Inle Lake might not sound that special, but it sure was a soothing paradise after 2 days tough hike in Myanmar.

The lake is nearly 100 km North to South but only 5 km wide and there are more than 200 villages on or around it, supporting a population of about 150,000.

Traveling in a boat, parts of Inle seem more like a network of canals than an open lake. The floating attractions are very low-key, and merely offer an insight into the simple village life.The lazy pace combined with an absence of technology and communication give a sense of peace that is barely observed in the hustle and bustle of our city life. The lake offered me plenty of photo opportunities with floating tomato fields, hand-made tobacco, fabric and silver workshops, and the famous one-legged rowing fishermen.

With the mountains as a backdrop, and the fog floating around, Inle Lake offers a true picture of rural mystery and tranquility. 

Inle Lake, Myanmar

December 2008