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About Myanmar eBook

0 about-myanmar-ebook, travel 4/19/2014 07:47:00 PM

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<h4>Welcome To Myanmar</h4>

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Here are some general info from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> about Myanmar. Burma, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, commonly shortened to Myanmar is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. One third of Burma's total perimeter of 1,930 kilometres (1,200 miles) forms an uninterrupted coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Burma's population of over 60 million makes it the world's 24th most populous country and, at 676,578 square kilometres (261,227 sq mi), it is the world's 40th largest country and the second largest in Southeast Asia.
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<p>
Early civilizations in Burma included the Tibeto-Burman speaking Pyu in Upper Burma and the Mon in Lower Burma. In the 9th century, the Burmans of the Kingdom of Nanzhao entered the upper Irrawaddy valley and, following the establishment of the Pagan Empire in the 1050s, the Burmese language and culture slowly became dominant in the country. During this period, Theravada Buddhism gradually became the predominant religion of the country. The Pagan Empire fell due to the Mongol invasions (1277–1301), and several warring states emerged. In the second half of the 16th century, reunified by the Taungoo Dynasty, the country was for a brief period the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia. The early 19th century Konbaung Dynasty ruled over an area that included modern Burma and briefly controlled Manipur and Assam as well. The British conquered Burma after three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century and the country became a British colony (a part of India until 1937 and then a separately administered colony). Burma became an independent nation in 1948, initially as a democratic nation and then, following a coup in 1962, a military dictatorship which formally ended in 2011.
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For most of its independent years, the country has been engrossed in rampant ethnic strife and a myriad of Burma's ethnic groups have been involved in one of the world's longest-running unresolved civil wars. During this time, the United Nations and several other organizations have reported consistent and systematic human rights violations in the country. In 2011, the military junta was officially dissolved following a 2010 general election, and a nominally civilian government was installed. Although the military retains enormous influence through the constitution that was ratified in 2008, it has taken steps toward relinquishing control of the government. This, along with the release of Burma's most prominent human rights activist, Aung San Suu Kyi, and many other political prisoners, has improved the country's human rights record and foreign relations and has led to the easing of trade and other economic sanctions that had been imposed by the European Union and the United States. There is, however, continuing criticism of the government's treatment of the largely Muslim ethnic Rohingya minority and its poor response to the religious clashes that have occurred throughout the nation, described by various human rights organizations as a policy of ethnic cleansing.
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<p>
Burma is a country rich in jade and gems, oil, natural gas and other mineral resources. In 2011, its GDP stood at US$53.14 billion and was estimated to be growing at an annual rate of 5.5%. Despite good economic growth it's believed that Burma's true economic potential won't be easily achieved due to the nation's lack of development, as of 2013 according to the Human Development Index (HDI) Burma still has one of the lowest human development in the world.
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About Myanmar eBook

About Myanmar eBook Welcome To Myanmar Here are some general info from Wikipedia about Myanmar. Burma, officially the...

