Inle Lake is 22 km long, 11 km wide, 1328 meters above sea level and outrageously picturesque-it has dead calm waters dotted with patches of floating vegetation and busy fishing canoes.  High hills rim the lake on both sides; the lakeshore and lake islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by Intha people. The entire lake area supports a population of over 70000. The  floating gardens, floating farms, floating villages, the leg-rowers fishermen, In Thein pagodas in ruins, which are about over 700 years old, the most famous Phaungdaw Oo pagoda and the jumping cats monastery should not be missed during the stay in Inle Lake. The well-know silk weaving looms, cheroot factory & lotus-robe hand looms are also recommended to visit.