Sittwe

First Anglo-Myanmar war broke out in 1824 and ended in 1826. In accord with Rantapo treaty, Arakan (Rakhine) and Tennessarim (Teninthayi) were annexed by the British and Rakhine became part of India in 1827. British constructed a new town called Sittwe about 40 miles down- stream of Kaladan river from Mrauk U. In the same year British troops shifted head quarter from MraukU to Sittwe, which became a district head quarter.



Sittwe is a capital city of Rakhine State. Rakhine State is separated by the long mountain range of Rakhine Yoma from main land. Rakhine State is a narrow strip of costal region intersected with rivers, valleys and blue mountain ranges. Over 2 million people inhabited in the area and majority is Rakhine. There are also Chins who live in hilly areas of Merbon, Ramree, Ann and Taungoke townships.



Many hill tribes interspersed with Rakhines are Daingnet, Mro, Khumi and That. The plain of Sittwe is only sizable one, which is formed by the deltas of Mayu, Kaladan and Lemro rivers. It is fertile and serves as the major rice producing area of Rakhine State. The average temperature is about 30 C during the hottest month and 21 C in the cool season. The whole region receives heavy rainfall for more than 500 cm a year. Therefore, the best time to visit from October to May and June to September is raining season with Storms from the bay of Bengal.