Kyite Htee Yoe Pagoda

0 famous-place-in-myanmar, travel 4/12/2014 06:04:00 PM

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 <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kyaiktiyo Pagoda</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIAeF3iJoJ7mF8YH8WgJ8uDdpw1JDljXuyJX1xNTCpnVELfpPOgO5zwpyoXvHCfpFqmOjEQex2FX-xZzQpRV8BIgFYE6ORXqw6dVN1pbpaTLs-AmyiehkZEr6GIZKbWoizqRelk9CYFh8/s1600/kyite-htee-yoe-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIAeF3iJoJ7mF8YH8WgJ8uDdpw1JDljXuyJX1xNTCpnVELfpPOgO5zwpyoXvHCfpFqmOjEQex2FX-xZzQpRV8BIgFYE6ORXqw6dVN1pbpaTLs-AmyiehkZEr6GIZKbWoizqRelk9CYFh8/s1600/kyite-htee-yoe-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a small pagoda (7.3 metres (24 ft)) built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. According to legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair. The balancing rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill. The rock and the pagoda are at the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. A glimpse of the "gravity defying" Golden Rock is believed to be enough of an inspiration for any person to turn to Buddhism.<br />
The legend associated with the pagoda is that the Buddha, on one of his many visits, gave a strand of his hair to Taik Tha, a hermit. The hermit, who had tucked it in the tuft of his hair safely, in turn gave the strand to the king, with the wish that the hair be enshrined in a boulder shaped like the hermit's head. The king had inherited supernatural powers from his father Zawgyi, a proficient alchemist), and his mother, a naga serpent dragon princess. They found the rock at the bottom of the sea. With the help of the Thagyamin, the king of Tawadeintha Heaven in Buddhist cosmology, found the perfect place at Kyaiktiyo for locating the golden rock and built a pagoda, where the strand was enshrined. It is this strand of hair that, according to the legend, prevents the rock from tumbling down the hill. The boat, which was used to transport the rock, turned into a stone. This is also worshiped by pilgrims at a location about 300 metres (980 ft) from the golden rock. It is known as the Kyaukthanban Pagoda or stupa (literal meaning: stone boat stupa).<br />
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Legends also mention that pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage by trekking from the Kinpun base camp three times consecutively in a year will be blessed with wealth and recognition.<br />
The pagoda is located near Kyaikto in Mon State in the northern part of the Tenasserim coast. The Golden Rock is situated at an elevation of 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) above mean sea level, on top of the Kyaiktiyo hill (also known as Kelasa hills or Eastern Yoma mountains); it is on the Paung-laung ridge of the Eastern Yoma mountains. It is at a distance of 210 kilometres (130 mi) from Yangon. The Kinpun village 16 km (10 mi) is at the base of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the closest to the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. From Kyaiktiyo, the foot trail or road starts for the Golden rock. On this approach, there are numerous granite boulders on the mountain, perched in precarious condition. Near the top of the mountain, there are two large lions guarding the entrance to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. From this location, known as Yatetaung (the last point for vehicular traffic), pilgrims and visitors have to climb to the Golden Rock barefoot, after leaving their footwear behind, as per Burmese custom. The paved mountain track, built in 1999, from the bus terminal at Yatetaung, is along a dusty section with kiosks on both sides and the climb of 1.2 km up to the Golden Rock is stiff and takes about one hour to reach. From the base camp at Kinpun, the hiking trek to the pagoda is about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) and many devotees do this trek as part of the pilgrimage rites. There are also many temples and pagodas, which have been built recently on other hills in the vicinity of the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda that are visited by pilgrims and tourists by trekking along foot tracks.<br />
