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Bylakuppe
Overview
Bylakuppe is a region in Karnataka which is home to the Indian town Bylakuppe and several Tibetan settlements, established by Lugsum Samdupling (in 1961) and Dickyi Larsoe (in 1969). Bylakuppe is the largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet. It is located in Periyapatna Taluk of Mysore district in the Indian state of Karnataka. There are a number of monasteries and temples representing the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including the large educational monastic institution Sera Monastery, the smaller Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (both in the Gelug tradition) and Namdroling Monastery (in the Nyingma tradition). It also has Buddhist universities for advanced Buddhist practices.
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Source
WBP almanac
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Navigating the Monastic Landscape
Beyond the main Tashi Lhunpo complex, Bylakuppe’s smaller hermitages and prayer halls thread through the town like a quiet pilgrimage. Most are open to visitors, but the etiquette differs from typical Indian temples: shoes are removed, and modest dress is expected, with shoulders and knees covered. Early mornings are the best time to explore, when monks begin their chants and the scent of incense lingers in the cool air. A useful tip is to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer, as communal washing stations are minimal. Renting a bicycle from a local shop lets you glide between the scattered monastic sites without crowding the narrow lanes, offering a pace that matches the contemplative rhythm of the settlement.
Culinary Crossroads: Tibetan Flavours in Karnataka
The food scene in Bylakuppe reflects a subtle dialogue between Tibetan staples and South Indian ingredients. While momos and thukpa dominate the menu, many street stalls incorporate locally sourced vegetables, such as the crisp beans of Mysore’s farms, into traditional broth. Look for the modest tea stalls where butter tea is served alongside dosas, a pairing that illustrates the town’s hybrid palate. For a deeper taste, ask the vendors about their seasonal pickles—often fermented with mustard seeds from nearby villages—offering a tang that brightens the otherwise hearty fare. Timing matters: lunch hours between 12 and 2 p.m. see the busiest kitchens, but the quieter evenings allow for personal conversation with the cooks, who are happy to explain the origins of each dish.