Mrauk - U is situated along the Bay of Bengal and north-east of Sittwe with its fortress-like temples is a site that has a cultural importance comparable to Bagan. It occupies a narrow strip of land from the west of Myanmar (Burma), and was once the capital of the Rakhine Kings according to the archaeological remains in Rakhine (Arakan). It stands at Aung Dat creak about 50 miles (80 Km) from the mouth of Kaladan River where modern capital Sittwe lies. It takes about 5 to 6 hours voyage from Sittwe to Mrauk- U by a government ferry boat or by hiring a chartered boat. Mrauk U, the 15th Century ruined city of Rakkhine Kingdom is known for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian Cultural influence. Places of Interest are : Mahamuni Shrine, Shittaung Pagoda, Dukka Thein Pagoda, Wai-tha-li Ancient City and Mrauk U Palace. Mrauk U is the pride of Rakkhine.

Mrauk U and Rakhine (Arakan) has been forgotten by the rest of the world for sometime. Ptolemy, a Greek geographer, knew it as Argyre, the land of silver, the Tibetan historians knew it as Rakhan, the Sri Lankan chronicles as Rakhanga. The Portuguese explorers from the 15th century called it Rachani and Aracan, which were followed later by Dutch and English traders.

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