More than 2200 temples and pagodas remain in the Mandalay region of Burma, some dating back to the 11th century. At its height, rulers of the Pagan Empire commissioned thousands of Buddhist temples and monasteries to be built in this area, which was a center for religious studies. Most of the monuments have fallen into disrepair or were destroyed by earth quakes but some restoration efforts are underway. This was my POV from a magical hot air balloon ride last month.
