Secrets of Serenity: Explore the Breathtaking Dhondeling Monastery & Temple at B R Hills!

Описание: Nestled amidst the mystical meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats lies a world few have seen but many will come to love—BR Hills (Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Hills) and the hidden Tibetan haven of Dhondenling Monastery. In this video, we take you through a travel experience filled with natural beauty, spiritual richness, and cultural depth.

BR Hills – The Sacred Hills of Karnataka
The Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Hills, more commonly known as BR Hills, are a stunning range of forested slopes located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. These hills are more than just scenic—they are sacred. At the very top, perched on a white cliff at an elevation of about 5,100 feet, stands the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, dedicated to a unique standing form of Lord Vishnu.

The name "Biligiri" translates to "White Hill," derived from the striking white rock face near the temple. The temple is a spiritual beacon for both devotees and the indigenous Soliga tribe, who revere the deity as their protector. Every year in April, the temple hosts the Rathotsava (chariot festival), which draws thousands of pilgrims and tribal families.

A Biodiversity Hotspot
Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974 and upgraded to a Tiger Reserve in 2011, the BR Hills Reserve Forest spans approximately 540 square kilometers. This lush forest corridor plays a critical role in connecting the Eastern and Western Ghats, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

It is home to:
Over 60 tigers and elephants in large herds
Sloth bears, gaurs, leopards, and wild dogs
Over 250 species of birds, including hornbills and the rare yellow-throated bulbul
Unique flora from dry deciduous to montane forests

Things to Do in BR Hills:
Visit the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Go on a jungle safari at the K Gudi (Kyathadevara Gudi) Wilderness Camp
Trek to stunning viewpoints like Honnametti Kallu
Watch the sunset from the temple cliff
Connect with the Soliga tribe and learn about their traditional forest-based lifestyle

Tips for Visiting:
Entry to the forest is allowed from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM only
Do not stop or exit vehicles within forest areas
Stay overnight at eco-lodges or Jungle Lodges for a complete experience
Best time to visit: October to May

Lunch
Restaurant : Bhagyashree Mess
Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/tJKqPsTAAFLDA...
Cost Per Meal : 150 Rs (Wrongly mentioned in video as 200)

Take this route as google maps suggested road is in pathetic condition
Take below route to Dhondeling Monsatry from Bhagyashree Mess
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eUrh5EbAL1HVH...

Dhondenling Monastery – A Little Tibet in Karnataka

Just about 40 km from BR Hills, near Kollegal, lies a peaceful Tibetan refugee settlement known as Dhondenling. Established in 1974, this area is spread across 3,000+ acres and houses around 3,500 Tibetans. It is one of the few places in South India where you can experience authentic Tibetan culture and spirituality.

At the heart of this settlement is the beautiful Dzogchen Monastery, often simply referred to as Dhondenling Monastery. Constructed in the 1980s and inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1992, the monastery is modeled after the original Dzogchen Monastery in Tibet.

The Main Deity
The main deity worshipped here is Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, who is flanked by other figures such as Guru Padmasambhava, Tara, and Avalokiteshvara. The monastery follows the Nyingma tradition—the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing meditation, mindfulness, and the Dzogchen path to enlightenment.

What to See and Do:
Explore the prayer hall with its giant golden Buddha statue
Walk around the white and red stupas
Spin the prayer wheels and soak in the peaceful chants
Visit the other monasteries in the settlement like Tana, Taksham, and Dhargyal
Try Tibetan food like momos and thukpa at local eateries

Travel Tips:
The road to Dhondenling is scenic but narrow—drive cautiously
Monastery open to all during daytime; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Carry snacks and water—limited eateries available
Respect silence during prayer hours

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