Minhla Fort draws over 3,000 foreign travellers last year

Yangon January 16

Minhla Fort, a historic part of third Anglo-Burmese War, drew over 3,200 foreign cruise travellers last year, according to Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library in Minhla Township.

Those travellers are from the US, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada and some Asian countries, said the department.

“All of the foreign travellers come by vessel along Ayeyarwady River. Their main destinations are Minhla Fort and Telegram Office of monarchical era,” said Daw Hla Win Yi, head of the department.

Minhla Fort was built by French and Italian technicians, and Burmese engineers who studied overseas under the aegis of Crown Prince Kanaung, younger brother of Kin Mingdon, in 1860-61.

The gigantic red brick measuring 184 feet from east to west, 171 from north to south and 26 feet in height lies at the west bank of Ayeyarwady River and the telegram office of monarchical era can still be seen to the north of the fort.

A Burmese general with 500 troops tried to repulse the British colonialists from Minhla Fort with 35 canons and firearms, according to the stone script at Minhla Fort.

Foreign travellers usually visit the fort in summer and cold season, said the department. A number of cruise lines operate cruises along Ayeyarwady River which usually lasts 10 to 15 days and ancient cities like Ava, Amarapura and Sagaing are among the popular destinations.

The Myawady Daily