This is why Myanmar is a fabulous yet one of the cheapest international trips from India

It is no news that Indian Rupee is way stronger than Myanmar’s Kyat; 1 Rupee equals 22.67 Kyats to be precise. Thus, no denying that Myanmar is one of the cheapest international destinations for Indians to travel to. But there is more to this country that this; so much more that you might just be booking a flight to Myanmar once you are about to end this read. Here is what awaits you in the neighbourhood, in Myanmar.

1. Bagan’s wonder
A hot air balloon ride over the ancient sculptures of Bagan is a once in a lifetime feat. The pagodas here are sprawled over a vast area by the banks of River Irrawaddy, and have enough to hold your attention for a couple of days. Those keen for an offbeat experience can also cover lacquerware artisans at work here, for Bagan is the centre of the thriving industry here.
Read more: Your route map for a spiritual quest in Myanmar

2) Yangon’s energy More famous by the name of Rangoon, especially in Bollywood, this is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of all the cities in Myanmar. Foodies can have a gala time here, for the street food vendors of Yangon have quite a reputation. An evening at Shwedagon Pagoda’s, a 326 ft wonder, is another must-do here.

3) Mandalay’s royalty
Mandalay is often referred to as ‘The Last Royal City’, and rightly so. At some 715 km from Yangon, this city will lure you with its palaces and pagodas of course. Mandalay is also home to some iconic bridges, including the very Instagram-worthy U Bein Bridge. This is also just the place if you are up for an hot air balloon adventure.

4) Lake Inle’s calm
There is simply no skipping this one. Other than the very fascinating scenic charm of the lake, you can also see houses built on stilts in the villages built around the lake shore; these are mostly inhabited by Intha people and is a definite stop for those into the regional culture. Watch out for the very interesting fishing skills of the fisherman here, who often stand aboard boats on one leg, rowing with the other one!

5) Mergui’s dives
An archipelago, Mergui has a lot on offer for the water babies. This is where you can go for diving and snorkelling, and enjoy the place’s very colourful and diversified marine life. There are some 800 islands to explore here; some are also home to Salone (Makone) people, who spend all their lives scouring the waters around for pearls and other gems. So much so that they are often referred to as ‘Sea Gypsies’.

We love Myanmar for all this and much more, especially with the Indian Rupee faring very well here. Tell us what it is about Myanmar that you love; we are reading.