The former royal capital of northern Myanmar, Mandalay was built by King Mindon and evokes images of a bygone era with its royal palace and moat sitting at the foot of a high, pagoda-topped hill. It is also an economic centre for business. Located on the banks of the Ayerwaddy River, Mandalay lies within easy distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and other cultural attractions. One of the city’s notable attractions include Kuthodaw Pagoda, where Buddhist scriptures are carved on 729 marble tablets, billed as the “biggest book” in the world. South of Mandalay is Amarapura, which was the royal capital in the 18th century. To the West of Mandalay is Sagaing, an important location for Buddhist study. Many meditation retreats are available in this town. Io the East of Mandalay is Pyin Oo Lwin, which was originally a hill station for the British to escape the heat of lower Burma. The Botanical Gardens are the main attraction of this town.