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Sera Jey Monastery is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastic institution in Karnataka, India. This monastery was established in 1970 by exiled monks from Tibet and serves as a centre for studying and preserving Mahayana Buddhist traditions. The monastery is part of the larger Sera Monastic University and follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Sera Jey emphasises philosophical debates, scriptural studies, and meditation practices. The monastery also houses a vibrant community of monks and scholars, making it a significant hub for Buddhist learning and culture. Visitors can witness traditional rituals, prayer ceremonies, and debates that reflect its deep-rooted heritage.
History
Photo: Richard Allaway / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The monastery, established in the early 15th century by Venerable Jetsun Kunkhen Lodroe Rinchen Senge, is a significant centre of Tibetan Buddhist learning and practice. Located in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, it is part of the “great three” Gelug University monasteries of Tibet, alongside the Ganden and Drepung monasteries. Following the Tibetan diaspora, Sera Jey was re-established in Bylakuppe in 1970, continuing its centuries-old traditions and culture.
Location
Photo: Evan Osherow / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sera Jey Monastery is situated in Bylakuppe, approximately 35 kilometres from Mysore and 250 kilometres from Bangalore, in Karnataka, India. Bylakuppe is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, located in the Kodagu district.
How To Reach
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, approximately 250 kilometres away.
By Train: The closest railway station is Mysore Junction, about 35 kilometres from Bylakuppe.
By Road: Bylakuppe is well-connected by road. From Bangalore, you can drive via NH275, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. Alternatively, buses are available from Bangalore and Mysore to Bylakuppe.
Places To Visit Near Sera Jey Monastery
There are many famous places around Sera Jey Monastery that will make your trip memorable.
1. Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple)
Photo: Satheesh Sankaran / Wikimedia Commons
At Namdroling Monastery, three massive golden Buddhas – each as tall as a four-story building – tower over everyone who enters. This sacred space earned its nickname “Golden Temple” for good reason: its walls shine with real gold and tell stories through hundreds of hand-painted murals of Buddhist teachers and deities. Before sunrise, over 5,000 monks gather in the main temple for their morning chants that resound through the halls. As the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma tradition, Namdroling preserves spiritual practices that are fading in Tibet.
Location: Bylakuppe, Coorg, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Elevation: 17.68 m
2. Dubare Elephant Camp
Photo: Sakthivel E / Wikimedia Commons
At Dubare Elephant Camp on the banks of the Kaveri River, retired timber elephants find a new purpose—connecting with visitors and showcasing the traditions of their mahouts. Each morning, they wade into the river for a bath, a ritual that has fascinated onlookers for years. More than just a visitor attraction, the camp plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, offering a safe haven for these giants while educating people about the challenges wild elephants encounter today.
Location: Dubare, Coorg, Karnataka
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20
Elevation: 1525 m
3. Raja’s Seat
Photo: Vijayakumarblathur / Wikimedia Commons
Raja’s Seat, a famous place near the monastery, offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats’ green hills and valleys. Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the sky glows with warm colours, this historic viewpoint was once where Coorg kings relaxed and enjoyed nature. The spot features a lovely garden with colourful seasonal flowers, a musical fountain that plays at set times, and a small pavilion at the edge where you can sit and take in the scenery.
Location: Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: ₹5
Elevation: 1118 m
4. Abbey Falls
Photo: Ashokpara / Wikimedia Commons
Abbey Falls drops 70 feet through green coffee and spice farms near Madikeri and the monastery. Visitors can follow a short forest trail to a footbridge with great views, especially during the monsoon when the waterfall is strongest. Although swimming is not allowed, the cool mist and loud roar make the spot refreshing. Meanwhile, nearby farm owners often welcome visitors to see their plantations and learn about traditional farming.
Location: Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15
Elevation: 21 m
5. Madikeri Fort
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Madikeri Fort takes visitors back in time with its strong stone walls that mix European and local designs. Inside, a museum displays old weapons, royal clothes, and photos showing Coorg’s fight against colonial rule. Nearby, there is a Ganesha temple that stands next to a Gothic church, showing how different cultures came together. From the watchtowers, you can see Madikeri’s red rooftops and misty hills, the same view that once made the fort hard to defeat. After exploring, visit the nearby spice market, where traders sell fresh cardamom and pepper from the hills around the fort.
Location: Madikeri, Coorg, Karnataka
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Elevation: 1170 m
Where To Stay
Photo: Yosuke Ota / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Accommodation options near the monastery include guesthouses and hotels in Bylakuppe and the surrounding areas. The Sera Jey Guest House offers basic amenities and is conveniently located near the monastery. For a more comfortable stay, consider hotels in nearby Kushalnagar, which provide a range of accommodations from budget to mid-range.
Where To Eat
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In and around Bylakuppe, there are several eateries offering Tibetan and Indian cuisine. Local restaurants serve traditional Tibetan dishes such as momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). For a wider variety, the town of Kushalnagar, about 10 kilometres away, has numerous restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The ideal time to visit Sera Jey Monastery is during the cooler months, from October to March when the weather is pleasant for travel and exploration.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
The average trip cost to Sera Jey Monastery can vary based on transportation choices and accommodation standards. Budget travellers can expect to spend around ₹1,500-2,500 ($18–$30) per day, including accommodation and meals.
Tips For Travellers
- Dress modestly to respect the sacred environment.
- Ask for permission before photographing inside the monastery.
- Be respectful of local customs and religious practices.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip.
- Bring any necessary medications, as pharmacies may be limited.
- Keep noise levels low to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
- Visit in the afternoon for traditional monk debates.
At Sera Jey Monastery, Tibetan Buddhism comes alive with monk debates, prayers echoing in the halls, and murals telling stories of devotion. The air, filled with incense, creates a peaceful space for reflection, making it more than just a stop in Bylakuppe but a deep experience in mindfulness. Plan a trip with TripXL today for smooth planning, accommodations, and insider tips, ensuring a seamless and enriching visit.
Cover Photo: Evanosherow / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
