ACCORDING to locals, numerous pilgrims have visited six hills in Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State.
The number of pilgrims visiting Kyaiktiyo has increased since the dry season, with significantly higher numbers at the historic six hills – Rathe Hill, Myasein Hill, Sun Hill, Sinkyan Hill, Weikza Hill, Sama Hill, and Sama Fall – this year.
“This year, many pilgrims went to the six hills, which they could only see by binoculars from the pagoda platform. There are many pilgrims to the Kyaiktiyo area. Some visitors didn't even get guest rooms to stay during long Thadingyut holidays,” said a local.
During public holidays and festival periods, pilgrims from all over the country, including Yangon Region, thronged to Kyaiktiyo and there is currently a large influx of pilgrims. In addition, some companies have started making travel plans with domestic tourists preparing and packing to go on pilgrimages and leisure trips for the coming New Year period.
Major destinations of this year enjoyed by domestic tourists include Shan State, Taunggyi, Inlay, Kalaw, Bagan, Popa, Chaungtha, Ngwehsaung, Ngwetaung beaches in Ayeyawady, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Inwa, Bago, and Kyaiktiyo. — MT/ZN
