Bylakuppe Namdroling Monastery in Agumbe
· Summer: 21°C-36°C
· Winter: 14°C-29°C
· Monsoon: June-September<
Best time to visit:
October-April
Opening Time: 07:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 08:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Open 7 days a week.
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling, better known as Namdroling Monastery and fondly called the Golden Temple, is located at Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Established about 50 years ago, the monastery today is home to more than give thousand monks and nuns and is well-known for its peaceful atmosphere.
Some of the most intriguing features of monastery are huge red doors exquisitely carved in gold and mural paintings done on the walls and the ceilings. Gold-plated giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava are other highlights. At evening, one feels blessed listening to the prayers and chants in the atmosphere filled with aroma of incense sticks.
The monastery welcomes Indians and non-Indians with open heart. There are proper arrangements for accommodation, food and communication.
Warnings
Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to visit and stay at the monastery. Video photography is strictly prohibited inside the monastery.
Connectivites
Road:
By road, Kushalnagar can be approached from the nearby destinations like Coorg, Mangalore, Madikeri, Mysore and Bangalore. Be careful to get down at Kushalnagar bus stop and not at Bylakuppe. From Kushalnagar, the monastery can be visited in auto-rickshaws. Another good idea is to hire a taxi or cab from Mysore or Bangalore for the whole journey.
Railway:
Hassan Railway Station is the closest at the distance of about 80 km. Another good option is Mysore Railway Station which is 87 km. away from the monastery. Each of these stations boasts of good rail connectivity with major cities.
Airway:
Mysore Airport which is about 98 km. away is the closest one, but limited air connectivity only to Bangalore. Mangalore Airport about 173 km. away offers flights to many domestic and international destinations.