Golden Temple Coorg (Namdroling Monastery): Timings, History and How to Visit
The Golden Temple in Coorg is the main temple of the Namdroling Monastery at Bylakuppe, near Kushalnagar. It is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, and there is no entry fee. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to several thousand monks and nuns. The temple is known for its gold statues of the Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Amitayus. It is 7 km from Amanvana, about 15 minutes by road.
Golden Temple at a glance
| Name | Namdroling Monastery; the main temple is the Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara, known as the Golden Temple |
|---|---|
| Location | Bylakuppe, near Kushalnagar, on the edge of Coorg |
| Timings | 9 am to 6 pm, every day (source: karnatakatourism.org, checked October 2026) |
| Entry fee | None, entry is free |
| From Amanvana | 7 km, about 15 minutes |
| From Madikeri | About 35 km |
| From Bangalore | About 220 km, on the main road to Coorg |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning, when it is quieter |
History of the Namdroling Monastery
The monastery was founded in 1963 by Penor Rinpoche, the 11th throneholder of the Palyul lineage, after he left Tibet. The Indian government gave land at Bylakuppe to Tibetans in exile, and the first temple here was a small bamboo structure. Today it is one of the largest Nyingma teaching centres in the world (source: wikipedia.org).
The Golden Temple itself was inaugurated in 1999. Inside, a statue of the Buddha stands in the centre, with Amitayus and Guru Padmasambhava on either side. The statue of Padmasambhava is 58 feet high and covered in gold leaf (source: incredibleindia.gov.in). The walls are painted with scenes from Buddhist teachings.
What to see
The Golden Temple
The main hall with the three gold statues. If you visit at prayer time, you can sit quietly at the back and listen to the monks chanting.
Zangdog Palri Temple
A second large temple in the monastery grounds, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, opened in 2004.
Prayer wheels and the grounds
Walk the grounds and turn the prayer wheels as you go. The gateway, gardens and colourful buildings make it a good place for photos.
Tibetan cafes and shops
Bylakuppe is a large Tibetan settlement, and the streets near the monastery have small cafes serving momos and thukpa, and shops selling incense, prayer flags and handicrafts.
Festivals
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, usually falls in February or March and brings lama dances and processions. It is the busiest and most colourful time to visit.
Tips for visiting
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Take off your shoes before entering the temple, and keep your voice low inside. Ask before photographing monks. Weekends and holidays are busy, so go early on a weekday if you can.
How to reach the Golden Temple
From Amanvana, it is a 15-minute drive towards Bylakuppe, and our team can arrange a cab. From Bangalore, the monastery is right on the main road to Coorg, about 7 km before Kushalnagar, so many guests stop here on the way in. See our Bangalore to Coorg guide for the route. From Mysore, it is on the same road, about 85 km (see Mysore to Coorg). From Madikeri, it is about 35 km.
Combine it with nearby places
The Golden Temple fits easily into a half day with other sights close to the resort. Nisargadhama, the bamboo forest island on the Kaveri, is less than a kilometre from Amanvana. Dubare Elephant Camp is about 25 minutes away, and Harangi Dam about 20 minutes. For the full list with drive times, see our guide to places to visit in Coorg.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Golden Temple Coorg timings?
The Golden Temple at Namdroling Monastery is open from 9 am to 6 pm, every day.
Where is the Golden Temple in Coorg?
It is at Bylakuppe, near Kushalnagar, about 7 km from Amanvana and about 35 km from Madikeri.
Is there an entry fee for the Golden Temple?
No. Entry to the Golden Temple and the monastery grounds is free.
How much time do I need at the Golden Temple?
One to two hours is enough to see the temple, walk the grounds and stop at a Tibetan cafe.
Why is it called the Golden Temple?
Because of the large gold statues of the Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Amitayus in the main hall. Its proper name is the Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara, at the Namdroling Monastery.
What is the best time to visit the Golden Temple?
Mornings on weekdays are quietest. For festivals, visit during Losar, the Tibetan New Year, in February or March. See the best time to visit Coorg for the weather by month.
Stay 15 minutes from the Golden Temple
Amanvana's private bungalows sit on the banks of the Kaveri in Kushalnagar, next to Nisargadhama and 15 minutes from the Golden Temple. Check dates and rates on our booking page, or call +91 80 7153 9970.