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Day 4: The Cultural Riches of Coorg
We bid farewell to Sakleshpur the next morning and headed to Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, home to the famous Namdroling Monastery or the Golden Temple.
Bylakuppe is a peaceful Tibetan settlement located about 80 km from Mysore and just 41 km from Madikeri. Home to over 70,000 Tibetans, it is the only Tibetan settlement in Karnataka and the second-largest in the world outside Tibet.
This unique town is steeped in Tibetan culture and spirituality, featuring a rich tapestry of majestic monasteries, ornate temples, and renowned Buddhist learning centers. It exudes a sense of serenity and spiritual energy that draws visitors seeking peace and deeper cultural experiences.
What makes Bylakuppe truly stand out is its distinctive identity — a town that has beautifully preserved its Tibetan heritage and customs, setting it apart from its neighboring regions. Surrounded by Coorg’s scenic beauty of misty hills, lush valleys, and sprawling coffee plantations, Bylakuppe offers an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary — a rare blend of cultural richness and natural charm.
Nestled in the serene hills of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, the Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargye Ling Monastery — popularly known as Namdroling or the Golden Temple — is the crown jewel of Bylakuppe and one of the ten largest Buddhist temples in India.
Established in 1963 by Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche of the Palyul lineage after his exile from Tibet, Namdroling serves as the second seat of the historic Palyul monastery and is one of the six great Nyingma institutions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Today, it stands as the largest center for the Nyingma tradition outside Tibet, home to over 5,000 monks and nuns of the Sangha community who study, meditate, and participate in daily rituals within this sacred space.
The monastery’s architecture is striking — a grand golden and red temple topped with a dazzling chakra, flanked by lush gardens at the entrance. Step inside to discover a richly decorated interior filled with intricate carvings, vibrant Tibetan murals, and sacred scriptures. The main hall houses three towering golden statues that radiate spiritual presence, with prayer halls encircling them.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the monastery complex also includes a junior school, a Buddhist college, and a hospital, reflecting its role as a complete religious and cultural hub.
Namdroling is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to experience peace, culture, and living Tibetan heritage.
The temple’s golden statues and serene ambiance made it a peaceful and enlightening stop. Pets are not allowed in Namdroling Monastery. So Sophie waited back in the parking with our driver.
After visiting the monastery we went for shopping in the market next to the parking. We brought some amazing clothes at very cheap rates. We also bought edible coconut oil, flavoured tea and coffee. Very high quality edible coconut oil is available at half rate (as compared to Pune) in this market. After a soul-soothing visit, we made our way to Coorg.
We had a very bad experience at the resort called Whispering Woods Coorg . They had a labrador kept in tiny cage at the entrance. He used to poop and eat in the same cage. I never saw any staff bothering to take him for walks. Finally, I lost my patience and I offered to take him for a walk. We had booked the hotel well in advance. They did not inform us that the kitchen is not functioning. We were told that the kitchen is not function after we checked-in.
After a short nap, we visited the Chiklihole Dam, a lesser-known but beautiful spot offering a serene view of the water and surrounding hills. Just 7 km from the popular Dubare Elephant Camp lies the serene Chiklihole Reservoir, tucked away in the lush greenery of Coorg. This peaceful retreat is a haven for nature enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone seeking a quiet escape amidst tranquil surroundings.
Set on a tributary of the River Cauvery, the reservoir is a much-loved picnic spot, especially during sunset — when the golden hues reflecting off the water create an unforgettable scene. Its unique semi-circular dam design is the highlight here, offering panoramic views that are particularly stunning after the monsoon, when the landscape comes alive with vibrant greens and full water levels.
The best time to visit is post-monsoon or during winter, when the weather is cool and the scenery is at its most captivating. Sophie enjoyed her evening walk here before we headed back to the resort for dinner.
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Where did we stay ?
Falling water resort, Sakleshpur
Whispering Woods Coorg
Where did we eat ?
Falling water resort, Sakleshpur
Hotel Coorg Gavadana
ITIHAKALA RESTAURANT ( Veg Hotel) HALEBIDU / BELUR
Hotel UDUPI BRAMHINS PURE VEG
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