Pyin U Lwin: See
Pyin U Lwin is relatively free of the ubiquitous pagodas. Some colonial Tudor-style houses still stand (mostly around the National Kandawgyi Gardens), albeit in poor condition, and walking around is an interesting way to see how the Raj lived. There are many churches as well, the oldest dating to about 1910.
1 The Candacraig (Now the Thiri Myaing Hotel). Colonial mansion built as a guest house of The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation in 1904. Made famous by Paul Theroux in The Great Railway Bazaar, it is a good place to stop and see how the colonials lived. But, be aware that the house and hotel are now owned by the government. Other colonial houses remade into government run hotels include The Croxton and Craddock Court.
2 Chinese Temple (S of town, near Candacraig). A large and colourful Chinese temple built by the many Yunanese immigrants to the town.
3 English Cemetery (Maymyo Christian Cemetery) (Across town, beyond the tracks and the train station). The cemetery is in very poor condition having been "nationalized" by the junta and most of the headstones are in disrepair with unreadable inscriptions. Still, a few survive and will be worth the time spent if you are a history buff. St James Church, once Anglican but now Catholic, lies across the road. Drop in and see the plaques to the various British lives lost in various wars. The friendly chaplain will show you around. Take a bike or a horse carriage since the cemetery is quite far.
4 National Kandawgyi Gardens (About 1.5km south of the city and you'll need your own transport (walk, bike, carriage, taxi) to get there and back). Established in 1915 by Alex Rodger as the Maymyo Botanical Gardens, the garden has a rich and diverse collection of flora, including many English plant varieties, and is without a doubt among the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. A rose garden, a stupa in the middle of a pond and an orchid garden are among the highlights. Seeds are available for sale. A popular spot for locals. Open from 08:00 to 18:00. 7,500 kyat or US$5.
5 Purcell Tower (On the main intersection in Pyin U Lwin, across from the Mandalay pickup and share taxi stand). The clock in this tower is reputed to mime the chimes of Big Ben (or so says Lonely Planet).
6 Shiva Temple (On the road behind the clock tower). Hindu temple to the god Shiva.
7 National Landmarks Garden, next to botanical gardens. A grandiose collection of large models of Burma's landmarks. Generally pretty boring but has interesting touches like proudly displaying oil wells in the middle of a line of stupa. Entrance fee for foreigners is US$4 (or the kyat equivalent). (updated Jun 2015)