Due to the annual flooding Irrawaddy River during the monsoon season and the constant threat of enemies, however, the Inwa King moved the capital to new location in Amarapura. The effort was massive, workers physically moving each teakwood palace building to the new capital. The few remaining palace ruins and brick monasteries of Inwa offer solace from the busy urban Mandalay scene. The best way to explore its dyllic, tree shaded paths is by horse cart or bicycle. The Inwa warriors of the past kingdom have been replaced with beautiful fields and smiling villagers who shyly greet visitors when passed.
BAGAYA MONASTERY
The well over hundred years old Bagaya Monastery is an exquisite example of traditional architecture, with soaring tiered roofs and heavy teak doors carved in high relief of celestial figures bearing lotus buds. The building is set on a high platform and supported with whole teak logs, and has brick stairs leading to an open air pavilion where the older monks walk in meditation. Before the break of dawn, young monk novices rise to fill the cavernous monastery with the chant of their morning prayers.
