Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(admission K10,000 combo ticket; entry 7.30am-4.30pm)
The glittering 1990s reconstruc-
tion of Mandalay's royal palace complex is impressive for its scale, with more than 40
timber buildings constructed to resemble the 1850s originals. Climb the curious spiral,
timber-walled
watchtower
for a good general view. The palace's most striking structure
is a soaring multi-layered pyramid of gilt filigree above the main
throne room
, in front
of which a series of royal paraphenalia are displayed. Few other halls have much inside
but the westernmost building within the palace oval contains a minor
culture museum
where the most intriguing exhibit is King Thibaw's dainty, glass-pillared four-poster bed.
Palace access for foreigners is only via the fortress's east gate. If cycling or motorcyc-
ling you must dismount as you pass through the gate and, due to army sensibilities, you
are required to stay on the direct access way and palace loop road. From this road you
can see (but technically should not approach) the
tomb of King Mindon
, a large
drum-
tower
, sheds containing over 600 stone
inscription slabs
and a small
airplane
on some
rocks in the trees.
Peshawar Relics
BUDDHIST
(U-Khanti Monastery; admission by donation; 8am-6pm)
Three tiny shards of bone, be-
lieved to be Buddha relics, were discovered in 1908 by British archaeologists at the site
of a once-great ancient stupa at Peshawar (in today's Pakistan). For years they were dis-
played on Mandalay Hill but after thefts of associated gemstones alerted authorities to
their vulnerability, the relics were moved to a loveable little museum room in the U-
Khanti Monastery.
On request the monk will bring out the little reliquary, place it in a hexagonal light
stand and offer the pilgrim a magnifying glass with which to examine in suitable awe the
crystal phial within which the bones are almost invisibly housed.
Zoo
ZOO
(main entrance on 12th St; foreigner/local/monk K2000/1000/200; 8am-5pm)
The 53-acre
Yatanapon Zoological Gardens are attractively laid out and richly stocked, but the condi-
tions of the tigers and sun bears are upsettingly cramped and elephants, often chained to
the spot, are made to perform a show at weekends (2pm).
