Bagan formerly Pagan, formally titled Arimaddanapura (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Myanmar (Burma). It is located in the dry central plains of the country, located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River (Irrawaddy River), and is 145 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of Mandalay.

UNESCO has unsuccessfully tried to designate Bagan as a World Heritage Site. The military junta (SPDC) has haphazardly restored ancient stupas, temples and buildings, ignoring original architectural styles and using modern materials that bear no resemblance to the original designs. Likewise, the junta is planning to construct a golf course, a paved highway, and a 61-metre (200-ft) watchtower, which is believed to be completed by 2007 (sad…)

Architectural styles: The religious buildings of Bagan are often reminiscent of popular architectural styles in the period of their constructions. The most common types are:
· Stupa with a relic-shaped dome
· Stupa with tomb-shaped dome
· Sinhalese-styled stupa
· North Indian model
· Central Indian model
· South Indian model
· Mon model

History: The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 16 square miles. The majority of its buildings were built in the 11th to 13th centuries, during the time Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire. It was not made a major city until King Pyinbya moved the capital to Bagan in 874 A.D. However, in Burmese tradition, the capital shifted with each reign, and because of this, Bagan was once again abandoned until the reign of Anawratha. In 1057, King Anawratha conquered the Mon capital of Thaton, and brought back the Tripitaka Pali scriptures, Buddhist monks and craftsmen and they were utilised to transform Bagan into a religious and cultural centre. After he converted to Theravada Buddhism,he sent a Sangha mission to Sri Lanka, and by the help of the Sangha, he successfully converted his country. Bagan then became the sole centre of religious studies, and the university in Bagan attracted students from as far as the Khmer kingdoms. In 1287 the kingdom fell to the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute to Kublai Khan. The city was sacked, and many religious relics were stolen.

The most powerful nats of Burma stay at the Mt Popa (737m).It is very well known and crowed by the buddhists.
Near by, you can enjoy rhum and sweets from coconut tree sugar.

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