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For those who would like to visit Myanmar but who want
to avoid hot weather, we have the most suitable
destination: The place is called Shan State and it is
located in the eastern part of Myanmar. There are many
interesting places to visit in the region but the main
attraction is Lake Inle, which is famous for its unique
beauty.
Enhanced by its natural beauty, Lake
Inle becomes well know as the best destination in Myanmarfor the
vacationers who are seeking a relaxed holiday.
Many people think of Lake Inle as a
place that can be seen during a short two or three day
trip. But they are surprised to learn that they can stay
there for a week and still have many things to explore.
Most of the area is unspoiled, and there are many
picturesque places that travellers can visit and have
all to themselves.
Lake Inle is located about 900 metres
above sea level, and is surrounded by the famous “Blue
Mountains” of the Shan Plateau. The lake is 22
kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide. It is home to
people of the Intha ethnic group, many of whom live in
villages built on wooden stilts in the middle of the
lake. The Intha are also famous
for their distinctive leg-rowing technique.
Inle Lake’s floating market, which
rotates from village to village on a five-day cycle,
provides the opportunity to observe people from the many
different ethnic groups in Shan State. Also, Phaung Daw
Oo Pagoda, on the western end of the lake, is a famous
pilgrimage site visited by people from throughout
Myanmar. The pagoda holds a festival every year around
September or October, which draws many local and foreign
visitors.
There are nearly 20 villages around
the lake, some of which are farming communities while
others are known for papermaking, weaving, silver making
or pottery making.
The most famous products of Inle Lake
are the highly valued monks’ robes woven from lotus
fibers. Weavers must adhere to the Buddha’s teachings,
including keeping the Five Precepts, while making the
robes. This unique fabric is found nowhere else in the
world, and is said to have been invented about 100 years
ago by a woman living at Inle Lake as a gift to her
revered abbot. Visitors are welcome to watch the weaving
process, and can buy products like lotus fibre shawls
and robes.
Indein Pagoda
Not far from Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is a collection of
ancient pagodas near Indein village. These beautiful
pagodas are overgrown with plants and are largely
deserted, as most local pilgrims are content with
visiting Phaung Daw Oo. Reaching Indein requires a boat
trip along the spectacular Indein Creek, which is
connected to the lake. The area is mysterious and
isolated, but provides a good opportunity to observe the
lifestyle of the Intha who live along the waterway. On
the way to Indein, travellers might see farmers working
on their land and women washing their clothes in the
creek.
Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery
Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, built at the end of the 1850s,
is an attractive wooden structure located in the middle
on Inle Lake. It is famous for its big collections of
old Buddha images and ancient lacquerware. In addition,
the resident monks have taught the many cats living at
the monastery to perform tricks, such as jumping through
hoops and flaming cane circles.
Kekku Pagoda
Kekku Pagoda is thought to have been built in the 16th
century but was only recently uncovered after being
hidden for centuries in the wooded hills south of the
town of Taunggyi. The pagoda consists of about one
square kilometer of land crammed with more than 2000
stupas. Kekku Pagoda can be reached any time of year by
the paved road from Taunggyi, and during dry season it
can also be reached by travelling on rougher but more
adventurous roads directly over the mountains from Inle
Lake.
Aythaya Winery
Aythaya Winery is located just 40 minutes by car from
Inle Lake, along the paved road that leads to Taunggyi
and Kekku Pagoda. Visitors to the winery can tour the
vineyards and take part in an informative wine tasting
program. Also onsite at the winery is Winegarden
Restaurant, which offers culinary specialties from the
region as well as European meals.
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