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The boulder, which gleams golden and popularly known as the Golden Rock on which the small Kyaiktiyo Pagoda has been built, is about 25 feet (7.6 m) in height and has a circumference of 50 feet (15 m). The Pagoda above the rock is about 7.3 metres (24 ft) in height. The boulder sits on a natural rock platform that appears to have been naturally formed to act as the base to build the pagoda. This granite boulder lies on an inclined plane and the area of contact is extremely small. The golden rock or boulder and the rock table on which it is resting are independent of each other; the golden rock has an overhang of half its length and is perched at the extreme end of the sloping surface of the rock. There is a sheer vertical drop in the rock face, into the valley below. A lotus shape is painted in gold leaf, encircling the base of the rock. It appears as though the boulder will crash down at any moment. A staircase leads to the pagoda complex that houses several viewing platforms, pagodas, Buddha shrines, and nats (spirits worshipped in Burma in conjunction with Buddhism shrines). However, the Golden Rock is the main attraction for the pilgrims who offer prayers and also stick golden leaves on the rock in reverence. A short distance away, there is a circle of gongs with four statues of nats and angels in the centre.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jna4pNyBCAoxuNsQy-KBvQw6z-ZjXlsEiqI_zZ05jI0z-s0fzLf80cPkNe81nAO-Gi1le9LZx53cLTthmEYQAuv88qC9GvIKPVtKne6MTBsQ87xC20C176a1MvcvWwN19sPTW_t6M2a0/s1600/Burma-People-sit-on-a-tru-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jna4pNyBCAoxuNsQy-KBvQw6z-ZjXlsEiqI_zZ05jI0z-s0fzLf80cPkNe81nAO-Gi1le9LZx53cLTthmEYQAuv88qC9GvIKPVtKne6MTBsQ87xC20C176a1MvcvWwN19sPTW_t6M2a0/s1600/Burma-People-sit-on-a-tru-009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up to Golden Rock</td></tr>
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A main square close to the golden rock has many establishments that deal in religious paraphernalia for worship and offerings made by the pilgrims. Adjoining the plaza area is the Potemkin village where restaurants, gift shops, and guest houses are located. A new terrace has been built at a lower level from which visitors can get a good view of the rock and the pagoda.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNuSG8YVkT2THzTFepbetpLNtKcqaarOEbDFdJlK66FjjPY4TIdprHHKlbqaS1FIVUyDTr-Qa7TduUzZOEL4lVG4x_VCHynxK9_V6YzwEinqvryj62O9VJQO08Akm8hSsw6UECfkSHRCM/s1600/Golden-Rock-Truck-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNuSG8YVkT2THzTFepbetpLNtKcqaarOEbDFdJlK66FjjPY4TIdprHHKlbqaS1FIVUyDTr-Qa7TduUzZOEL4lVG4x_VCHynxK9_V6YzwEinqvryj62O9VJQO08Akm8hSsw6UECfkSHRCM/s1600/Golden-Rock-Truck-1024x682.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up to Golden Rock</td></tr>
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Kyaiktiyo Pagoda or Golden Rock has become a popular pilgrimage and also tourist attraction. At the peak of the pilgrimage season, during November to March, an atmosphere of devotion is witnessed at Kyaikhtiyo pagoda. As the golden rock gleams in different shades from dawn to dusk (the sight at dawn and at sunset are unique), pilgrims' chants reverberate in the precincts of the shrine. Lighting of candles, meditation and offerings to the Buddha continues throughout the night. Men cross over a bridge across an abyss to affix golden leaves (square in shape) on the face of the Golden Rock, in deep veneration. However, women are not allowed to touch the rock so cannot cross the bridge.<br />
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Pilgrims visit the pagoda, from all regions of Myanmar; a few foreign tourists also visit the pagoda. Even disabled persons who are staunch devotees of Buddha visit the pagoda, walking up the track on crutches. Old people, who can not climb, are carried on stretchers by porters to the Pagoda to offer prayers to Buddha. The Full Moon day of Tabaung in March, is a special occasion for pilgrims who visit the shrine. On this day, the platform of the pagoda is lighted with ninety thousand candles as reverential offering to the Lord Buddha. The devotees visiting the pagoda also offer fruits, food and incense to the Buddha.<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Source @ </span><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyaiktiyo_Pagoda" target="_blank">WiKi</a></b><br />
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Kyite Htee Yoe Pagoda

Famous Place In Myanmar Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a small pagoda (7.3 metres (24 ft)) built on the top o...

