It does not seem to be in India and yet it is in the Indian state of Karnataka that the city of Bylakuppe is located, mostly inhabited by Tibetan monks.
Many Tibetans fled their country in 1959 following the Chinese invasion, thus settling in Bylakuppe, a lovely Indian town.
If you don't have time to travel in Tibet then Bylakuppe is the place for you. As you get ready to cross it, signs appear in Tibetan, Tibetan flags and monks in red robes shaved to zero with almond eyes. Do not hesitate, enter and explore it, you will see strictly Tibetan students, schools, monasteries and temples.
What to visit in a short time?
Il Namdroling Monastery, built with only 4 euros (300 rupees) by his holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche and by monks, which today have become 5000. It is a center where the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha is taught. You can see students wandering around the monastery's beautiful gardens and courtyards, studying, arguing or learning from masters, also on site.
Il Golden temple, with its mystical and philosophical atmosphere welcomes tourists very willingly. To admire the three statues of the seated Buddha 18 m high. Let yourself be lulled by the sound of el gong and immerse yourself in this truly unique culture, attending prayer.
Stroll two kilometers towards Sera, where other schools, temples and monasteries arise. For anything and curiosity you can count on the availability of the Tibetans, who are happy to help you but also very respectful in giving you the space you need.
There is also a lake, Called Ingalakere, nice to spend some time.
Some information if you want to visit the city: it is open all year round, from Mysore it is 50 kilometers away; cute the Tibetan New Year on March 2 and the Dalai Dama's Birthday on July 6.
Buses take you to the town from Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai, Panaji and Mangalore. Be careful not to get off at the Bylakuppee stop, but at that of Kushalnagar, where there are also some hotels. From there 10 minutes by tuc tuc (the renowned Indian rickshaw) and you will reach the Golden Temple.
Alternatively you can take a taxi if you are coming from the nearest airport, Bangalore, which should take around 6 hours and cost 50-60 euros maximum (3600-4300 rupees).
For those wishing to stay in the monastery it is possible, but without making advance reservations so it is strongly recommended to always have a second option, possibly also considering the nearby town of Kushalnagar. Keep in mind that the rooms at the monastery are very basic and often there is no staff, sometimes they ask for a symbolic sum, sometimes not so it's nice to leave something of your own free will.
The specialty of the place are the momo (ravioli) and thukpa (noodles soup), which you can eat at the Malaya restaurant, also run by Tibetans. (1 euro the cost for momo).
All that remains is to immerse yourself in this little Indian Tibet!
