The famous Monywa city is located in central Myanmar on the eastern bank of the Chindwin River in the Mandalay Division. Monywa is 136 km to the north-west of Mandalay and located alongside the Mandalay-Budalin railway line branch. The city serves as a major centre for trade between India and Burma through Chindwin River and Kalay Myo road.
The word Monywa means “Mon” (meaning cake) and “Ywa” (meaning village). There is a story behind the creation of this name. It is said that the Myanmar king fell in love with a women cake seller from this village. Then village was called Mon–Thal-Ma- Ywa which in Myanmar means ‘Village of woman cake seller’. The traditional name of Monywa was Thalawadi. Later on the Monywa became the administrative headquarters for the lower Chindwin District during the Annexation of 1886. Recently, Monywa has transformed this quiet city into a bustling trading centre of the region.
The heart of the city is the Monywa downtown. Throughout the town, there are many markets, restaurants, colleges, schools, and branded shops. The famous Monywa Hotel has now been privatized which has led to improvement in services. Primarily, there are exquisite four room bungalows or suites with all the luxury amenities. The hotel is second to only the Mandalay Hotel in the Upper Myanmar region.
The first spot to visit when you reach Monywa is the unusual Buddhist complex called Thanboteday pagoda. It is located 20 KM before the town. This place is spread over 37 acres of land and is part of the famous Moh-Nyin Forest Monastery. The construction of this famous pagoda begun on 20th June 1939. The pagoda was completely built after 13 years later on 2nd march 1952. There are total of 582 Lord Buddha figures and all of them are amazing. The entrance to the pagoda is guarded by auspicious white elephant figures. The pagoda was designed by Moh-Nyin Sayadaw and his effigy is also built nearby the pagoda.
Next important place in Monywa is the Po Khaung Taung range of mountains. In these mountains, you’ll witness the auspicious Bodhi trees. These are believed to be auspicious because Gawtama Buddha attained the true enlightenment while he was meditating under a Bodhi tree. The prime attraction in these mountain ranges is the largest reclining Buddha figure. It measures 300 ft. and is even larger than the enormous figure Shwe-tha-lyaung (in Bago, Pegu). The head of Lord Buddha stands 60 ft high above the ground. There are also 108 auspicious symbols inscribed on the feet of this image. The figure has no roof to protect it from sunshine or rain but it is still maintained well and shines in full glory.
Other important destinations in Monywa include the Pho Win Hill, Aung Sak-kyar Pagoda, Shwe Gu Ni Pagoda, Lal-Di Kyaung Monastery, Twin Taung Hill and the Shwe Ba Hill. If you happen to visit during the month of November, you can witness the Annual Pagoda Festival. It goes for several consecutive days and villagers from nearby villages come to Monywa town to enjoy. Monywa offers many spectacular places to see and you require at least 4-5 days to fully experience this lesser known but great Burmese city.

ALL ABOUT MONYWA by Nature Active

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