Inle Lake Jumping Cat Monastery

Inle Lake Jumping Cat Monastery also known as Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery is worth a visit, just to experience the beautiful architecture which is traditional in monasteries from this bygone era. It was built on the lake with thick round teak wood stilts around 1850 and is the oldest wooden monastery in the Inle Lake region. It is a popular tourist destination on Inle Lake, located near Ywama village. The Burmese name for this monastery is Nga Phe Kyaung located in the township of Nyaungshwe in the Shan state.

Located on the serene Inle Lake, this monastery is renowned for its unique tradition where monks have trained cats to leap through hoops. This practice began as a way to keep the cats agile and entertained, but it has since become a charming attraction that delights visitors. The monastery itself is a significant wooden structure built on stilts over the lake, offering a peaceful retreat from the outside world. It’s not just the cats that are a draw; the monastery houses an impressive collection of Buddha images and ancient manuscripts, making it a site of both cultural and historical importance. The jumping cats are a testament to the monastery’s innovative approach to engaging with the community and creating a memorable experience for those who visit this tranquil corner of Myanmar.

When approaching the monastery by boat it would appear from the outside that it is rather weather-beaten, the roof has seen better days, and who knows, maybe with the influx of tourists, the tourist dollar may help replace or repair it sometime in the future.

The interior is another story, also weather-worn, with numerous huge teak wood supporting pillars which are mostly gilded, will I imagine still be standing in a few hundred years.

The main room in this Monastery is huge with a raised center platform that houses the many beautiful Buddha statues, approximately 500 we were told. Most of the statues within this monastery are predominantly Shan style, with several in the royal crowned Jambhupati style, Mandalay, and a few in theTibetan style.

There is a sense that time has stood still when walking within this monastery, the many gigantic thick teak wood pillars, teak wood floors, and beautiful Buddha statues make this monastery a must-see, so peaceful and tranquil.

INLE LAKE MYANMAR

Inle Lake, nestled in the highlands of Shan State, Myanmar, presents a serene and picturesque landscape that captivates visitors with its tranquil waters and unique cultural experiences. This vast body of freshwater spans approximately 116 square kilometers, making it the second largest lake in Myanmar. At an elevation of 880 meters, it is also one of the highest, offering a cooler climate that stands in contrast to the tropical heat of the lowlands. The lake’s average depth is about 2.1 meters during the dry season, but it can rise by an additional 1.5 meters with the monsoon rains.

The Inle Lake region is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure. It is home to the Intha people, known for their distinctive leg-rowing technique and floating gardens. These skilled fishermen have adapted to the lake’s shallow waters by developing a unique rowing style, standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other around the oar. This allows them to have a better view over the floating vegetation and to navigate through the narrow channels between their gardens. The floating gardens are a marvel of local ingenuity.

Intha farmers gather up lakebed weeds and secure them into large beds with bamboo poles, creating fertile floating plots where they grow vegetables and flowers. This sustainable agricultural practice not only provides food for the local community but also attracts tourists from around the world. The lake is also a haven for biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species of fish and snails that are not found anywhere else on Earth. The ecological significance of Inle Lake has been recognized internationally, leading to its designation as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance. However, this delicate ecosystem is under threat from environmental pressures such as pollution, over fishing, and the introduction of invasive species.

Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve the lake’s natural beauty and the way of life of the Intha people. For those seeking to experience the enchanting world of Inle Lake, a visit to this unique destination offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Whether it’s exploring the stilted villages, observing the leg-rowing fishermen, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Inle Lake is a place where the traditional and the natural blend harmoniously, creating an unforgettable experience.