Amarapura Palace ruins Guide
Amarapura Palace Ruins: Echoes of a Royal Past Guide
While not much remains of the once-grand Amarapura Palace, the ruins offer a poignant glimpse into Myanmar's royal history. Walking through the remnants of the palace grounds allows you to imagine the splendor and power that once resided here. It's a place for quiet contemplation and reflection on the rise and fall of empires. Amarapura served as the capital of Myanmar (then Burma) three times between the 18th and 19th centuries. King Bodawpaya founded the city in 1783, and it remained the capital until 1859, when King Mindon moved the capital to Mandalay. Much of the palace was dismantled and used to construct the new palace in Mandalay, leaving behind only fragments of its former glory. Today, you can see remnants of the city walls, a few tombs, and the treasury building. Visiting the Amarapura Palace ruins is a journey back in time. Explore the remaining sections of the city walls and imagine the bustling city that once stood within them. Visit the treasury building, which houses a small museum displaying artifacts from the palace. Take a walk through the grounds and reflect on the history of Amarapura and its role in Myanmar's past. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly linked to the palace ruins, you can find local eateries in the nearby town offering traditional Burmese dishes.
Transportation
From Mandalay, you can hire a taxi or take a shared taxi (pick-up truck) to Amarapura. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Once in Amarapura, you can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach the Amarapura Palace ruins. It's often combined with visits to U Bein Bridge and Kyauktawgyi Pagoda.