On the way back to Bangalore, we stopped by Bylakupe about 5 kms from Kushalnagar to visit the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery, popularly known as the Golden temple. It is also the second largest Tibetan settlement in India, and houses about 250 monks.

 We least expected the grandeur of the monastery, and it is certainly the grandest Buddhist Monastery I’ve seen! It is also well maintained, and you get a sense of Tibet as you enter the monastery, right from the arch at the entrance, to other ornate decorations and tapestries inside the monastery.

The main building houses 3 huge gold coated, 60 feet statues of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Sakyamuni. The sight and experience is so overwhelming, and one of the highlights of the trip.

The Monastery Entrance

A Tibetan Family

Tibetan Monks

Another Ornate Entrance

Entrance to the Main Building housing the 3 Statues

The 3 statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Sakyamuni

Smiling Buddha

Inside the main building

Perspective shot of the side of the main building

Well manicured landscapes