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Holi Celebrations – in pictures
Traditionally Holi was celebrated in India to mark the onset of Spring and its brilliance in colors, but over the...
Bylakuppe, the quiet little hamlet on the fringes of Coorg’s misty mountains, is a shortcut to the Tibetan way of life in case you are stuck somewhere in South India, four thousand kilometers away from actual Tibet. This hotter and tropical micro version of Lhasa is only a couple of hours from Mysore, Karnataka’s touristy town.
As one drives or walks into the town from the busy state highway to the tibetan settlement camps, a sense of calmness sets in. The golden corn fields, fluttering prayer flags and a wandering monk in maroon robes instantly transports you into an unknown country of mystic charm.
The monks at the monastery delivering a lesson on spirituality
A monk hits the gong to mark the start of a study session
A young monk lost in his thoughts
A young monk reading religious text
A young girl of tibetan origin at one of the restaurants in Bylakuppe
THE INFORMATION
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How to Reach
By Air:
The nearest airport to Bylakuppe is at Mysore(83 kms). Currently only Spicejet flies directly to Mysore from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai
Bangalore(214 kms) is the nearest major airport, with connections to almost all cities in India.
Go Air and Indigo has connections to Bangalore from major Indian cities.
By Road:
Bylakuppe is well connected to Bangalore via State Highway 17. Average driving time is 5 hours. Take Mysore road/Nice Road from the city and follow road instructions to Madikeri. Take the SH 88 after Hunsur and continue for around 35 kms, till you find the gate to Bylakuppe on the left.
Buses ply from Mysore to Kushalnagar(the nearest town to Bylakuppe) and takes about an hour and half
Where to Stay
It is possible to stay at the Monastery premises or at the Paljor Dhargey Ling guest house located across the street from the monastery main gate. Check here for more details
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s:
1. Maintain the sanctity of the monastery and the area
2. Check out a few in house restaurants for authentic tibetan thukpas and dimsums
3. Chat up with a monk if you get a chance for a dose of spiritual discussion
Dont’s:
Consider the tibetans as Chinese and expect Chinese food there. Its better if you keep aside your fascinations about China, Chinese people and Chinese food. Never ever refer any of them as Chinese.
I know it sounds kind of dumb, but I have seen many insensitive morons doing it!
Visited Bylakuppe? Do share your stories and experiences in the comments section