Floating Gardens of Inle Lake: A Cultural Oasis

Picture this: A vast, serene body of water surrounded by hills, and traditional villages built on stilts, with fishermen skillfully rowing their boats using their legs. A sight unlike anywhere else!  This is what describes Burma’s popular Inle Lake. The lake is a world of its own, with floating gardens where local crops grow, their boats gliding silently through the shallow waters, and the landscape is dotted with golden pagodas that almost seem to be rising from the water. 

When the Burma Burma team set out to design its thirteenth restaurant  in Bengaluru’s Orion Mall, they wanted to keep the aesthetic as close to Inle Lake as possible in India. 

The Cultural Significance of Ingle Lake 

“Inle Lake is not just a natural wonder but a place of profound cultural and historical significance in Burma. It also holds a special place in my heart,” says Ankit Gupta, co-founder of Burma Burma.

Located in the Shan State, Inle Lake is home to the Intha people, who have lived around and on the lake for centuries and thus, have developed unique traditions that are deeply connected to the lake and its ecosystem. 

One of the unique highlights of the culture at Inle Lake is leg rowing. It is a technique where fishermen row their boats using one leg while balancing with the other, allowing them to navigate the shallow waters with precision. 

The community also practices the art of creating floating gardens on the lake’s surface, showcasing their resourcefulness and a deep connection to nature as these gardens are also their food source. It is because of these reasons that Inle Lake has always served as a vital centre for trade, culture, and spirituality. 

The area around the lake is dotted with ancient pagodas, monasteries, and stilted villages, reflecting Burma’s rich Buddhist heritage. The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is considered to be one of the most revered sites in the region and houses sacred relics and attracts pilgrims from across the country.

“To me, Inle Lake represents a perfect harmony between tradition, nature, and community. It is not just a symbol of resourcefulness and reverence for the land but also a reflection of the rooted spirit of Burmese culture,” says Gupta.

Choosing Inle Lake as the Backdrop of Burma Burma, Orion Mall 

“When selecting a theme for a new outpost,” says Gupta, “we always start by thinking about the essence of Burma Burma and how we can bring a spirit to life in a new location.” “The theme needs to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Burma while resonating with the local community. It’s about creating an ambience that feels welcoming and immersive—one that transports our guests to a different time and place,” he adds. 

The Orion Lake restaurant in Bengaluru introduces guests to yet another geographical feature of Burma. The place takes influences from floating gardens, boats, fishing nets, and the tall pagodas. 

Designed by Minnie Bhatt, the private dining room at this location of Burma Burma is in the gazebo at the entrance to the restaurant. The 100-ft-long corridor of the gazebo offers views of the man-made lake at the mall. “Our vision was to bring a touch of the peaceful, natural beauty to the heart of a bustling city,” says Gupta. 

The inspiration from Inle Lake can be seen in the way the team has incorporated elements like water features, floating plant motifs, and a calming, earthy colour palette. “It was important for us to create an environment where people could step away from the hustle of city life and feel a sense of calm and connection to the rich cultural heritage of Burma,” he adds.

The Floating Gardens of Inle Lake and the Food

Created by the Intha people, who have lived on the lake for centuries, the floating gardens of Inle Lake are a unique and fascinating feature of the region. These gardens are built on the water’s surface using a traditional technique where long strips of water plants and reeds are anchored to the lakebed to form a solid base. Over time, these floating mats of vegetation become fertile soil, on which the locals plant various crops, including tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and herbs. 

The process begins with the Intha people cutting strips of aquatic plants from the lake, which they then bundle together and secure with bamboo poles. These mats float on the water and are covered with nutrient-rich soil from the lake, creating an ideal environment for farming. The gardens are often arranged in rows, and the Intha people row their boats through narrow channels between the gardens, tending to their crops with great care.

Inle Lake's unique farming methods, including the floating gardens, also contribute to the distinctive features of the food. The gardens allow for year-round production of organic vegetables, which are integrated into dishes like Tohpu Thoke (Bean Curd Salad) and various vegetable stir-fries. Unlike other regions where the cuisine tends to focus more on rice, meat, and hearty dishes, Inle Lake’s cuisine prominently features fresh fish from the lake, along with vegetables grown in the famous floating gardens.

Even now, Gupta still recalls his first experience at Inle Lake. “It was nothing short of magical,” he muses. “As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of the lake—its calm, reflective waters surrounded by distant mountains, and the sight of traditional wooden boats gliding effortlessly across the surface. The air felt peaceful, and the landscape had an almost ethereal quality.” 

One of his most cherished memories is visiting Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. “I remember being there at dawn, with the early morning mist rising off the lake and the golden pagoda gleaming softly in the light,” he says. “The tranquillity and spiritual energy of that moment felt so profound—it was as though time slowed down, and you could feel the deep connection between the people, the land, and the water.”