The beautiful views of the Bagan Temples & Pagodas are best enjoyed by riding a Hot Air Balloon
Bagan is a plain covering about 16 square meters and its monuments seem to overwhelm its landscape. The 2000 monuments in the region have different sizes and shapes. They are also in their own individual stages of preservation- some have been properly preserved and visited by devotees; the others are only piles of bricks.
The Temples and Pagodas were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries. This was the time when the region was the seat of the Myanmar Dynasty.
The Buddhist rock caves inspired the temples of the region which are also known as “gu”. The massively built temples have frescoed corridors and sacred images that used to be worshiped once.
The Bagan Pagodas, on the other hand are structures that are built in the shape of a bell and set on a base. They contain relics that are associated with Buddha and have peaks that are usually covered with jewels. Pagodas also have a sacred decoration on the top known as “hti”.
The monuments in the region are well known globally. Ananda Temple is 51 meters high and received its golden gilding in 1990 on its 900th construction anniversary.
Moreover, pilgrims from all over Burma go to Shwezigon Pagoda for a great annual festival during the November-December period.
Bagan Temples and Pagodas Map
Facts about Bagan Temples and Pagodas
- According to local chronicles, 55 kings have ruled Bagan over a span of 12 centuries.
- The walls of the Bagan Temples were built thick in order to protect their sacredness from the outside world.
- Dhammayangyi is the largest temple in the region.
- Shwesandaw, which was built in 1057, is known to enshrine hairs of the Buddha.
- Mahabodhi is an exact replica of the famous Bodhi Gaya temple in India.
- The Gawdawpalin temple, which was built in the 12th century, had been completely destroyed in an earthquake. It has now been completely reconstructed.
Where is Bagan Temples and Pagodas?
Bagan is located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar. Tourists purchase a US$10 ticket while entering Bagan and have to also present a passport. These passes are required for accommodation as well. You can reach Bagan either by plane or by train from Yangon.
Best time to visit Bagan Temples and Pagodas
The best time to visit the region is from November through February when it rains the least. Although the daily temperatures at Bagan go a few degrees higher around this time, the cool hill towns offer relief from the hot weather. There are frequent rains from May through June.
More on Bagan Temples and Pagodas
Nearby Attractions : Nyaungshwe, Nyaung U, Monywa, Mandalay
