Yangon, the city of love || East India Gazette

EAST INDIA GAZETTE

SERVING NATION, SINCE 2036

(21/08/2093)

Note: The following is an advertorial and a joint partnership program between East India Gazette and the Government of South Burma to promote tourism in the state. The newspaper is in no way affiliated with the editor of the section, and claims no responsibility for discrepancies.

Note no. 2: All discrepancies are to be reported to the Government of South Burma. Contact the following address for details: The Secretariat of South Burma, Thein Phyu Rd., Downtown Rangoon, South Burma, PIN- 011171.

Yangon, the city of love

(Edited by: Thien Pyu, Mayor of Yangon)

Yangon, formerly and till date dearly called as Rangoon by its residents is a city that has seen a lot in these years. Life has been changing, and from the bad times of civil unrest to becoming a city of peace, harmony and love, Yangon emerges among the largest cities of India with 15 Million residents.

Yangon?

Yangon was established by the Mons in the 11th century. But, it encountered its real boom under colonial rule.
The British established government offices, businesses and made Yangon into the commercial capital of the South Burma. After the end of Konbaung Dynasty, Yangon, then known as Rangoon became the capital of the State of Burma in British Raj.

(Strand Road, Downtown Rangoon)

The Burmese independence movement led to independence for Myanmar, however, Myanmar struggled under military rule and ethnic persecution. As Myanmar collapsed, Yangon decayed, becoming a hub of illicit dr*g trade, female exploitation and crime, remaining such for many years.

Redevelopment under East India

East India eventually annexed Burma in 2070s. After that, East India ensured that this unlucky land of Burma becomes prosperous again. Numerous programmes revived industries, brought improvements in healthcare, education and security, destroyed the dr*g trade, emancipated women from exploitation, which also led to hanging of many procurers and participants of these crimes.

Various high rise buildings were built, offices restored and Yangon was revived.

Yangon Today

Yangon, today is the fourth-largest city of Eastern India, after Dhaka, Kolkata and Chittagong. Yangon serves as the centre of trade in the Burma Valley, which helps in trading of raw goods and processing of goods.

Yangon has a population of almost 15 Million. The City can be divided in mainly two parts:
Old Yangon: Mainly the Yangon built during British and Burmese military rule;
New Yangon: Mainly the Yangon built during democratic-Burmese and East Indian Rule.

Major places of Interests

Shwedagon Pagoda

Easily the most popular destination in Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda stands at the centre of Yangon, and preserves the past and the culture and heritage of the people of Yangon. The Pagoda's modern design was completed on 1775 and the top dome of the Pagoda was donated by Raja Mindon of Burma on 1871.

The Pagoda is the most sacred site of Burmese Buddhism. It is believed that Buddha's hair relics are housed in this Pagoda, being the reason of its significance.

Alongside being a sacred site, this Pagoda serves political significance. On 1920, Students of then Rangoon University organised a strike against the British government for unfair treatment. Since then, on the tenth day of the eighth month of the Burmese Calender, the Burmese National Day is celebrated, not only by the Burmese but also by the various communities of Yangon. A large procession is organised by Rangoon Student's Union to celebrate the strike.

Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake is a major lake of Yangon, serving as a tourist attraction for tourists and commoners hanging out alike. Many factory workers, writers and artists visit this lake to express themselves and relieve themselves a bit. Kandawgyi Lake is surrounded by the Kandawgyi Nature Park, a small park housing diverse species of plants and Yangon Zoological Garden.

Yangon Zoological Garden

Yangon Zoological Garden is the Oldest Zoological Garden of South Burma. The Zoo houses various animals, birds and insects and has a museum of natural history, an aquarium and an amusement park.

Inya Lake

Inya lake is the largest Lake in Yangon. The Lake serves as a popular recreactional area among Yangonites, and is a popular spot for lovers. The line 'City of Love' was derived from this lake itself. The Lake is near the Rangoon University and serves as an hangout spot for College and School Students alike.

Allied War Memorial

The Taukkyan War Cemetry, popularly known as the Allied War Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who were martyred in the Second World War. Every year, on 15th of August, A mourning parade is held in this memorial to honour the soldiers who died in their struggle against the Japanese Empire and also numerous Indian National Army (An Army organised by the Japanese with Indian PoWs in order to overthrow the British and establish an Independent India under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose) soldiers have been inscribed here.

"They all died free men."

Transportation

In order to reach and commute around Yangon, you can choose either of these:

Railways

By far the most popular among inland tourists, Yangon Central Railway Station stands as the major terminal for all tourists travelling to Yangon. There is also a Commuter Railway Service, catering to transportation and the second-most popular mode of commuting around the city.

Air Travel

We don't discriminate with the foreign travelers, so they can travel by air!
The Yangon International Airport is the only Airport in Yangon, and serves as the second-most popular way of visiting Yangon.

Sea

By this way, you can arrive Thanlyin Port, a deep sea port in the suburbs of Yangon and then take a ferry to central Yangon, travelling through the rich Yangon River.

Tramways

The Blue-painted Tramways form the Yangon Tramway, by far, the most common way to commute around Yangon. Yangon Tramway connects all parts of Yangon and its surrounding suburbs, living not only as a necessity, but also an emotion among the Yangonite Folk.

Conclusion

Visit Yangon!

The city is a beautiful place to visit, a cheap one to spend for and a place with many exciting things to do! 

Thanks for Reading!

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