Introduction
Founded in 1857, Mandalay was the last royal capital of Burma, built by King Mindon at the foot of Mandalay Hill, another of Burma's important Buddhist sites.
The Royal Palace at the heart of the city is home to sweeping temples and rising pagodas, elaborately decorated with wooden carvings and broad, sweeping rooftops.
The city has become one of Burma's most commercially significant cities. Taking the path to the top of Mandalay Hill - up 1,729 steps - offers great views across it.
