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Inle Lake & Beyond
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Inle Lake, ringed by high mountains is fairly narrow and long, but
highly attractive because of its picturesque view. People living in
the lake are known as “Intha” (children of the lake) Fishermen of
the lake use one leg to maneuver the boat while fishing and are
widely known as leg-rowers. The blue calm water is dotted with
floating islands and floating gardens. Every year around October,
just before the end of the Buddhist lent (dates change every year
according to lunar calendar), the Phaungdaw-Oo Pagoda Festival takes
place. Thickly gilded golden Buddha statues of Phaungdaw-Oo Pagodas
are taken out in decorated ceremonial barge to villages around the
lake.
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Fisher man of Inle |
The holy barge travel for about 18days and visit
many villages. Villagers in colorful dresses welcome and pay homage
to the Statues by offering flowers, food and fruits. During the
festival, boat-races and other entertainments are held.
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Buddha Image |
Monastery of Jumping Cat |
Taunggyi
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Taunggyi is the capital of Shan state, situated
on one of the lofty peaks of the Shan plateau. The town is 4812 ft
high above sea level. People living around Taunggyi are hilly tribes
like the Pa-O, Pa-laung and Taung-yo. One can find them at Taunggyi
market day which is held once in every 5days. Major attractions of
Taunggyi are the market day, the regional Ethnology Museum and Wish
Granting Pagoda where one can get the best view of the city. Every
year in November (full moon day of Thadingyut), the hot air balloon
festival is held in Taunggyi, where people from all over Myanmar
take part. |
The Festival
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Kakku Pagoda complex
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It
is a group of thousands of pagodas and temples built by Pa-O people
dated back to be from 16th century. The Pa-O people are hard
working, religious but lead a very simple life. Pa O people can be
found all over southern Shan State and even in the Thaton area in
the south of the country.
Kakku pagodas were opened for tourists to visit
just about four years ago. Group of pagodas and temples (over 2000)
are believed to have been built around 16th century. Due lack of
proper care, some stupas are covered and overgrown with trees and
shrubs which make them even more intriguing. The temples are
beautifully decorated with stucco mythical birds, floral designs and
figures of celestial beings. Kakku pagoda complex is 24miles south
of Taunggyi and accessible by road. The pagoda festival is
celebrated every year in March (the date is fixed according to lunar
calendar).
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Kakku Pagoda complex |
Indein
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Indein Pagoda complex is situated on the west
bank of Inle Lake. The group of pagodas and temples are built by
Pa-O people and unlike the Myanmar style the pagodas are decorated
with figures of the devas, human, mythical birds etc. It takes about
one and half hour by a long tail boat from Nyaung Shwe. When the
boat reach Indein market walk along the covered stairway to reach
1050 hidden pagodas of Indein. |
Indein Pagoda complex |
Off-the beaten track; Sagar & Takhaung
Recommended off the beaten track in Inle Lake is
a trip to Sagar and Takhaung villages situated south of the Lake. It
takes about 3hrs by a long tail boat along the narrow channel of the
Bilu Chaung that exits from the lake. On the way to Sagar detour to
visit the unique lotus fiber weaving home factory, local market or
see the pottery works. Sagar Sao Hpa (or) Sawbwa was one of the
famous Lords of Shan State during 19th century and Nyaung Shwe
Sawbwa was the most powerful one during that time.
It’s a good experience to take a walk and explore
an old Shan monastery, the village and the market at Sagar. Continue
by boat toward the east bank to visit the Takhaung Paya. One will
find ruins of pagodas and temples with marvelous works of stone
relief, depicting life of Buddha in stucco and some are adorned with
figures of mythical birds.
Kalaw
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It
is a famous hill retreat between Taunggyi and Tha-zi. Kalaw being
situated at an altitude of 4600 feet gives cool and pleasant climate
that passed through pine trees. People living near by are colourful
Palaung tribe. A day trekking to Ta-yaw village, Paine-bin village
and Yeaye Kan is a must during your stay. |
Kalaw |
Pindaya
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North-East
of Kalaw lies another important town Pindaya. It is famous for Shwe-U-Min
caves or the home for thousands of Budda statues of all shape and
size from unknown period. The minority living in this area is mostly
Danu tribe. Trekking to Yasagyi mountain (or) Taung baw gyi village
will pass through valleys, streams and forest of the Shan plateau. |
Pindaya |
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