Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as
(Golden Rock) is a well-known
Buddhist pilgrimage site in
Mon State,
Myanmar.
It is a small pagoda (7.3 metres (24 ft)) built on the top of a granite
boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. According to
legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of
the
Buddha's
hair. The rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be
on the verge of rolling down the hill. The rock and the pagoda are at
the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the third most important Buddhist
pilgrimage site in Burma after the
Shwedagon Pagoda and the
Mahamuni Pagoda. A glimpse of the "gravity defying" Golden Rock is believed to be enough of an inspiration for any person to turn to Buddhism.
(Words extracted from from Wikipedia)
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We were lucky enough to get to ride on the open truck when we reached the station. The truck will only leave when there are 45 passengers on. The ride was winding, steep, and we were wet (it was raining season).
By the way, you need to walk up hill as only local can take the ride up to the top. The steep walk was quite tiring for the not so fit me. Of course you can get yourself to be carried by the locals.
