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Just 4 Hours Away From Bangalore, Dhondenling Is A Mini Tibet With Tibetian Settlement Since 1974

Dhondenling has farming as the main occupation.

by Ankita Mazumdar
Just 4 Hours Away From Bangalore, Dhondenling Is A Mini Tibet With Tibetian Settlement Since 1974

Did you ever think you could enjoy a little piece of Tibet in the state of Karnataka in India? Yes, you read that right! Forget about booking your flights to Tibet, just hop in your car and reach Dhondenling near Bangalore. Dhondenling is just a mini Tibet and a hidden gem right in the heart of Karnataka. We wouldn’t stop you from taking a flight to Tibet but visit this beforehand. Let’s go explore this mini Tibet together!

Dhondenling Is A Hidden Mini Tibet of Karnataka

Dhondenling is a Tibetian refugee settlement located at the foothills of Biligiriranga Hills. Here your mind will be calm and you can exhale your worries away. It has been a Tibetian refugee settlement since 1974; it was carved out of a forest to let Tibetians have a safe place to stay. In 2024, Dhondenling will be lavishly celebrating its golden jubilee. 

It is situated at a height of 3345 ft. above sea level which offers a mesmerising view of the Kollegal. This will make you regret not coming here sooner. So soak up all the positive energies and go explore the lush green areas of this place. Also, did you know that this is just one of the five Tibetian settlements in Karnataka? The rest of them are Lugsung Samdupling, Mundgod Doeguling, Dickey Larsoe and Hunsur Rabgayling. 

The aspect of farming is held in great regard because it is the main occupation here. You will find trees full of juicy and plump fruits that are temptingly calling you out. This is if you are visiting during the right season. So, do not miss out on munching on fruits here and there, fresh outta farm right to your hand. Slowly and steadily they have also established schools and hospitals. We have to say development is quick in Dhondenling!

Also Read: 4 Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai Where The Largest Monastery In North East Lies

The Dzogchen Monastery Is A Must Visit

Dzogchen Monastery was built in 1984 by the Government of India and Karnataka State and it is spread across 3200 acres of land. The initiative was taken by Tsewang Paljor, father of Tenzin Gyatso, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama because Dzogchen Monastery in Tibet was engulfed by fire in 1950. They wanted a representational thing to feel more at home back in Karnataka. The gorgeous white, red and golden perfectly contrast to the clear blue skies and lush greens around. 

You will get a little bit of this and a little bit of that when you visit it. Witness the lush green mountains, an animal reserve with rare species of wildlife and a beautiful coffee plantation. You will be amased to know that agriculture takes place at Dzogchen Monastery as well and the main focus is on pulses.

Also Read: On Next Ladakh Trip, Make A Pitstop At Mulbekh Monastery And Admire The 30-Ft Tall Buddha Statue

The refugees of Tibetan have actually adapted and constructed a home for themselves in Dhondenling. Do visit their home and plan to see all four remaining monasteries and they are Taksham Monastery, Tana Monastery, Dhargyal Monastery, and Bayoe Monastery.

Where: Kollegal, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka

Cover Image Credits: X/mohan23791

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