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Bylakuppe A Tibetan Town in Karnataka

Bylakuppe is a Tibetan settlement in Karnataka. It all started in 1960, when they fled Tibet to settle in the higer altitudes of Dharamshala and Bylakuppe being the second. One can plan half a day outing here, a Tibetan guide can be hired if one gets in contact with the hotel, who will take you around the typical lifestyle and food.

If one has been to the northern states of India, and so to the Buddhist monasteries and viharas, the entry to the Tibetan settlement will appear all familiar. Fluttering colourful flags and the entry gates greet you with monks in their typical attire on roads. Yes its unbelievable that round 30,000 people settle here.

Agriculture being the main, small shops here and there signify their lifestyle. There are many monasteries here, the famous is the Golden temple of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Buddha Amitayu. The statues rise to a height of 30ft in copper and gold gives a magnificient presence and aura to the entire space. The walls have paintings and fresoces of Buddha's life. The paintings and the scultptures are intricate and exhibit true craftmanship.

The monastery canteen is a good place for food, or else there are many eateries in the market. There are also many shops in the market selling a wide range of Tibetan art forms.