Kalaw - Better than expected


Kalaw is famous for being the starting point of the 2-3-day trek to Inle Lake which is so popular that what I've heard everywhere is that it is now as touristy as the Champs-Élysées. I also checked photos of the trek and I wasn't too impressed - the landscape is nice, rolling hills with different agricultural plots, but nothing really special. And for attractions in Kalaw, I didn't find anything interesting, only the usual stupa, cave, market, local food suggestions. For these reasons I did not plan to stop in Kalaw at all, only to drive through to Taunggyi, but when my microbus got there I changed my mind. As we were approaching Kalaw the landscape got more interesting, and I realised the town itself is up in the mountains. I liked the setting and got out - and I did not regret it. I found quite a few things to do which others were not talking about. And the town itself is quite pleasant, although quite cold as well at this time of the year.


Approaching Kalaw





The town of Kalaw, right on the busy main road, featuring a market, old colonial and traditional Burmese buildings, modern hotels and offices and upmarket villas, a cute railway station, and, of course, a clock tower. 




























Buddhism is the predominant religion in this area, but, like in every town no matter how small, you find a Muslim, Hindu and Sikh community. And, as in all tribal areas, there is also a strong Christian presence.










One of the "viewpoints" people visit is the Buddhist temple on the small hill above the main road (last two previous photos). You get some views indeed, complete with electric cables and an antenna, but it's nothing dramatic. There must be better places in Kalaw for sure, I knew.




On maps.me I found a location which was supposed to offer "amazing views" - it is on the hill that can be seen on the previous photo. However, it was a bit of a disappointment. Never mind there is an antenna on this hill too, but you can hardly see anything from the trees. 













There is, however, another bigger hill with a stupa on top that is visible from everywhere in town - that must be the place!

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