Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01-245 647; 372 Bo Aung Kyaw St, Botataung; mass 6am & 5pm, plus 8am & 10am Sun)
Myanmar's largest Catholic cathedral is an impressive red-brick building dating to 1909.
The neo-gothic design is mainly down to Dutch architect Jos Cuypers, who modified a
more Byzantine structure created by Henry Hoyne-Fox.
The floridly decorated interior with its red, white and green brick patterns and painted
statues is quite an eye-opener.
Sri Varatha Raja Perumal HINDU TEMPLE
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(cnr Anawrahta Rd & 51st St; 6.30-11.30am & 4.30-8.30pm) Dedicated to Vishnu, this lav-
ishly decorated Hindu temple dates to 1927 and has the classic South Indian gopuram
style of of entrance tower. It can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby teahouse
Lucky Seven and is a location for catching the Murugan Festival (commonly known as
Thaipusam) in January or February.
Sri Kali HINDU TEMPLE
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(Anawrahta Rd; 5-11am & 3-9pm) Another of several colourful Hindu temples that can be
found in the city centre. This is one of the locations for the Murugan Festival, famous for
colourful street processions featuring acts of ritual self-mutilation.
Former Pegu Club HISTORIC BUILDING
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(Za Ga War Rd, Dagon) Despite being in a very sorry state, this teak building exudes a mag-
netic attraction. It was once the most exclusive British club in Burma, and it's believed
that Rudyard Kipling was inspired to write his poem Mandalay after spending a night
here.
Ghosts of the Raj haunt the rotting but still regal interior, which is so dilapidated you
shouldn't think of entering without the guidance of the caretaker, whom you should tip
for the tour.
In a fairy tale, a heritage-loving investor would cast a repairing wand across the com-
plex; in reality, the chances of the Pegu Club being restored to its former glory are slim.
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