Burma Holidays To Inle Lake: Meet The Intha
A firm favourite with those who visit it on their Burma holidays
, Inle Lake is a 116 square kilometre freshwater lake situated in the Shan Hills, at the pleasant altitude of 880 metres making it one of the countrys highest bodies of water. The people of the lake the Intha have become famous for their unique fishing techniques, and many travellers photo albums feature Intha fishermen in their iconic leg-rowing posture but there is a great deal more to Intha culture than a photograph can reveal. For those wishing to truly appreciate the traditions and livelihood of these sons of the lake (as their name means), read on but remember that this is only an introduction, and far more can be learned by visiting their lake villages and talking to them with friendliness and respect.The Intha Way of Life
For the Intha, life is played out almost entirely on the waters of Inle Lake, providing some of the most striking sights to behold on Burma holidays. Many Intha communities live directly on the lake, in stilt-supported villages, from which fishermen depart in the early morning, standing up to row with one leg while using their nets or conical traps to catch fish. As well as fish, the lake is known throughout the country for its bountiful fruit and vegetable gardens, which are built on floating beds of woven water hyacinth, secured in place by long bamboo posts. The pleasant climate of the Shan Mountains, and the mineral richness of the water make gardening a rewarding exercise, with plenty of produce to sell at market and more to be exported to the rest of the country. The markets are also carried out on the water, sometimes with hundreds of boats gathering to sell fruit, vegetables, fish, textiles and handicrafts as well as everyday goods.
Religion on the Lake
The majority of Intha people are Buddhist, and the lakes shores are home to a wealth of monasteries and pagodas. Popular to visit on Burma holidays is Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery, more famously known as the jumping cat monastery. Located on the western shore of the lake, it has become a sanctuary for cats taken in by the monks, who have trained them to perform a range of impressive jumping tricks; the monastery also has a beautiful wooden ordination hall. Another site of note is Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which features Buddha statues decorated with so much gold leaf that they have lost their shapes.
Intha Cooking
One of the joys of travelling to Burma, holidays here are the chance to try the variety of regional cuisine, with many tantalising dishes rarely tasted outside of the places where they are made. A specialty of Inle Lake is Ngar Doke Kha, made with the Nga Hpein fish cooked with garlic, ginger and local herbs.
by: Jude Limburn Turner Four Things Great Travel Articles Should Include Travel Rn Jobs For The Nurse Manager Guilt Free Travel With Holiday Deals Travel Without Breaking The Bank Make The Most Out Of Your Travels! Tips To Hire Ideal Bus Service For Long Travel In Malaysia Essential Tips To Heed On Maldives Holidays Travel To Jodhpur During Travel To India Online Booking Of India Holiday Packages Travel Medical Insurance Required For Overseas Trip? Airport Transfers: Assisting You To Travel To The Airport In Time How To Find The Best Canon Digital Camera For The Holidays Creating A Travel Packing List Has Never Been So Easy!