Inlay Lake

The prime attraction of Shan State is Inlay Lake; located about 30 km south of Taunggyi. This vast, picturesque lake, surrounded by hazy blue mountains, is 900 metres above sea-level. It is 22 km long and 10 km wide with floating islands. Inlay Lake is famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) with a unique way of rowing with their legs and a colourful floating market. At the northern end of the lake is Nyaungshwe, a small town 27 km from Taunggyi; and gate-way to the Inlay Lake.

Kalaw

About 70 km west of Taunggyi is Kalaw; a peaceful summer resort nestled in pine-clad mountains. Nearby are villages of Palaung and other hill tribes who come to Kalaw market in their colourful costumes, adding to the quiet attraction of Kalaw.

Pindaya

Pindaya, 45 km from Kalaw, is a small picturesque town at the foot of Mene mountain range. It is famous for its Caves in which thousands of Buddha images have been placed or carved for many centuries.

Journey to Taunggyi by Car

Taunggyi is situated in the southern Shan State and is the capital of Shan State. It is 1,400 metres above sea-level and has a moderate climate.

Taunggyi and its neighbouring areas such as Kalaw, Pindaya, Nyaungshwe and Inlay Lake can be reached by road. The distance between Yangon and Taunggyi is 731 km. From Yangon, one has to branch off at Thazi, a few miles away from Meiktila.

On the way to Taunggyi, travellers will arrive at a village called Yinmabin before reaching Kalaw, a wellknown hill station. From Yinmabin, it takes about two hours to reach Kalaw. It is a scenic route which is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Travellers will have to pass the plantations as well while climbing the Shan Hills.

Kalaw is situated on the western edge of the Shan Plateau and the area is pleasantly cool. It is a good place for hiking amid pines, bamboo groves and undulating mountain range scenery. The plateau near Kalaw is inhabited by people of the Palaung and Pa-O nationalities.

About 45 km drive from Kalaw, there lies Pindaya, which is noted for its extensive limestone caves and picturesque lake. The scenic road between Pindaya and Aungban passes through Pa-O and Danu villages. Along the way, travellers will see fields of dry cultivated mountain rice. The road from Kalaw to Pindaya is a breath-taking beauty of the region. Enormous wide spreading banyan trees which are said to be more than a thousand years old line the way to the Pindaya caves. The caves at Pindaya are set deep in the hillsides and there stands at the entrance the 15 metre-high Shwe-U-Min Pagoda.

The 93 km drive from Pindaya to Nyaungshwe takes about two and a half hours. Travellers will get to Shwenyaung after passing Aungban, Heho and Shwenyaung. It is a small town which lies at the northern end of Inlay Lake. The route from Pindaya to Nyaungshwe is also very picturesque with panoramic mountain views.

Along the scenic mountain route, travellers will see water buffaloes, some working, some grazing and some being ridden by kids, pony carts, ducks, lotus flowers in water pools and farmers at work in the paddy fields.

The famous Phaung-Daw-U Pagoda in the Inlay Lake can be reached by boat from Nyaungshwe Jetty. The Lake itself is 900 metres above sea level, 22 km in length and 10 km in breadth. It is sheltered amongst hazy blue mountains .

The distance between Nyaungshwe and Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, is about 30 km. It is about an hour's drive from Nyaungshwe. The road to Taunggyi is full of bends and zigzags. Seen from above, it resembles a snake. The surrounding areas are covered with pine, cherry and eucalyptus trees making the whole area green and pleasant.

It is truly a delightful journey by car to Taunggyi in Shan State which is decked with misty blue mountain ranges, thick forests, crystal clear lakes and fabulous landscapes.
 

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