Ever wonder what it felt like to step back into colonial-era England, right here in Myanmar? That’s the experience Pyin Oo Lwin District offers. We are now in a scenic hill town. It sits about 67 kilometers east of Mandalay.
Pyin Oo Lwin was once the summer capital of British Burma. The British wanted to escape Rangoon’s heat. Imagine officials moving here for the hot season. It is cooler here at an elevation of 1,070 meters.
Originally, this area was a military outpost near a small Shan village. This was along the Lashio-Mandalay trail. A permanent military post was established in 1897. The British named it Maymyo after Colonel May. He was a commander in the Bengal Regiment. He had also served during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Later, the Burmese government renamed it Pyin Oo Lwin.
Look around you. Notice the blend of cultures. Pyin Oo Lwin has a diverse population. There are Indian and Gurkha inhabitants here. They settled here during British rule. You will also find a thriving Eurasian community. Anglo-Burmese and Anglo-Indians make up most of it. Chinese, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Shan, and Bamars also live here.
Pyin Oo Lwin is known for its flowers and vegetables. The climate is ideal for growing things. Chrysanthemums, asters, and gladioli grow here. They are shipped all over Myanmar. This area is also important for sericulture. That is the raising of silkworms. Mulberry trees grow here for the silkworms to eat. The bark is used for handmade paper.
Pyin Oo Lwin is also at the heart of Myanmar’s coffee industry. Several factories process coffee beans here. They distribute them throughout the country. Some are even exported.
Many people visit Pyin Oo Lwin. Burmese citizens come during the summertime. Foreign tourists visit in the winter. They come to enjoy the cooler weather. The town’s charm lies in its colonial legacy.
Don’t miss the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens. They opened in 1915. They contain many plants and animals. There are 514 species of indigenous trees. There are 74 foreign species. You can also find 300 types of orchids here. Twenty-five different roses grow here too. It’s modeled after London’s Kew Gardens.
Take a horse-drawn wagon around town. You can still see them today. These colorful wooden wagons are a primary form of transport.
Consider visiting the Pwe Gauk Falls. These waterfalls are a local favorite. You can relax and enjoy the scenery. Simple restaurants offer refreshment. Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall is also nearby. It is another impressive sight.
Before we move on, remember George Orwell? He was stationed in Pyin Oo Lwin from 1922 to 1927.
Pyin Oo Lwin is more than just a scenic town. It is a place where history and culture come together. It offers us a unique glimpse into Myanmar’s past and present. Take with you the echoes of its history. Cherish the vibrant blend of cultures. Remember the cool mountain air. Pyin Oo Lwin leaves a lasting impression.