The city of Pyin Oo Lwin, located at 3,605 ft above sea-level in Mandalay division, in central Myanmar is well-known as a mountain resort for its pleasant climate and green environs.

With the presence of the National Kandawgyi Gardens, where tourists and local visitors can relax, recreate and make research, Pyin Oo Lwin becomes more popular and the town that we can take pride in.

Nowadays, another haven of rest appears next to the National Kandawgyi Gardens. It is non-other than the National Landmarks Garden.

National Landmarks Garden is established with the aims to be able to observe all the landmarks collectively. It was constructed by 10- construction groups under the supervision of Ministry of Forestry on 18th September 2005 and opened on 15th December 2006.

Maj.Win Naing Thorr

Special Officer, Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry

Visitors can view the replicas of prominent ancient cultural buildings, Pagodas and temples, Royal buildings, caves and mountain ranges of respective regions constructed on natural landscapes.

Upon seeing the model of Kharkarborazi ice-capped mountain which represents Kachin State, under the blue sky, you would surely feel as if you were really in Kachin State. Kharkarborazi is 19, 315 ft high and the highest snow-capped mountain in Myanmar.

Thirimingalar split-mountain Pagoda is constructed as the symbol of Kayah State. What magnificent is, it is build on two separate mountains.

Zwegapin Mountain, in the form of Kayin traditional frog drum is- needless to say – the landmark of Kayin State.

The heart shaped Reed Lake represents the Chin State while conifer trees growing on Natma Hill in a row make you feel as if you were actually in Chin State.

You can also pay homage to the identical replica of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda, the glory of Mon State.

Its distinction is one of the world wonders for the boulder under the pagoda, without touching, stands on the ground of the cliff under it.

Shitthaung Pagoda built by Rakhine King Min Bar Gyi is situated in Mrauk Oo, an ancient city in Rakhine State and is a pride for Rakhine people. Now you can see its model in this garden as the land mark of Rakhine State.

Inlay Lake, famous for its leg-rowers, represents Shan State. Likewise, Inlay Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival is well-known and resounding. So also, you can study the replica of 2,260 ft long Goakhteik verdict built in 1898 in Shan State (North).

When you step into the Cave in the plot of Shan State, you can pay homage to the glittering pagoda and Buddha images… also on the wall. The Stalactites and stalagmites in the cave will give you the feeling of visiting in the Shwe Oh Min Cave in Pintaya.

Kaungmudaw Pagoda is very venerable and glorious. We cannot differentiate it from its original pagoda which has 152 ft in height and 753 ft in girth located 6 miles to the North of Sagaing. We feel as if we were actually on Sagaing hill upon seeing the model of Sagaing hill where many small pagodas and stupas are built in a row. Its distinction is in the peaceful and quiet place for Buddhist monks, nuns and hermits.

Now, you are witnessing the Statue of King Bayint Naung that is a prominent characteristic of Taninthayi Division. It is situated in Kawthaung, the Southern most town in Myanmar.

By viewing the sample of Kanbawza Thadi palace, we remark as if we were in the chamber of Kanbawza Thadi palace in Bago Division built by King Bayint Naung.

MinBu Oil Field which had been explored since 1970, is a pride and well-known place in Magwe Division.

We can also perceive gloriously the model of Mya Nan San Kyaw Golden Palace which is the landmark of Mandalay Division. Like in the real palace, it is decorated with artistic wood-carvings that make the model of the palace amazing and breathtaking.

After passing by the small waterfalls one after another, you will reach Peik Chin Myaung Cave. Inside the cave are stalactites that look like natural ones and you can feel the chill inside the cave.

You can observe the sample of Mt. Poppa which is an extinct volcano in Kyauk Padaung Township, Mandalay Division.

Shwedagon pagoda is one of the world wonders and sacred relics of four Buddhas are enshrined. Upon merely seeing the Shwedagon Pagoda, we can notice that it is the pride of Yangon Division. As the model of Yangon City Hall is neat and tidy, you will feel as if you were in front of the Yangon City Hall.

The beauty of Chaungtha beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar can also be enjoyed in the garden. Chaungtha beach is a prominent place and a pride of Ayeyawaddy Division. The scale model of Maw Tin Soon Pagoda is also a landmark of that Division.

In the gardens, you can travel from one place to another, by taking concrete paths which are ascending in one place and descending in another. Along these paths, you can set your eyes on the flowers of various beauties blossoming in all seasons.

U Aung Than Win
Assistant Director,
Forest Department,
Ministry of Forestry

As prominent ancient cultural edifices, pagodas and stupas, palaces, caves, hills and mountains can be viewed round collectively in the garden; the National Land Marks Garden is a worth-visiting place.