Mandalay is the second-largest city of Myanmar, was established in 1857. Mandalay is located in central Myanmar, on the east bank of Ayeyarwady River. It is an important economic centre of the northern side of Myanmar and is regarded as a cultural centre of the country. The city has been named after the nearby Mandalay Hill. Mandalay was the former capital of the country and has a rich history behind it. It was founded at the foothills of the Mandalay hill in 1857 by King Mindon. The city was founded to fulfil a prophecy of founding a metropolis of Buddhism on the occasion of the 2400th anniversary of setting up of Buddhism. The city served as the capital of the country until its final annexation by the British Empire in 1885. From the ornate royal palace to breathtaking sunsets over the river, Mandalay takes days to explore. It provides a thorough glimpse of the culture of Myanmar and its people.

This city, named after Mandalay Hill has been a matter of fantasy for people over the ages and has been named in renowned literary works such as the poem ‘Mandalay’ written by Rudyard Kipling, the song ‘On the road to Mandalay’ written by Oley Speaks and George Orwell’s novel ‘Burmese Days’.The Mandalay as seen today is Myanmar’s blooming cultural centre and one of the country’s best religious sites that display astonishing masonry and architecture. The city is Myanmar’s major commercial, education and health centre and has been ranked as the fifth on the ASEAN Smart Cities Network list. Witness the unique blend between modern development and ancient history when you visit Mandalay.