East Monastic Zone

The East Monastic Zone is set aside for monasteries from the Theravada school. The area is less developed than the western zone and the track is bumpier, but many of the monasteries have peaceful woodland settings.

Close to the north end of the pond, the Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery is an imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) built from gleaming white marble. Next door is the rather plain and austere Mahamaya Vishwa Shanti Buddha Vihara, constructed as a joint venture between Japanese Buddhists and the Indian Mahabodhi Society.

A short cycle ride south is the Myanmar Golden Temple, one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls here - the most impressive is topped by a corncob-shaped shikhara (tower), styled after the temples of Bagan. Nearby is the Lokamani Pula Pagoda, a huge gilded stupa in the southern Burmese style, inspired by the Shwedagon Paya in Yangon.

Behind the stupa is the modest Gautami Nun's Temple, the only monastery in the compound built for female devotees. Across the road is the small Dhama Janami Vipassana Centr, where followers of the Theravada school can practice meditation.

Further south, a track leads down to the site earmarked for the new Sri Lankan Monastery. A short walk south from here takes you back to the Eternal Flame, passing a huge ceremonial bell, inscribed with Tibetan characters.