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Inle Lake, the second largest natural lake in Myanmar, lies in the heart of Shan State, northeast of Yangon and east of Mandalay. It is vast picturesque lake, 900 meters above sea-level. Famous for its scenic beauty and the unique "leg-rowing boats" of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers. Located over 4350 feet above sea-level, it is a shallow lake with average water depth of 7 feet, and the deepest point being 12 feet. But during the rainy season, this can increase by 5 feet.
How to get to Inle Lake?
There are daily flights from Yangon and Mandalay to Heho, and then by car for a
distance of 35 km from Heho to Nyaung Shwe. Regular train service is
also available to Heho.
Local Natives
The native lake dwellers (people of Inle Lake) are called Inthas. There are around 70,000 of them, living in four cities bordering the lake, and in numerous small villages along the lake's shores and on the lake itself. The natives consist mainly of Intha, Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most residents live in simple stilt houses of woven bamboo and are largely self-sufficient.
Transportation in Inle Lake
Most transportation on the lake is by small, generally flat-bottomed row boats, or by somewhat larger motor-driven boats. Local fishermen are famous for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar.
Floating GardensNatives raise vegetables and fruit in large gardens that float on the surface of the lake. These gardens rise and fall with changes in the water level, and so are resistant to flooding. The constant availability of nutrient-laden water results in these gardens being incredibly fertile. Rice cultivation is also prominent.
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