If you thought beautiful Buddhist monasteries were only on top of the misty mountains of India, think again. You will be surprised to hear about the ones that are present in the Coorg – Mysore border in Karnataka. We think many of you would have guessed the place by now. Yes, we are talking about the Monasteries in Bylakuppe.
Brimming with the coffee aroma all along the way, Bylakuppe is a quaint Tibetian settlement town near Kushalnagar, Coorg. This town is formed by the amalgamation of twenty-odd villages.
As you walk into the town, you will feel as if you have set your foot in a different country. The scenery changes for every 100 m and tranquillity fills the atmosphere in abundance as you make your way. Long rows of multi-colored prayer flags dancing in the air, colorful monasteries, distinctive houses with tiled roofs, signboards with Tibetian scripts along with Kannada and English, and ever-smiling faces of nuns adds to the charm of Bylakuppe.
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Story Behind the Tibetian settlement In Bylakuppe
As China invaded Tibet, a lot of Tibetian left their country and came to India to seek refuge. The Indian government helped them by allotting lands in different parts of India and Bylakuppe is one of the places.
You can witness two Tibetian refugee settlements here. And these were set up in the years 1961 and 1969 by Lugsum Samdupling and Dickyi Larson respectively. Indeed, this is the 2nd largest Tibetian settlement after Dharmshala in India. Even though the place only started with hundreds of refugees but now it is home to 70,000 odd Tibetans.
To know more about Tibetian culture and lifestyle, you can interact with the locals and they will be ready to help you with a big smile on their faces.
Places To Visit In Bylakuppe
You can explore towns that are structured similar to that of Tibet, also visit 12 monasteries and 13 Tibetian settlements areas. Among these monasteries Namdroling, Sera Jay, Sera Mey, and Tashi Lhunpo are popular once.
Namdroling Monastery( Golden Temple)
Namdroling Monastery is located in camp 4 of settlement and is renowned for its Golden temple. There are 3 golden statues that are 60 ft tall and they represent 3 forms of Buddha. Temples here are vibrant, peaceful, and colorful with exotic paintings, huge halls to meditate, and tall statues. You can witness mass prayers of monks, gaze around the monasteries, and watch hundreds of monks in conversation with one other. But if you are looking for a peaceful environment certainly this is not the place. Because, this place is flooded with 100’s of tourists every day.
Namdroling Monastery Timings: 7 Am To 8 Pm
Sena Jay And Sera Mey Monastery
Just 2 km from Golden temple, you can call this place a hidden gem. This is situated in camp 1 and you can go through towns that are structured similar to that of Lhasa Tibet. Exotic paintings on walls and peaceful atmosphere is what makes this place a hit among travelers. You can hardly find any tourists here and it is the best place to meditate. You can witness religious debates and discussions happening here. In addition, you can even strike a conversation with locals and try to know more about their lifestyle and practices.
Where and What To Eat In Bylakuppe
This is one of the best places in south India to eat authentic Tibetian cuisines. Never missout on a steamy bowl of Thukpa ( noodles) and momos with spicy chutneys. Also, try out Phing, Shabhalay, Thendunk, Shapta, lemon tea, and butter tea. Local restaurants and cafes around Golden temple and some bakeries near Sera Jay monasteries are the best places to munch on Tibetian food.
Locals referred Malaya restaurant inside the shopping complex as the best in the locality.
Shopping In Bylakuppe
If you like shopping and stuffing your house unique things then there is so much waiting for you. Head to the shopping complex opposite Golden temple to lay your hands on antiques, handicrafts, jewels, apparels, and little buddha or monk statues.
Best Time To visit Bylakuppe
You can visit this place any time of the year as its doors are always open to travelers. But if you intend to be part of their culture then go during the Tibetian newyear Losar. It is a 2-week festival that happens in the month of Feb or March. During the festival whole town comes alive with people donning lively masks, wearing traditional costumes, swaying to the traditional music, and munching on yummy Tibetian delicacies.
How To reach Bylakuppe
There are plenty of buses to Kushalnagar from Bangalore and Mysore. Kushalnagar is just 6 km from Bylakuppe, either you can take an autorickshaw or local buses that are available frequently, However, if you want to get cozy with nature, then walk and enjoy the surprises throws at you by nature.
Additional Information
Distance from Kushalnagar: 6 km
Bus ticket cost: Rs. 20 / person one way.
Autorickshaw Cost: RS 100 / ride one way.
Monastery timings: 7 Am to 8 Pm.
Distance from Bangalore: 220 km.
In Conclusion, if you want to experience the Tibetian culture and rejuvenate yourself in a calm and peaceful environment, then head to Bylakuppe. This town is sure to bring in a lot of positive energy and a refreshing change in you. So, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and leave
Do you have any interesting or memorable stories relating to Bylakuppe? Please do share it in the comment section below.
Also Read:
Things To Do And Places To Visit In Dandeli.
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