soaring stern and the head of a mythical karaweik (aka
karavika
) bird. Inside, the
temple's single wood-panelled hall is largely bare, save for a single gold stupa and a few en-
tertaining paintings illustrating moral fables from Burma ancient and modern.
Crossing the bridge you'll see (on your left) the diminutive
Antaka Yele Paya
, comprising
asmallstupaandshrineperchedamidthewatersofthelake,connectedtotheshorebyalong
wooden footbridge. Continuing along the main road just past here you'll reach the striking
Nagaryon Pagoda
, built in honour of the Japanese soldiers killed in Meiktila during World
War II. A gilded statue of Aung San stands outside.
The market
Just east of the Yangon-Mandalay road, north of the train station • Most stalls open daily around 8am-6pm
It's worth having a wander through Meiktila's sprawling and enjoyably ramshackle
market
,
where hundreds of hawkers sit beneath lopsided parasols selling piles of leaves and other
country produce and shopkeepers measure rice, pulses, tea and spices out of cut-down oil
drums.Adilapidated (andcurrentlylocked)temple standsburiedinthemiddleofthethrong,
its small cluster of stupas rising (but not by much) above the surrounding stalls.
