• Images
  • Articles
  • Prints
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
    • Rights/Usage
  • Search
Menu

Jim Nutty Photography

  • Images
  • Articles
  • Prints
  • About/Contact
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
    • Rights/Usage
  • Search

Balloons Over Buddhas

May 19, 2020

Every morning in Bagan, hot air balloons lift off near the Irrawaddy river and slowly drift over the numerous temples and pagodas. They grant tourists a unique way to view the scenic valley, but perhaps even better, they provide a great photo opportunity for those who stay on the ground.

In the wake of recent earthquakes and to preserve the structures, Bagan has banned climbing on almost all of its temples. Tourists used to flock to the large Sulamuni Temple for iconic views of the sunrise. As this is no longer possible, finding viewpoints above the tree canopy are limited. Fortunately, there are still two smaller temples that remain open for sunrise and sunset viewing. Space is limited, so you have to arrive early, but witnessing the morning ritual is worth the early wake-up call.

My guide and I arrived here in the darkness. Using a flashlight, we climbed the narrow, internal staircase until we reached the upper balcony. There were already 6-8 people there when we arrived, but a space looking towards the golden Ananda temple was still available. I quickly set up my gear and then waited patiently for the show to start.

As the sun appeared, the haze took on a pleasing glow and the first glimpse of a balloon could be seen in the distance. Soon there were dozens of balloons dotting the sky and approaching our location. The procession lasted about an hour during which I alternated between taking photos and quietly observing the exhibition. After the color and balloons faded, I spent another 20 minutes enjoying the panoramic view on the other side of the temple. A memorable morning in an extraordinary place.

In Photography Tags Bagan, Myanmar, Temple, Landscape, Asia, Sunrise
← Rising From The DepthsStaring at the Ceiling →

Latest Posts

Featured
Motley Crew
Feb 15, 2021
Motley Crew
Feb 15, 2021
Feb 15, 2021
Stargazing
Feb 10, 2021
Stargazing
Feb 10, 2021
Feb 10, 2021
Stairrow
Feb 3, 2021
Stairrow
Feb 3, 2021
Feb 3, 2021
Trunk Wrestle
Jan 25, 2021
Trunk Wrestle
Jan 25, 2021
Jan 25, 2021
Mattina di San Marino
Sep 25, 2020
Mattina di San Marino
Sep 25, 2020
Sep 25, 2020
Undivided Attention
Jul 7, 2020
Undivided Attention
Jul 7, 2020
Jul 7, 2020
Looking at the world from the bottom of a well.
Jun 23, 2020
Looking at the world from the bottom of a well.
Jun 23, 2020
Jun 23, 2020
Albarracín
Jun 9, 2020
Albarracín
Jun 9, 2020
Jun 9, 2020
Rising From The Depths
May 26, 2020
Rising From The Depths
May 26, 2020
May 26, 2020
Balloons Over Buddhas
May 19, 2020
Balloons Over Buddhas
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020