The Namdroling Monastery, popularly referred to as ‘The Golden Temple’ is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Located in Bylakuppe, about 5 kms from Kushalanagara in Kodagu district, The Golden Temple complex is home to about 16000 refugees and 600 monks .
Namdroling Monastery’s main entrance is an attractive four story tower with a wheel portraying symbols of Buddhism. The main attractions inside the temple are the statues of Lord Buddha in the centre with statues of Lord Amitayus and Lord Padmasambhava on either sides. Visitors can pray, meditate, give their offerings and rotate the mani prayer drums. Rotating these prayer drums is believed to give the same benefit as chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum”, the Buddhist prayer.
Golden Temple visiting time: The Temple is open for visitors from 9 AM till 6 PM.
Places to visit near Abbey Falls: Abbey Falls (38 kms), Chiklihole Dam (19 kms), Talakaveri (78 kms), Kaveri Nisargadhama (7 kms), Dubare (20 kms) are some of the popular attractions to explore in Kodagu district, along with Temple.
How to reach Golden Temple: The Temple is 220 kms from Bengaluru and 172 kms from Mangaluru. Mysuru is the nearest airport, 101 kms away. Hasana junction, 80 kms away is the nearest railway station. Kushala Nagara has good bus service from Bengaluru and Mysuru. From Kushala Nagara, auto or taxi can be hired to visit the temple.
Places to stay near Golden Temple: Multiple homestays and resorts are available in Kushalnagara. More options are available in Madikeri city, 35 kms from Temple, including KSTDC’s Mayura Valley View hotel.