MYANMAR

We visited Shwedagon on a Sunday, during the festive season. The place was quite crowded but the atmosphere was totally unique. Our guide informed that normally Burmese people would visit such big temples for a day. Typically, they would have a picnic on the temple premises. The stupa is completely solid. Every inch is covered in gold, and the upper parts are studded with diamonds totaling over 2,000 carats.

Praying in Botataung Pagoda. The walls of this pagoda are covered with gold leaf.

Construction of the Shwezigon Pagoda began during the reign of King Anawrahta and was completed in 1102 AD. The pagoda is believed to treasure a bone and tooth of Gautam Buddha.

This little boy was barely 2 years old. He was playing happily with a balloon. Out of curiosity WE asked his mother how long will he continue to be a "novice” (monk)? She told me, “as per the ordain, he need to be a “novice” at least for a week or two, every year.

To reach Inle Lake, we had to take a flight from Yangon to Heho (approx. 45 mins). After a comfortable private bus ride to the ferry terminus, it a 20-minute motorboat ride (don’t expect a swanky boat). This just got me closer to the resort. As per the resort’s rule the motor was turned off when we were just 10 minutes away. The leg rower got into our boat and rowed us to the resort. This is a routine followed to ensure the calm surroundings of the resort are not disturbed. Our resort Inle Princess was an experience in itself. It has amazing food, great service, one of the best spa treatments and serene atmosphere. Above all, the early mornings were something to die for. If you are going to Inle Lake, make sure to pack your woolens. It does get pretty cold in the night.

Inle Lake is a freshwater lake in Shan state of Myanmar. Its population comprises the Intha and Shan ethnicity. The local fishermen have quite a unique style of rowing. They wrap one leg around the oar and row with a very rhythmic body movement. This unique style was invented because the floating plants normally block the view of the rower; hence standing and rowing with the leg is more efficient. However, women and children row in conventional style, using their hands while seated.

Inle Lake is a freshwater lake in Shan state of Myanmar. Its population comprises the Intha and Shan ethnicity. The local fishermen have quite a unique style of rowing. They wrap one leg around the oar and row with a very rhythmic body movement. This unique style was invented because the floating plants normally block the view of the rower; hence standing and rowing with the leg is more efficient. However, women and children row in conventional style, using their hands while seated. With the flourishing tourism industry, the leg rowers have realized that they are ‘the attraction’. They would literally put up a show for you, which actually looks quite pretentious and funny.

Shew pyay pagoda and the wooden monastery are right next to each other. The pagoda that looks so modern from outside is definitely a surprise once you enter. The monastery perched in a tranquil atmosphere next to it, has a lot of character. The monastery dates back to 1888 AD.

The pick up time for the balloon ride was very early. Our pick up vehicle was a vintage bus that had been used during WWII. The bus ride was bumpy but had a lot of character. The balloon ride was a perfect way to see Bagan, as the balloons fly quite low. This ensures great views while flying over thousands of pagodas. Unfortunately, our balloon had to fly a different route due to the wind conditions, and we did not get to see as many pagodas. However, whatever we saw was divine, and we would highly recommend taking a balloon ride over Bagan.

A horse cart ride around the monuments of Bagan gives a totally different perspective from what we witnessed from the balloons.

For the great views of sunrise, our guide and we climbed the Shwe San Daw Pagoda. This pagoda dates back to 11th century AD. The stairs were quite narrow, and the climb was steep. Watching balloons travel over the pagodas was truly an unforgettable experience. The mist in the atmosphere made the landscape even more interesting.

The pick up time for the balloon ride was very early. Our pick up vehicle was a vintage bus that had been used during WWII. The bus ride was bumpy but had a lot of character. The balloon ride was a perfect way to see Bagan, as the balloons fly quite low. This ensures great views while flying over thousands of pagodas. Unfortunately, our balloon had to fly a different route due to the wind conditions, and we did not get to see as many pagodas. However, whatever we saw was divine, and we would highly recommend taking a balloon ride over Bagan.

It is known by different names viz. Sepak takraw, takraw or Chin lone and is definitely one of the most popular pass time games in Southeast Asia. A small group of locals visiting the festival market near Ananda temple in Bagan started the game, and others joined in. In no time, the atmosphere got very lively.

Watching the sunset from near the Pya Tha Da temple was a beautiful experience. Our horse cart ride was planned and timed very carefully. The ride ended at a hill, where our guide was waiting for me. For a change, the hill was not flooded with tourists. We had a great time photographing the sunset with temples of Bagan in the foreground.

Ananda temple, situated in Bagan dates back to 1105AD. It is Bagan’s one of the most important temple. Every January this temple holds it’s annual festival. This is inside of Ananda temple. Where a father was taking a break from outside crowd and enjoying some quality time with his daughter.

We also visited the silver smith and silk & lotus weaving at In Baw Khone Village in Inle Lake. The process was worth watching, and products were pretty good. However, the items were grossly overpriced. Especially, the prices for the hand woven shawls and sarongs were quite hyped up. Nevertheless a great experience, especially when you are visiting all these places in a boat with beautiful scenery and great weather.

Inle Lake, Myanmar.

Ananda temple is considered to be one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture. Also known as the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. http://www.ancientbagan.com/ananda-temple.htm On the day of the festival, villagers bring their offerings for the monks and deposit it on the center stage. On the other side of the temple, 100s of monks wait for their turn to receive the offering. The place becomes quite chaotic and overwhelming. However, when one sits down and observes there is lots to photograph and take in.

Kids really do not need a lot to be happy, that is what this girl taught me. I was enjoying the beauty of Shwezigon Pagoda when I spotted this girl. Very skillfully she converted a plastic bag into a baloon and played with it till her friends came to look for her.