Meiktila, to the south of Mandalay, is a non-touristy town and really just a stop-off going north or south, or east towards Taunggyi. The town sits on a lake and is a major road and rail terminus.
Meiktila lies on the Thazi-Myingyan railway and is also a significant center for Buddhism in the region. The main sight to see in Meiktila is Meiktila Lake, an old irrigation reservoir supposedly founded by Gautama Buddha’s granddad. Most of the region around Meiktila is pretty much parched for the most part of the year, however, and there’s not that much to see in this respect.
Heading east of Meiktila is a pleasant forested area - the Shan Plateau - with sizeable teak reserves. Meiktila is also a center for bamboo production along with textiles.
Getting There & Away
Meiktila is relatively easy to access by bus and rail, being a major terminus on the Yangon to Mandalay route. Even so, set aside several hours to go the relatively short distance south from Mandalay. Meiktila also has a small airport with limited flights. Mandalay International Airport is the nearest major airport to Meiktila, a 1-hour flight from Yangon. Transfer times to downtown Mandalay are quite long.
Things to Do
Meiktila Attractions
- Meiktila Lake
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This is one of the main attractions in meiktila. it is a sizeable reservoir just outside town.