Shan State, an hilly region in Myanmar, bordered to North East with China and South East to Lao. Compare to its capital Taunggyi, the town Heho is more tourists orientated as it is an air gateway to Inle Lake, a premier tourist attraction of the country. Heho was a small village with Danu people as native and grew into a town in 1920's. The airport served as an airbase both for Allies and Japanese in World War II and finally heavily bombed by Allies. Lying by the shore of Inle Lake is the town called Nyaung Shwe where tourists start their water journey in Inle Lake. It was such a fascinating way screwing into Nyaung Shwe Town, the tourist hub of Inle Lake.
Pindaya Plateau and its Lake.
The beautiful entrance stairway.
Shwe U Min Pagoda is the entrance to Pindaya Cave. The legend said that there was a giant spider in the cave imprison seven princess when they were bathing in the lake and refuge in the cave from a storm. The spider was finally taken down by a prince and princess were rescued.
Shwe U Min Pagoda at the foot of mountain was well known for its limestone cave which houses olden images of Buddha.
Shwe U Min Pagoda.
A symbol of Mahabodhi structure in Pindaya Cave. Image at the center with two umbrella was carved out from a piece of teak wood.
More than 8000 Buddha images made from different materials like teak, marble, cement, brick, lacquer and alabaster, were brought into and offered in this holy caves from centuries ago. A sea of serene Buddha faces in the labyrinthine cave chambers.
The red painted Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery sitting on the sturdy stilts at Nyaung Shwe, few km away from Inle Lake was built with teak wood with oval shaped windows 150 years ago
Short distance from Nyaung Shwe lies the most interesting site of Shwe Yan Pagoda that houses hundreds of Buddha figurines in niches at its wall.
There are 4-500 Buddha images seated in the grotto and all of them were offered and placed here by Buddhist devotees from all over the world.
The beautiful designs that decorated the wall niches are impressive.
Both sides of walls at the shrine are with figurines in costume and representative animals or birds of that era
Some of the Buddha images might not be as old as the history of the Pagoda but the walls engraving or carving design remains as what it was originally.
The stylish ancient costumes on the engraved figure at the walls of Pagoda.
The floral designed floor tiles inside the shrine.
Bamboo glutinous sweet rice is one of Shan's native delicacy and making dana (offering) to monks is part of their daily life in Nyaung Shwe.
Young ladies in Shan States using their pair of hands, earning own living by either wrapping tobacco or selling hats.
A breath taking scenery along the way from Inle Lake to Pindaya Cave.
Yellow wild flowers, green trees, blue sky and tranquil pond with Shan mountain as backdrop, decorated the creek into an interesting journey to Nyaung Shwe.
Arriving the little town of Nyaung Shwe.
Mustard flower yellow, cabbage green, red earth at the foot of blue mountain, such a fascinating scene.
Our eyes were busy admiring the spectacular Pindaya farm landscape along the 2 hours driving between Inle Lake and Pindaya Cave. It was as if in middle part of USA or the European country side.
Pindaya farmers make use of its natural rich land growing all kinds of crops and vegetables. Shan State is a land that gifted with great blessings......
The sweet and sticky Shan Rice is very popular in its nation.
Whistler farming landscape! A sea of golden yellow mustard flower farms at every corners make one forget about traveling on a narrow and bumpy road.
Pieces of art at the corner of earth, appear so gentle, natural, colorful and so much attractive !
Simple houses in Pindaya Villages along the hill slope.
Cabbage farm.
Wide horizon of cultivated land showing that Pindaya farmers are not only self-sufficient but also can afford to contribute in supplies.m1m2
A view of Shan Plateau and its Bull-cart, a common transport carrier at this rich agricultural piece of land in Myanmar.
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