The Shwedagon Pagoda

0 famous-place-in-myanmar, travel 4/12/2014 03:21:00 PM

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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Shwedagon Pagoda</span><br />
        </b></div>
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<b>Myanmar</b> has been called The Land of 
        Gold, and that is not surprising at all when you consider just how beautifully 
        the capital city sparkles. Giant, golden and glittering pagodas will take 
        your breath away in this friendly city. Also, Myanmar is well known for 
        its lovely jewels. In the heart of capital city Yangon, the Bogyoke Aung 
        San Market offers travelers a stunning array of jewel choices. Here they 
        will find gold, rubies, sapphires, jade and other precious stones sold 
        by the thousands. All other manners of hand-crafted goods are available, 
        too, to delight any shopper. Myanmar is a densely populated land with 
        a population of approximately 48 million people. The capital city of Yangon 
        itself boasts a population of 5 million. The people of the land are predominantly 
        Buddhist, though there are many other ethnic groups represented.<br />
<br />
All in all, there are 135 ethnic groups 
        in Myanmar, each possessing their own proud culture and language. In the 
        green, tree-lined streets of Yangon you will find all these hospitable 
        people and places, and you will find other things as well. You will find 
        food that has been described as some of the best in the world. And you 
        will find the glittering and vast Shwedagon Pagoda, full of history, spirituality 
        and lore.<br />
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<br />
<b>The Shwedagon Pagoda<br />
        </b><br />
If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to Myanmar, formerly known 
        as Burma, then you are very lucky indeed. This is a country rich in culture, 
        history, sacred sights, scenic wonders and personality. You will surely 
        enjoy your travels to this region. No matter how many enjoyable people 
        you meet, or how many lovely places you visit, though, your trip will 
        not be complete until you view the Shwedagon Pagoda. Sitting high atop 
        the sacred shrine of Singuttara Hill, housing relics of The Buddha and 
        three Buddhas that preceded him, encased in gold and in jewels, the Shwedagon 
        pagoda is a wonder to see. The beauty if the architecture and design will 
        take your breath away, as will the sparkling, light catching jewels. This 
        wondrous holy place, filled with history and legend, is not to be missed 
        on your journey.<br />
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<b>History of Shwedagon Pagoda</b><br />
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In the capital city of Yangon, 
        you will find the beautifully majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon 
        Pagoda sits upon holy Singuttara Hill. To understand the reason why this 
        hill is considered so holy, and to grasp the significance of the Shwedagon 
        to Buddhists and to the people of Myanmar, it is important to know both 
        the history and the legends of how it all came to be. 
        <br />
Over 2,500 years ago, there lived a king by the name of Okkalapa. He 
          was ruler of Suvannabhumi and ruled over the Talaings. At this time, 
          Siddharta Guatama was living in northern India. He was still a young 
          man and was not yet recognized as the Buddha.<br />
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It was and is believed that a new Buddha, or “Enlightened One”, will come into being once every 5,000 years. <br />
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At the time of Okkalapa, it had been approximately 5,000 years since the last Buddha, and it was considered time once again.<br />
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Singuttara Hill is important because it was the holy resting spot of the relics of three Buddhas. Their relics were enshrined within Singuttara Hill, thus making it a holy place. To keep it holy, it was believed that gifts given by the new Buddha, which would become relics, had to be enshrined every 5,000 years in the hill.<br />
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But Okkalapa was concerned, as a new Buddha had not come to be known yet, and if it took too long he feared the hill could lose its holiness. He went to the hill to pray and to meditate, unaware of Siddharta Guatama’s coming into enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in northern India at the same time.<br />
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According to area legend, he appeared to Okkalapa and told him to be patient, that his wish for the hill would soon be granted.<br />
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As Guatama was reaching the end of his 49 days of meditation, he was visited by two brothers. Their names were Tapussa and Bhallika, and they happened to be from Myanmar and were subjects of Okkalapa. These two merchant brothers present Guatama Buddha with a gift of some honey cake, as they recognized him as The Enlightened One.<br />
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To express his thanks to them, he pulled out 8 of his hairs off of his head, and gave the hairs to Tapussa and Bhallika. They took the hairs and headed back home. However, during their journey they were twice robbed, and 4 of the sacred hairs were taken from them. By the time they reached Myanmar, they had only 4 of The Buddha’s hairs left.<br />
