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JapanFascinating Facts
- Indawgyi Lake is the largest inland lake of Myanmar and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
- Myanmar’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Indawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary is located here.
- There are also 20 villages located around the lake, inhabited by Kachin and Shan ethnic groups.
Indawgyi Lake is a secluded place, yet a popular destination in Myanmar that is often frequented by nature lovers. The pristine waters of the lake have been designated as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to an intense concentration of birds and animals around the area.
The lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the rural lifestyle of the locals. There’s much to see around the lake, the primary of which include visiting the villages and getting a feel of local Myanmar.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to December is the best time to enjoy Indawgyi Lake since visibility is at its best and weather is cool during this time. The visibility starts decreasing on January onwards. January is also the season when migratory birds arrive on the lake. The full moon in March is also a great time when the Indawgyi Pagoda Festival is held.
HOW TO GET THERE
- Fly to Myitkyina and take a taxi to Indawgyi Lake by road. Taxis are available outside the airport. Being a prominent town in Northern Myanmar, Myitkyina Airport is well connected with the rest of the country.
- There are bus services available from Mandalay to Indawgyi Lake which takes around 17 hours. Daily buses are also available from Yangon to Indawgyi Lake.
- You can take the train from Myikyina to Hopin, a town in Kachin (Journey time: 4-5 hours) before taking a private or shared taxi to Indawgyi Lake. You can also travel to Hopin from Mandalay (travel time 19-20 hours).
Top Attractions
When it comes to Indawgyi Lake, the best thing to do is to relax, walk around and get involved in nature. The banks of Indawgyi are dotted with local villages, the most notable ones including Namde, Nammilaung and Lwemun Village. These villages offer a great option to interact with the locals and get a rustic feel of Myanmar’s villages.
The Shwe Myitzu Pagoda is located right on the water and casts a beautiful mirrored image on the lake, especially visible during sunset. On the northern side of the hill stands the Shwe Taung Hill, also known as the Golden Hill, which has many pagodas. Kayaking on the lake waters is also great fun and doubles as a lovely way to visit the Shwe Mitzu Pagoda.
The villages and towns around the lake have markets and shops where you can buy Kachin bags, handmade jewellery, tissue holders and Kachin woven fabric. There are also several eateries which serve a range of delicacies – from traditional dishes to international cuisine.
Things To Do
TREKKING
The banks of the lake are enriched with greenery. There are several trekking routes through the forest which will take you through the wildlife sanctuary. Most of these routes are in the south-eastern mountains and the eastern mountains. You can enjoy nature walks and might be able to spot some wildlife and exotic birds – an ideal way to spend a relaxing vacation.
KAYAKING
The waters of Indawgyi Lake are ideal to enjoy some fun while kayaking. You can wade through the clear water and watch the fishes while doing so. Kayaking is also a fun way to visit the Shwe Mitzu Pagoda and explore the villages on the bank.
FISHING
Love fishing? You will be spoilt for choices at Indawgyi Lake. The water of the lake is swarming with fishes and other aquatic animals such as crabs and prawns. You can hire a boat and enjoy a day of fishing. It‘s a great way to combine a relaxing activity with nature watching.
BIRD WATCHING
The forest in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve around Indawgyi Lake is home to a vast number of exotic birds. The lake itself is a significant stop for migratory birds. If you visit between December to March, it is an ideal time to do some bird-watching and snap some photos of these rare species.
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