Shwedagon Pagoda – Yangon’s gleaming centrepiece

World Travel Diary — By NikhilBhide on January 25, 2010 at 17:55

Welcoming most if not the majority of tourists to Myanmar is Yangon. Previously known as the capital, this city of Myanmar still remains as the hub of activity in terms of finance, economy, education, entertainment, shopping, tourist attractions and so much more. Some might say that this city is still trapped in the past, and this is evident in the ramparts of Strand and Pansodan Street that still hold remnants of colonial rule. A walk through these areas is akin to taking a walk in to the past, where the streets are laid with cobblestone and the charm exudes from every crack and crevice. On the flip side, Yangon serves up a delightful array of entertainment opportunities to keep just about everyone happy. Home to a mix of nationals from Chinese, Indians, Burmese, Shan, Mon and Western expatriates who were lured by its quaintness and simplicity.

There is no mistaking the glittering gold pinnacle of the Shwedagon Pagoda that can be seen from most parts of Yangon city. Standing 98 meters high, this amazing tourist attraction of Yangon is an extremely important and holy place for Buddhists across the globe. Known to hold relics of the past four Buddha, the Shwedagon Pagoda is visited by tourists for its magnificence and by locals and followers of Buddhism to pay homage. The relics that are enshrined in this temple are believed to belong to Kakusandha (his staff), Konagamana (water filter), Kassapa (a piece of robe) and eight hairs of Gautama. According the history of the temple, the Shwedagon Pagoda is 2,500 years old, and the design and architecture of this temple is simply a masterpiece. For instance the crown of the umbrella that sits atop of the temple is made of 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, whilst the 16gram diamond sits right at top of the umbrella.

This marvel of Yangon is a beautiful sight to see, with so much to explore and experience within the compounds of the temple. Whilst planning your holiday in Yangon, there is no better tourist attraction to see than Shewdagon Pagoda. Make your online reservation with ease at Traders Hotel, Yangon a prestigious Yangon hotel, and be rest assured that all your requirements are met. Situated just 30 minutes from the Yangon International Airport, Traders Hotel, Yangon offers Yangon hotel accommodation that is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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