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However, their return was still a celebrated one by King Okkalapa and his people, and a large party was thrown in honor of the brothers. It was decided that a shrine place should be built on Singuttara Hill to house these newest relics. At the party in their honor, the brothers presented a casket containing the Buddha’s hairs to their king, and he opened it.<br />
<br />
there were great tremors upon the earth, a great rocking earthquake. It is also said that all of the trees then burst into blossom and lovely jewels fell from the sky.<br />
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A shrine was created on Singuttara Hill to house these 8 miraculous hairs, and the area was deemed sacred. An enormous pagoda was then created atop the hill to house the shrine, and it is considered one of the most sacred places in all of Myanmar. The pagoda itself is a wondrous architectural achievement. The top soars well over 300 ft into the air (approximately 100 meters or more) above the hilltop and can be seen from quite far away. The Shwedagon, which means, loosely translated, “golden hills” is magnificently made out of gold and jewels all over.<br />
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The details as to exactly when and how the construction of the pagoda began are somewhat sketchy, but writings document that it was well-known and visible by the 11th century. Over the years, various kings and queens took part in renovating it, and enlarging the structure, making it even taller and grander than before.<br />
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Some interesting stories of the Shwedagon Pagoda deal with its enormous bells. In 1608, a Portuguese invader by the name of Philip de Brito y Nicote stole a bell that weighed in at around 6,0000 lbs, or 30 tons. However, as he was attempting to return home with the bell, it fell into the Bago River and was lost.<br />
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The bell was replaced in 1779. That was after a massive earthquake in 1768 toppled the highest part of the pagoda. Once that part, the stupa, was rebuilt, King Hsinbyushin’s son Singu had a 23 ton bronze<br />
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bell cast. It was called the Maha Gandha bell. In the 1820’s, however, British soldiers plundered the pagoda, and stole this bell.<br />
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En route to Calcutta, the bell fell overboard and sank into the sea. It was later recovered and now sits atop the pagoda platform, on the northwest side. Finally, in 1841 another bell was created, this one weighing approximately 8,000 pounds (40 tons) and covered with 45 lbs (20kg) of gold plating. This bell, called the Maha Tissada bell, still resides in the pagoda, on the northeast side of the enclosure.<br />
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The years of 1852 through 1929 mark a time of British military occupation in Myanmar, with colonial rulers controlling the areas. However, the people of Myanmar were still able to have full access to the Shwedagon. In 1871 a new diamond-studded piece for the pagoda’s structure was donated by King Mindon of Mandalay. The people of Myanmar were thrilled at this tribute and well over 100, 00 of them gathered at Shwedagon to celebrate. And although this made the British military somewhat uncomfortable, they had to allow it as the people were honoring their faith.<br />
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It is evident that, over the centuries, the Shwedagon Pagoda has survived difficult times. It has withstood earthquakes, invasions, pillaging, foreign occupation and an internal stairwell fire in 1931 that destroyed many ancient monuments. Another earthquake in 1970, which was the 9th that the area had sustained since the 1500’s, led the government to begin a renovation project on the crown of the main pagoda.<br />
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Each disaster brought damage to the pagoda, but it has always withstood the onslaughts and endured the renovations. The fact that Shwedagon has survived these times of hardship and damage and still stood firm adds to its sense of majesty. It also adds to the sense of pride within the people of Myanmar, that nothing can truly leave lasting damage upon this beloved site. And people have always pitched in to make sure that any needed renovations took place to strengthen and secure it. Thus, to this day it sits, strong and steady, mystical and sacred, high upon a sacred hill.<br />
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<br />
<b>Reasons to Visit 
        the Shwedagon Pagoda</b><br />
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The history alone might be enough to lure you to the gorgeous pagoda. 
        It surely has a rich and vivid, exciting history, and would be fascinating 
        to see on that basis.<br />
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But if you require more reasons to visit, you may be interested in the 
        treasures. The relics are enclosed within, to be sure, and those relics 
        are sacred riches themselves. In addition to that, just the stupa alone 
        of the pagoda is covered with 8,688 solid gold blocks. The top of the 
        stupa holds 5,448 diamonds and a combination of 2,317 sapphires, rubies 
        and topaz. There is an emerald placed in the middle. It is there to capture 
        the sun’s rays, and does that best at sunrise and sunset. Below 
        the golden stupa are 7 more gold blocks, which are attached to 1,485 bells. 
        Of those bells, 420 are made of pure silver, and 1, 065 are made out of 
        gold.<br />
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It is rumored that even more riches lay hidden deep within, offerings 
        made long ago to the relics of the Buddhas. This has never been proven, 
        but it adds to the mystery and lore of this sacred site.<br />
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Architectural interest would be another reason to visit the Shwedagon. 
