Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement in Southern India

By Kishen Prasad India, South India travel to India 0 Comments

The second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet is in Bylakuppe. The largest being in Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh. Bylakuppe is located in the city of Kushalnagar and at a 2 hour drive away from Coorg. Setup in 1960, there are over 70,000 Tibetans here in Bylakuppe. The Tibetans earn their living by means of farming and selling stitched woolen wear, carpets and selling Tibetan goods.

When China invaded Lhasa in 1959, Dalai Lama along with about 80,000 Tibetans fled Tibet. Some of them came down and settled in the town of Bylakuppe. The Indian Government donated 3000 acres of land for the displaced Tibetans. Since the land was barren, it was called byla koppa (barren open land).

Bylakuppe is the best way to experience Tibet through it’s Golden Temple and educational institutions and monasteries being Sera Jey and Tashilhunpo.

Golden Temple:

The large size statues at the Golden Temple is an absolute treat to watch. This in fact is the highlight of Bylakuppe. The 60 feet statues are that of Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus. Like in our Indian temples, Tibetan mythology is depicted on the walls. Chants of monks and sounds of gong are heard in this temple. The halls here are well lit and have bright paintings all over. It’s a perfect place to sit and meditate.

Bylakuppe Namdroling Monastery in Coorg — Golden Temple – Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe

Sera Jey Monastery:

Built in 1970, Sera Jey Monastery follows the tradition and culture of Tibet dating back to many centuries. This university offers two separate streams, Spiritual/ Educational and General administration. The Spiritual stream is based on centuries old traditions of spiritual affairs such as prayers, puja & rituals. The General stream is based on general and financial affairs of the monastery.

Tashilhunpo Monastery:

Borrowed from the original Tashilhunpo monastery in Shigatse, Tibet; the curriculum covers philosophy, art, Sanskrit and the art of healing. This monastery is the seat to Panchen Lama – the second spiritual leader of Tibet.

In addition to the above main monasteries are Sakya, Kagyur and Nyinmapa. The Kagyur monastery is located at an elevation therefore offering a great view of the landscape.

Before departing from Bylakuppe, don’t miss out on picking up incense sticks, prayer wheels, carpets and more. After all this help in the sustaining the Tibetan community.

Best time to visit Bylakuppe

Any time around the year is fine to visit Bylakuppe apart from the monsoon months of June and July. A perfect time to visit Bylakuppe would be during the Tibetan New Year in Feb or Mar.

How to reach Bylakuppe?

By Air:

Mysore which is 100 kms away is the nearest airport from Bylakuppe. One can hire a private vehicle to reach here and cover the surroundings.

By Rail:

Mysore which is about 100 kms away is the nearest railway station. One can either hire a private vehicle or catch a bus to arrive here.

By Road:

After reaching Bylakuppe by train or bus, one can either hire a private vehicle or catch a bus to arrive here. Bylakuppe is about 5 hours drive away from Bangalore and 2 hours drive away from Coorg.

For more such spiritual experiences in India, check out the article on spiritual tour of India.

In case culture is of interest, check out the best tourist places to visit in India.

In case you are keen on traveling to Byakuppe, you could take a look at the itinerary of Karnataka.

India is not just about spirituality. There are many more facets to this ancient land – culture, mystery, history, nature, wildlife and so on. Check out the holiday and tour packages representing the different facets of India travel.