Inlay Lake
The Lake some 32 kilometres
(20) miles long and 5 kilometres (3)
miles at its widest is 2880 ft (875)
m above sea level. It has very calm
waters dotted with patches of floating
gardens bursting with an abundance
of flowers and vegetables. To
left and right the picture is framed
by green mountains with the centre
a continous blue. The lake is richly
endowed with pagodas and monasteries.
The lake is famous for its
unique leg rowers. PHAUNG DAW U
pagoda is regarded as the holiest
in the Southern Shan State. Trekking
can be arranged from several
hours to a day hike in the surrounding
lake area.
Nyaung Shwe
Nyaung Shwe is a small town 3
km from the northern end of the
lake. In the northeastern part of the
town is the Haw (palace) of the
33rd and last Shan Sawbwe (Feudal
Lord) Sao Shwe Thaike. Also
known as Nyaung Shwe Haw Museum,
it has a collection of Shan
regalia and photos.The most impressive
is perhaps the huge teakfloored
throne and audience hall.
Taunggyi
Taunggyi was founded by Sir
George Scott also known by his
nom de plume Shwe Yoe. Sited
1,430 metres a (4,690)feet above
sea level, it provides a cool break
from the heat of the plains. There
is a fairly ordinary temple on the
hill, with views over the plain and
Inlay lake. In Novenber, to coincide
with the full-moon festival of
Tazaunmon, the city hosts a traditional
hotair or fire balloon festival.
Taunggyi Museum
This is a small museum of ethnology
showing models of different
ethnic groups in their costumes,
their houses, farming methods and
so on. There is also an exhibit of
religious art that includes Buddhist
sculpture in Shan and Mandalay
style.
Pindaya
A beautiful drive of 46
kilometres (28) miles to the northeast
of Kalaw takes one to the
Pindaya Cave. The scenic road
passes through fields of dry cultivated
mountain rice along the way.
And there are is also potato fields
where the tuber is grown in red mud
mounds. Pindaya itself is a centre for the
Bamar speaking Taung-Yo people.
The famous Pindaya caves are ensconced in a limestone ridge overlooking
the lake. Inside are more than eight thousand Buddha images made from
alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer, of all shapes and sizes.
Kekku
In the southern Shan state, is
an area covered with an awe-inspiring
cluster of 7000 stupas. For
those who like trekking kakku can
be visited via a trekking path.
Indein
In the west coast of Inlay Lake,
is an area covered woth more than
one thousand shan style stupas.
About 1hr boat ride from Phaung
Daw U pagoda, it is an opportunity
to admire the beautiful fluvial
scenery and enjoy the different
views from the lake.
Kalaw
Kalaw is located about 71km
to the west of Taunggyi. It is a
peaceful summer resort nestled in
pine treeclad mountains with an altitude
of 1400 metre (4600 ft).
There are several interesting
hilltribes including Palaung and Pa-O in the surrounding areas of Kalaw.
These hilltribes coming to Kalaw
Market in their colourful costumes
add to the tranquil lure of Kalaw.
Trekking can be arranged
around these area from 2 hrs.
