Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, also known as the Namdroling Monastery, is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Coorg and is located in Bylakuppe, which is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamshala. Bylakuppe is located at a distance of 34 km from Madikeri, 4.5 km from Kushalnagar, 7 km from Cauvery Nisargadhama, and 87 km from Mysore.

Bylakuppe is a Tibetan refugee settlement area that was created by Lugsum Samdupling and Dickyi Larsoe in 1969 and is located near to the Bangalore-Coorg highway to the west of the Mysore district. The majestic Namdroling Monastery is the main tourist attraction in this area. The Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, was founded by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. The sangha community here is made up of more than 5000 monks and nuns, making it the world's biggest Nyingmapa teaching center.

The enormous Golden Temple complex is home to 40-foot-tall gilded statues of the Buddha Sakyamuni, Amitayus, and Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). The tower of the temple is very intricate. The doorway's exterior walls are flanked by enormous, vibrant murals. Large gold knockers and a thick plaited rope with tassels hang from the crimson doors' exteriors. Colorful paintings on the walls show gods and devils from Tibetan Buddhist mythology.

The monastery receives a sizable number of tourists from India and elsewhere in addition to young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education. It is fascinating to witness hundreds of Buddhist monks fervently praying and performing holy rites.

With its planted gardens all around it, this location is a serene and regal sight. When festivities like the Tibetan New Year (Losar), which is fervently celebrated at the monastery, are taking place, the town is a treat to visit. It is observed throughout a fifteen-day period in February or March. The monastery holds large thangkas—Tibetan silk paintings with needlework depicting Buddhist deities—and colorful lama dances during that time.

The neighboring Sera Monastery, which was inspired by the ancient Sera University in Tibet, is another option for tourists. The local educational hub is Sera Monastery, which is a part of the Gelugpa branch of Buddhism. It is located about 2 kilometres from Namdroling Monastery's main complex. The Sakya Monastery and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery are two other smaller monasteries that are equally stunning. On the approach to the main monastery, there is a two-story building called Sakya Monastery. One of the four major monasteries in central Tibet, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery served as the Panchen Lama's first residence. In 1972, this was reinstated in Bylakuppe.

The prayer is at 1 PM and is a beautiful event to witness. Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.