A visit to central Myanmar is not complete without a visit to Mount Popa. Situated about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Bagan, it took us about an hour and a half to get to Mount Popa by car. On our way to Mount Popa we stopped along the way at some places of interest.
Toddy Plantation
On our way to Mount Popa we made a stop at a toddy plantation. We were shown how the sap (palm juice) is collected from the palm trees and turned into palm candy and toddy wine (the drink of choice for Myanmar farmers).
Peanut Oil Extraction
Located next to the toddy plantation was this man demonstrating how oil is naturally extracted from peanuts.....by ox!
Mount Popa Roadside Market
We made a stop at this roadside market and had an interesting time seeing some of the beautiful local produce for sale. It doesn't get more organic than this!
Magnolia Blossoms
We saw many bottles containing magnolia blossoms for sale at the Mount Popa roadside market. Our guide explained to us that people buy these bottles and take them to the temples as offerings.
Mount Popa
One of the main reasons people go to Mount Popa is to visit the Taungkalat Monastery (situated on top of the mountain). Mount Popa is said to have risen from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mount Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. The name "Popa" is said to come from the Sanskrit word puppa meaning flower.
Mount Popa is a pilgrimage site and we saw many Myanmar people climbing to the top. David and I, together with our guide climbed a quarter of the way up before we had to take off our socks and shoes to go to the top. I decided not to go right to the top, so David went up with our guide. It was at the top that he got some amazing views of the surrounding area.
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