Meiktila

Meiktila lies in the Mandalay Region on the shores of the lake of the same name, 152 kilometres south of Mandalay, with around 177,000 inhabitants. The artificial Meiktila Lake, covering 14 square kilometres, is traditionally said to have been built in the 9th century by the Pyu king Sihathu. During British Burma (1886-1948) the town became an important transport hub in the dry central basin. In February-March 1945 the decisive Battle of Meiktila was fought here between British forces under General William Slim and the Japanese army; the British victory opened the way to the reconquest of Burma. Today Meiktila hosts Myanmar's most important air base and air force academy. In March 2013 anti-Muslim riots shook the city, leaving at least 43 people dead and provoking international outrage.

Nearby cities

Mandalay

The second-largest city in the country, known for its rich history and culture.

Myingyan

An industrial city in the Irrawaddy River valley, known for its cotton cultivation.

Pyin Oo Lwin

A scenic hill station near Mandalay, known for its pleasant climate.

Kalaw

A former British hill station offering cool climate, pine forests, and the starting point for famous treks to Inle Lake.

Nyaung-U

A town on the Irrawaddy River, serving as the main access point to the ancient temples of Bagan.

Inle Lake

A freshwater lake in Shan State, world-renowned for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt villages.

Naypyidaw

The modern capital of Myanmar, known for its vast and quiet streets.

Hinthada

A bustling city in the Ayeyarwady Region, famous for its rice farming.

Taungoo

A historic city in the Bago Region, known for its forestry and teak production.

History & landmarks

U Bein Bridge

The longest and oldest teakwood bridge in the world, spanning across Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura.

Nature

Irrawaddy River

Myanmar's most important and longest river, serving as a commercial waterway and lifeline of the country.

Indawgyi Lake

The largest inland lake in Myanmar and an important biosphere reserve for waterbirds.

More places

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Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine

A major ferronickel mining and smelting project in the Mandalay Region, primarily destined for export.

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Myingyan Steel Mill

A state-owned industrial hub for steel production in the Mandalay Region, built to meet domestic demand for construction materials.

Yeywa Hydropower Plant

One of Myanmar's main hydropower plants, located on the Myitnge River, feeding a large part of the national power grid.

Popa Mountain National Park

A protected area around Mount Popa, preserving rare plants and animals of the dry zone.

Mount Popa

An extinct volcano in central Myanmar, known as a sacred site for the veneration of Nat spirits.

Mogok Ruby Mines

A world-famous mining area in the Mandalay Region that has supplied the world's most sought-after pigeon's blood rubies for centuries.

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

A nature reserve in central Myanmar established to provide a habitat for the critically endangered Burmese star tortoises.

Inwa Ruins

The remnants of the ancient imperial capital that was the center of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to the 19th centuries.