Namdroling Monastery

Located in Bylakuppe (30 km from Coorg), this is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India. Also referred to as the Golden Temple due to its appearance, it was set up in 1963 by Tibetan monk Pema Norbu Rinpoche. It is the largest teaching institute in the world for Nyingmapa—a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Huge golden statues of Buddha in the prayer hall, unique Tibetan thangka paintings across the temple walls and a beautiful garden adorn the monastery complex. There is something endearing about the ubiquity of maroon robes with clean-shaved heads everywhere. The subtle giggles of cherubic young monks, the intermittent clanging of prayer bells and monastic hymns emanating from the prayer hall conjure to offer the sweetest euphony on the planet. Close to 5000 monks and nuns reside here. There is a market complex outside the monastery, mostly run by the Tibetans selling locally-made handicrafts, thangka paintings and variety of other souvenirs. Few restaurants in the complex offer typical South Indian affair. Monks can be seen enjoying the customary idli, dosa and sambhar, portraying more than 50 years of cultural assimilation.