BAGAN, Myanmar - le mongolfiere volano sopra la nebbiosa pianura di Bagan all'alba. Le sagome di antichi templi e pagode si estendono attraverso il paesaggio sottostante. La luce dorata e soffusa illumina la scena, creando un'atmosfera eterea su questo sito patrimonio dell'umanità dell'UNESCO.
6706 x 4476 px | 56,8 x 37,9 cm | 22,4 x 14,9 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
6 ottobre 2015
Ubicazione:
Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Altre informazioni:
Photograph by David Coleman. The sight of hot air balloons drifting over the ancient plain of Bagan at sunrise is one of the most iconic and breathtaking scenes in Myanmar, if not all of Southeast Asia. This mesmerizing spectacle combines the timeless beauty of Bagan's archaeological wonders with the modern allure of aerial adventure, creating an unforgettable visual and experiential tableau. Bagan, located in Myanmar's Mandalay Region, was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to 13th centuries. During this period, over 10, 000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries were constructed across the Bagan plains. Today, the remains of more than 3, 500 of these structures continue to dot the landscape, creating a unique archaeological zone that was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The hot air balloon flights over Bagan typically operate during the cooler, drier months from October to March. Flights launch in the pre-dawn hours, allowing passengers to witness the sunrise from their lofty vantage point. As the balloons ascend, they reveal the vast expanse of the Bagan plain, with thousands of temples, stupas, and pagodas emerging from the morning mist. The interplay of light, shadow, and mist during these early morning hours creates an atmosphere of ethereal beauty. The low angle of the rising sun bathes the landscape in a warm, golden glow, accentuating the textures of the ancient brick structures and casting long shadows across the plain. The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, which flows past Bagan, often contributes to the misty conditions, adding depth and mystery to the scene. From the air, the scale and layout of Bagan's archaeological zone become apparent. Passengers can appreciate the variety of architectural styles, from small stupas to massive temple complexes like Dhammayangyi, Ananda, and Thatbyinnyu. The bird's-eye view also reveals the intricate urban planning of the ancient Pagan Kingdom, with remnants of old city walls, roads, and wat