        Constructed a massive scale, bejeweled and elaborate, the Shwedagon is 
        a triumph of design. The main attraction, or stupa, where the primary 
        gold and jewels adorn is in itself an enormous building. It measures 1,421 
        ft around (433 meters),and that is describing only the main pagoda. There 
        are 8 sides to the Shwedagon, 64 stupas, 4 main stairwells, a giant central 
        terrace measuring 902 ft (275 meters) from north to south and 705 ft (215) 
        meters from east to west, and many surrounding pagodas lined all along 
        the interi<br />
or courtyard of the Shwedagon.<br />
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This fascinating, massive construction must be seen to be believed. Within 
        its vast enclosures and walls lie sphinxes, Buddha statues, Bodhi trees, 
        planetary posts, an area for wishing, a courtyard in which to feed pigeons, 
        and many temples.<br />
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And that does not even begin to cover all of the wonders contained within. 
        That is just a sampling of all the beauty and grandeur that awaits when 
        you choose to visit this sacred and special place. If you are traveling 
        to Myanmar, there are so many reasons to see this holy place, to let it 
        amaze you, and to pay your honors to it.<br />
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<b>Sightseeing at the 
        Shwedagon Pagoda</b><br />
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It is recommended to travelers that the best times to view the Shwedagon 
        are at sunrise or at sunset. This is because of the large, reflective 
        emerald that sits in the center of the golden stupa. That emerald catches 
        the changing light and reflects it out beautifully. The Shwedagon Pagoda 
        is open every day from 4AM to 9PM. It is important to note that, though 
        the Shwedagon opens at 4AM, tickets for entrance are not sold to foreign 
        visitors until 6AM.<br />
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There are a few options one can take for entering the Shwedagon. Some 
        choose to walk up the stairways, which are at the north, south, east and 
        west points of the building. Most commonly used is the south entrance, 
        because that stairway comes in off of the city’s center. This stairway 
        has 104 steps. The west entrance was closed for many decades, as this 
        is the one that suffered fire destruction in 1931. It is now reopened, 
        and is the longest of all the staircases, with 166 steps. At the north 
        entrance, the stairway was constructed in 1460 and has 128 steps. Finally, 
        the eastern entrance comes in off of the street bazaars below. There are 
        118 steps here, and the area suffered much damage during the British attacks 
        in 1852. This staircase is still open, however, and is the one closest 
        to all of the vendors and shop carts below. There are even teahouses on 
        the stairway along this entrance.<br />
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If one chooses not to walk up, there are elevators that take you straight 
        to the pagoda itself, and to the area where tickets are sold to foreign 
        visitors. It can depend on the size of the crowds waiting for the elevator, 
        and one’s own physical fitness, whether it is more or less preferable 
        to choose an elevator over the stairs. However, if you do avoid the stairs, 
        you will also miss out on some valuable history that can be located along 
        the way on the 4 great staircases.<br />
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There is much to see and experience at the Shwedagon Pagoda, and it is 
        an unforgettable sightseeing opportunity that should not be missed during 
        any trip to Myanmar.<br />
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<b>Respect for Culture 
        While Visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda</b><br />
<br />
There are rituals and cultural sensitivities that must be understood and 
        respected during a tour of the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is important to keep 
        in mind at all times that this is a sacred and holy place and as such 
        should always be approached with the highest respect. <br />
Of course, it goes without saying that any visitor would always want to 
        keep their voice lowered and at a respectful tone while within the walls. 
        There are temples here, and there are monks, and the sanctity of their 
        prayers and meditation should be honored. <br />
<br />
Also, no matter how much one might feel that any small piece or trinket 
        from around the building might not be missed, please do not remove anything. 
