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Even as Myanmar is known as the Land of Pagodas, this country with
a landmass of 671,000
sq km has more to offer than ancient religious monuments. In this
world of fast changes and damaged environments, Myanmar’s nature
remains unspoilt with a rich bio diversity. As a country that has
survived in self-imposed isolation for three decades there are
untold treasures yet to be discovered.
The terrain includes white sand beaches in the west to a
fertile delta in the south, dry plains in the central part and
long rivers. In the far north lie ice-capped mountains seldom
ascended, virgin forests hiding precious orchids, and
white-water rivers where most adventurous can test out their
rafting skills.
The very essence of nature is to be found in the thick jungles
where rare birds and butterflies find refuge, criss-crossed
with animal trails to entice the determined trekker. Herds of
wild elephants roam the hills but shy away from men, living as
free as their ancestors did.
In the several wildlife parks such as Hkabo Razi, Alaungdaw
Kathapa and Lumpi Island offers sanctuary to endangered
species such as leopards, tigers, crab-eating mongooses, the
Asiatic black bear and the beautiful red panda with its bandit
mask, thick red fur and a striped fluffy tail.
Mount Popa National Park near Bagan is more accessible and
popular with visitors who relish the chance t o
trek or ride in the park’s rainforest. Mount Popa is also the
abode of gods, ruled by the Popa Goddess, a benign and
beautiful ogress who lived a thousand years ago on this hill
and continue to watch over the lives of men in this
incarnation as a spirit.
Additional wealth lies in the ancient cultural traditions that
in most aspects remain intact to this day. The earliest
civilisations of Pyu, Rakhine and Mon races that began since
the 2nd century have left legacies in the arts and crafts,
music and dance.
In Bagan, the capital of the 11th century Myanmar Empire, 2230
temples out of the reputed 4446 remain as living places of
worship, as do the monuments of Rakhine from an even earlier
past. A period of annexation
 by
the British resulted in colonial buildings of elegance that
complimented the beauty of traditional architecture.
Recently discovered here and there in the Shan State are
ancient pagoda complexes hitherto unseen for hundreds of years
in remote hills, guarded only by the carved stone figures of
celestials and mythical beings. They are the pride of the
ethnic nationalities of the region who celebrate with annual
fairs at their own places of worship long hidden to visitors.
With 135 ethnic national races living in harmony with each
other and with nature, most of them dwelling in remote areas,
it is no surprise that they too retain their culture. Their
harvest or New Year festi vals
are occasions for strangers to enjoy the revelries with them.
Clans gather at such feasts, many of them walking days over
narrow mountain passes.
As the majority of the population are of the Buddhist faith,
they live by its principles of gentleness, contentment and
helpfulness. This means that violent crime is virtually
unknown, even in the city streets in the dead of night.
Everywhere a stranger travels, to the cities, small towns or
to a remote village of five huts in a deep valley, he will be
welcomed with kindness.
The country is gentle with kind people and beautiful scenery
but untouched nature also offers challenges to the more
intrepid, in places that few outsiders have seen before.
Indeed, for Myanmar, rich as it is in exquisite rubies,
imperial jade, natural pearls or gold in the rivers, the true
treasures are the wonderful people and nature in its virgin
state.
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