Karaweik, Golden palace building at Kandawgyi Lake, Myanmar
Karaweik is a building on the eastern shore of Kandawgyi Lake made of two giant concrete bird figures with golden exteriors. The structures feature traditional Pyatthat roofing and decorated details that give the whole complex its distinctive appearance.
The Burmese architect U Ngwe Hlaing built this concrete and stucco structure in 1974. The design drew inspiration from the Pyi Gyi Mon Royal Barge once used in Mandalay, linking it to that historical tradition.
The name comes from the Pali word karavika, referring to a mythological bird known in Myanmar for its melodic song. These figures hold cultural significance in local beliefs and shape how people experience the lakeside.
The building is accessible during extended daylight and evening hours, giving visitors flexibility in their visit timing. Weather conditions can occasionally affect access to certain areas, so it helps to check current conditions before arriving.
Each bird figure holds yellow spheres in its beak, while their tails that meet display red and gold coloring. These decorative details and the representation of Nat spirits give the structure its memorable visual quality.
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