        There will always be places that are designated for the purchasing of 
        gifts, souvenirs, mementos, etc. It is correct to utilize those options, 
        but it is never alright to remove any piece of the pagoda, from the ground 
        or from any other location.<br />
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There are other behaviors of respect to observe as well. Dress should 
        always be modest. One may dress comfortably, but avoid revealing or skimpy 
        clothing, as it can come across as disrespectful and immodest. Footwear 
        should be removed before stepping onto any sacred ground. This includes 
        shoes, socks, and even sandals. None are permitted on sacred ground. Keep 
        this in mind, as you will need to walk over uneven or perhaps even uncomfortable 
        terrain barefoot during your entire visit to Shwedagon. It is important 
        to know that ahead of time so you will not be surprised when you arrive. 
        There are one or two locations at Shwedagon that are off-limits to women, 
        but only those. The main location where women cannot go is to the eastern 
        upper platform of the pagoda, where a Buddha statue stands who is believed 
        to be able to grant wishes. However, there is one wishing Buddha that 
        women can go to in the eastern prayer hall. He is noted by his palms in 
        an upturned position, suggesting he is able to give something away.<br />
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A woman should not touch a monk in any way, even to hand him something. 
        Monks may not touch women, nor take anything from their hand. If visitors 
        want to photograph any people of Myanmar, they need to ask that person’s/those 
        persons’ permission first.<br />
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It is considered an insult to point one’s feet at anyone or at any 
        holy place or object. When kneeling in prayer or sitting, the feet should 
        be tucked under, or turned inward. And, of course, any visitor should 
        always be respectful of the hours in which they are permitted to visit 
        the Shwedagon, and should not try to break that rule. A visitor should 
        always remember that this is a holy place, and one should always conduct 
        oneself peacefully, quietly and respectfully.<br />
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<br />
<b>Wildlife in the area of the Shwedagon Pagoda</b><br />
<br />
As the Shwedagon Pagoda is located within the city of Yangon, it is not 
        a location heavy in wildlife. To view wildlife, one would wish to be further 
        removed from the city, into more rustic or forest areas.<br />
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As for wildlife in Myanmar itself, there are many species of animals living 
        there. Among them are monkeys, mountain goats, wild buffalo, red deer, 
        wild boar, civet cats, leopards, tigers and elephants. Also, there are 
        many flying squirrels, porcupines, insects, reptiles, birds, snakes, black 
        bear and rhinoceri, among others. They are all there in Myanmar; however, 
        you’ll likely not find them in the city anywhere. <br />
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<br />
<b>Where to Stay around the Shwedagon Pagoda</b><br />
<br />
As the Shwedagon is located in the capital city of Yangon, there will be a number of options as to where you can stay. It is more than likely that, especially if you have flown in, you have arrived in Yangon to begin your trip.<br />
<br />
In and around Yangon are many places to stay, and the prices can vary greatly. At the high end there are luxury hotels where a room will run the equivalent of $200 US and above. These hotels will include greater amenities and more facilities, to be sure. Rooms there will be spacious and will include private baths. For the traveler’s comfort, they may also include restaurants, on-site internet access, room-service, gift shops, a concierge to assist in travel planning, and even spas and beauty salons.<br />
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At the next level are hotels considered expensive by Myanmar standards at approximately $80 US and above. These hotels are noted for being comfortable, clean, spacious and welcoming, but the offered amenities are not as elaborate as at the luxury hotels.<br />
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Following these are mid-priced, or mid-range hotels where the cost is $20 US and up.<br />
Many of these are converted homes with rooms available. Finally, there are the budget accommodations, for less than $20 US per night. In these, you will likely find an available bed and a place to store your belongings. In both of these types of accommodations, a shared bathroom is to be expected.<br />
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<br />
<b>In Conclusion</b><br />
<br />
To conclude, an experience taken to visit the majestic Shwedagon pagoda will be one you will never forget. The chance to see such beauty and to experience a place so rich in history should not be passed up. The Shwedagon will dazzle you and perhaps even humble you against it massive backdrop and loveliness. If you are going to be traveling to Myanmar, you will not want to let that opportunity pass by without taking the time to go and see the Shwedagon Pagoda with your own eyes.<br />
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<br />
<br />
This post to maintain of original valuable <a href="http://www.shwedagon.org/index.php" target="_blank">Source</a>.<br />
<br />
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