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| DESTINATION OF TAUNGYI |
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Taunggyi is the capital of Shan, State, Myanmar. Taunggyi has a population of approximately 200,000, making it the fourth largest city in Myanmar (behind Mawlamyaing), and is at an elevation of 4,590 feet (1,400 m) above sea level. The name Taunggyi means "big mountain" in the Burmese language, and is named after the ridge on the east of the city, and the prominent high point on it is called the Taung - |
| chun or "The Crag." Although within the Shan State, the Shans are not the predominant population of this city. The Inthas and the Pa-Os form the most visible population. Recently there has been a flood of Chinese immigrants. Taunggyi lies within the Myelat region of Shan State. Prior to British colonization, Taunggyi was a small village of a few huts. The area lay on a wide shoulder of the Sintaung Hills of the Shan Plateau and was populated by the Pa-O ethnicity at the
time. The signs of the original village of Taunggyi are long gone, but nearby villages can still be discerned quite easily. During British occupation, the town became the chief city and capital of the Southern Shan States. Taunggyi's modern development began in 1894, when the British moved their administrative offices from Maing Thuak (Fort Stedman) on the eastern shores of Inle Lake to the higher elevation of Taunggyi, for health and geographical reasons. Although geographically within the state of Yawnghwe, the town was denoted as a "notified area" by the British, exempt from the Sawbwa's administration. By 1906, there existed a thousand houses. Because of civil unrest throughout the Shan States during the early 1900s, Taunggyi served as the chief garrison for military police. Taunggyi also served as a supply centre for the Shan States, and catered to persons of many nationalities.
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| DESTINATION OF INLAY LAKE |
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The Inlay Lake is roughly 20-km long and of outstanding beauty within its natural surroundings. One of its many unique features is the cultivation of floating gardens where flowers as well as tomatoes, beans and cucumbers grow. Local villages and markets are interesting sighting spots. The beauty of sunrise as well as the sunset observed from this idyllic |
| lake with the Shan mountain range as backdrop enchants all visitors. Every year, on the eve of the full moon day in October, the annual Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival is held. The pagoda's most revered Buddha images are displayed on the grand golden Karaweik, a replica of the ancient Royal Barge, and are being taken to several villages around the lake for 18 days until they arrive back at their home shrine again. Unlike other pagoda festivals in Myanmar, most of which for three days only, this one lasts for 18 days
and features the famous Inle Boat Races that attract spectators from near and far. The races provide exciting additional entertainment and are well worth watching. Both men and women participate in the races with separate events for each.
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| DESTINATION OF PINDAYA |
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Pindaya lies at an altitude of 1,200 meters surrounded by hill tribe villages. Its main attraction is the natural limestone cave that branches out widely, displaying more than 8,000 Buddha images made of wood, marble, lacquer, brick, stone and bronze. Many devoted Buddhist pilgrims have placed them there over the centuries. The collection of these |
| images in such a setting is unique and well worth seeing. Pindaya also features the picturesque Boutaloke Lake, beautifully set amongst huge old trees. A major handicraft industry in Pindaya is umbrella manufacturing. The making of these pretty hand-made paper umbrellas can be seen in several workshops in town. |
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City Golf Course
