15 September
Inwa or Ava, an ancient imperial capital from the 14thto the 19th century, dates back more than 400 years. According to historical records, 31 Myanmar kings ruled Inwa in succession. The ancient capital was, unfortunately, destroyed by a series of major earthquakes in March, 1839.
Visitors to the city can see architecture incorporating traditional Myanmar handicrafts. Among the city’s ancient edifices, the Bargaya monastery, which is made entirely of teak, is particularly popular among visitors. The monas-tery, measuring 188 feet in length and 103 feet in width, was commissioned by King Bagyidaw (1813-1937 A.D.). It features 267 teak posts, the largest of which measures nine feet in diameter. The monastery was installed with five brick ladders, which were decorated with Myan-mar handicrafts and sculptures.
Religious and historical monuments are the top attractions for many domestic and international travellers visiting Mandalay, with travellers usually making a day trip to Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing towns.
To see the floral arabesques, carvings, and ornamentation of ancient architecture, an increas-ing number of local and foreign tourists are visiting the 180-year-old Bargaya Monastery in Inwa, TadaU Township, Kyaukse District, in the new year holidays this year.
Popular attractions in Inwa are Mae Nu Oak Kyaung, Bagaya monastery, Nanmyint Tower, Yadana Hsemee Pagoda, the Leaning watch tower and Win Gabar Pagoda.
The horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Inwa is popular and mostly used by the tourists.
The horse cart riding in Inwa can give the strange experience and it is the best way to get around the ancient capital. You can feel the natural beauty of Inwa with its fascinating monasteries and pagodas.
The ancient city and horse carts can be marked as the trademark of Inwa. Inwa is well-known as the cultural heritage zone with its archaeological sites.
Most of the people residing in Inwa earn their livings as horse cart drivers, farmers, masons, carpen-ters, and other.
By Aung Thant Khaing
Translated by Nat Ye Hla
