Lake Inle
Lake Inle
Inle Lake, a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma) , the second largest lake in Myanmar .The watershed area for the lake lies to a large extent to the north and west of the lake. The lake drains through the Nam Pilu or Balu Chaung on its southern end. There is also a hot spring on its northwestern shore. Although the lake is not large, it contains a number of endemic species. Over twenty species of snails and nine species of fish are found nowhere else in the world. .The people of Inle Lake (called Intha)live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities.Transportation on the lake is traditionally by small boats, or by somewhat larger boats fitted with single cylinder inboard diesel engines. Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. locals grow vegetables and fruit in large gardens that float on the surface of the lake.
Shwe Yan Pyay monastery with its oval shape windows
The 150 year old monastery is a gem of Burmese architecture reflecting the art of constructing religious buildings in feudal period. The Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery is famous for architecture built from teak and painted red. It possesses sophisticatedly carved structures on laminated gold teak wood as well as elegant statues and complicated embellishment. One of the outstanding features that you can easily notice at the monastery is its extraordinarily large oval windows (with the size of doors) which form part of the Ordination Hall (or Thein in Burmese).This is an iconic structure that can rarely be found in Myanmar. The hems of the windows are decorated with simple but artistic reliefs and carvings. They were built to give home for boys who have poor situation in the region and eventually become novice monks after they live here.
Sakar,hidden gem of Inle Lake
A hidden village dramatized by the greenly scenery mountains amid the Shan Plateau near the Lake Inle is Sakar. A boat trip to the village of Sakar is beyond your imagination. Gazing at the blue hazy mountains, feeding groups of water birds that are chattering here and there on the Lake, scattering floating vegetation and Inthas (native to the Lake Inle) in their leg-rowing small boats are some unique spices appetizing those who are hungry for nature and cleanly environs.The Sakar village, once must have been a thriving town of Sawbwa (the heredity prince), is a place of unexplored and unspoiled. Sunken’ stupas of Sakar – 108 stupas from the 16-17 centuries that are partially under water for few months a year (normally in September when water higher level in Inle Lake). Reach up the Sakar village which takes a half-day boat ride.
Floating Intha Houses
The Intha live on the lake in stilt houses while growing fruits and vegetables in floating gardens. Living on a lake has its benefits, such as easy access to water and resilience to floods. But an increase in population and tourism means human activities like agriculture are polluting Inle Lake and negatively affecting its unique ecosystem.
Mine Thauk bridge
Mine Thauk market is on the east bank of Inle Lake.Half of the village is set on dry land, while the other half sits on stilts over the water. The village is accessible by boat and by road. Walk uphill to a peaceful forest monastery for good views over the lake. . Visit the picturesque Mine Thauk Bridge, spanning 500 metres with its characteristic teak wood pole construction and explore its large market every 5 days in different location.Villagers bring to sell their products and buy from others