What to expect
Highlights
- The gilded 12–18 m Buddha statues and painted prayer hall.
- Monks at prayer and philosophical debate.
- The wider Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement, shops and cafés.
Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery, the "Golden Temple", stands in the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar and is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Founded in 1963 by refugees, it now houses thousands of monks and nuns.
Practical guide
Plan Namdroling Monastery
Typetemple
Nearest baseKushalnagar
Best timeOctober to March
Time needed1 to 1
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseKushalnagar
DistrictKodagu
Place typetemple
Time needed1 to 1.5 hours.
Namdroling Monastery, the "Golden Temple", stands in the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar and is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Founded in 1963 by refugees, it now houses thousands of monks and nuns.
Its main prayer hall dazzles with three gilded Buddha statues 12–18 m tall, vivid murals of Tibetan deities and rows of butter lamps. Visitors are welcome to watch prayer sessions and the monks’ debates.
Visiting
Namdroling Monastery — at a glance
Timings9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (prayers at set times)
Best timeOctober to March; morning or evening prayers
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Namdroling Monastery
Bylakuppe, ~6 km from Kushalnagar, ~35 km from Madikeri
Remove footwear in halls; carry ID.
Getting there
How to visit
- At Bylakuppe, about 6 km from Kushalnagar and ~35 km from Madikeri; reached by taxi or auto.
- Dress modestly, remove footwear in the halls and keep quiet during prayers.
Distance by road
- Mysuru120 km
- Bengaluru260 km
- Mangaluru135 km
- Kannur115 km
- Ooty210 km
Road km to Kodagu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March; morning or the evening prayer session is most atmospheric.
Weather in Namdroling MonasterySeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- Free entry; photography is allowed in the hall but avoid flash and disturbing prayers. Foreign nationals no longer need the old PAP permit but should carry ID.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Namdroling Monastery is
Photos
Namdroling Monastery in pictures
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Namdroling Monastery — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Namdroling Monastery?
October to March; morning or the evening prayer session is most atmospheric.
What are the entry fee and timings at Namdroling Monastery?
Entry: Free. Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (prayers at set times). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Namdroling Monastery?
At Bylakuppe, about 6 km from Kushalnagar and ~35 km from Madikeri; reached by taxi or auto. Dress modestly, remove footwear in the halls and keep quiet during prayers.
How much time do I need for Namdroling Monastery?
1 to 1.5 hours.
What else is near Namdroling Monastery?
Nearby you can pair Nisargadhama (2.5 km), Dubare Elephant Camp (6.0 km), Harangi Dam (9.7 km), Gaddige Raja's Tomb (23.3 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Kodagu
Image credits
- Namdroling Monastery:सुबोध कुलकर्णी, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0