Favourite places are those towns, cities, and destinations that quietly pause the storms going on inside you.

One such place, for me, is the Kushalnagar Monastery, tucked away in the lush landscape of Coorg, Karnataka.

The first time (2009):

I first visited this monastery in 2009, when I was pursuing my MBA trying to find my identity in a big, wide world full of aspirations, dreams, and curiosity. Like most 21-year-olds, I was a bundle of insecurities, constantly subjecting myself to harsher standards and mentally scoring every move I made.

That day, as I entered the sanctum sanctorum, something softened within me. I felt an urge to sit down and simply close my eyes. And for the first time in a long while, the frantic noise inside my mind came to a complete halt.

I was new to this thoughtlessness. I stayed there longer than usual – much longer, in fact – until a friend finally came looking for me and asked if I was planning to meditate for my entire life in that one moment. 😆

That experience stayed with me.

The experience of thoughtlessness is that rare state which often emerges in high-energy spaces and moments of deep inner alignment. Since then, I have consciously sought out places like this and meditated within them (a story for another blog post, another time).

Returning, again and again:

Every time I visit Coorg, I visit the monastery. And every time I find myself in Karnataka for an extended period, I try to make my way to Coorg.

Since 2009, I’ve had the chance to return a few times – the most recent being June 2025.

This time, we arrived amidst continuous rains and heavy clouds. From Madikeri, we headed straight to the monastery – hoping for a few good photographs and, more importantly, some quiet, soulful time.

From the outside, the monastery looked smaller than I remembered. But once inside, it was unchanged – gigantic, cosmic, and deeply divine.

I found a spot again. I closed my eyes and stayed there for a long time…until my brother nudged me and asked if I was trying to levitate this time 😁

Stepping back into the World:

When I finally stepped out, I noticed the surroundings anew – bright, airy, breezy, and humming with a gentle, uplifting energy.

Everywhere I looked, there was a different kind of peace to be found:

In the hundreds of glowing earthen diyas, in the swaying trees and blooming flowers, in families laughing together, in a puppy blissfully unaware of the world beyond whatever treasure he was chewing on and in myself – smiling, calm, and quietly happy

Whenever I feel deeply at ease, I tend to get hungry. But sunset was calling, and Raja’s Seat awaited us. So we left – carrying with us a gentle, enduring memory of the Kushalnagar Monastery, until the next return.

How to reach Kushalnagar Monastery:

The Kushalnagar Monastery also known as the Golden Temple is located in Kushalnagar town, around 35–40 minutes from Madikeri, in Coorg.

If you’re driving, the roads are scenic and forgiving, especially once you enter Kodagu. Tall trees, misty bends, and that unmistakable Coorg air begin to work on you much before you arrive. Parking is usually available close to the monastery complex.

If you’re travelling from afar:

1. Mysuru is the nearest major city (about 90 km away), well connected by rail and road.

2. From Mysuru, buses and taxis to Kushalnagar are easily available.

I personally prefer reaching Coorg by road it gives you time to slow down, to arrive not just physically, but mentally too. And that matters when you’re heading somewhere like this.

Best time to visit:

The monastery can be visited all year round, but it reveals different moods with every season.

1. Monsoon (June–September) is my personal favourite. The rains soften everything, colours deepen, and the stillness inside feels even more profound.

2. Winter (October–February) is crisp and pleasant, ideal for longer walks and clearer skies.

3. Summer (March–May) can be warm, but early mornings and late afternoons still work beautifully.

Try visiting early in the day or closer to sunset, the energy feels gentler, and the crowds thinner.

A slow half-day itinerary around the monastery:

If you’re not rushing (and you really shouldn’t be), this is how I’d spend a half day here:

1. Late morning / early afternoon – arrive at the monastery. Walk slowly. Sit inside for as long as you feel drawn to. No agenda; just presence.

2. Post-monastery pause – browse the Tibetan souvenir stalls, light an incense stick if you wish, or simply observe people and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

3. Coffee & something warm – head into Kushalnagar town for filter coffee, buns, or puffs – simple comforts!

4. Late afternoon wander – take a short drive towards quieter roads or river stretches near the Cauvery. No destination required.

5. Sunset – end the day at Raja’s Seat and merge with the nature. Chances are that it would be raining (as it has always been for me) if you choose to visit during monsoons.

Nearby finds:

1. Tibetan souvenir shops near the monastery complex: prayer flags, incense, scarves, small artefacts. I usually pick up something that can sit on my workstation or the bookshelf.

2. Local bakeries and cafes around Kushalnagar town for fresh snacks and coffee.

3. Short scenic drives around the area – Coorg often shows up best when you’re not chasing landmarks.

Selfie & photo tips:

1. Best selfie spot: stand slightly to the side in the monastery courtyard, with the golden structures behind you at an angle rather than straight-on. Soft daylight works best.

2. Inside the monastery: avoid selfies. If you must click, keep it discreet and respectful; this space asks for stillness more than documentation.

3. Details over faces: photograph prayer flags against the sky, glowing diyas, wall patterns, or your own shadow on the floor.

4. Golden hour: Late afternoon light warms everything; skin tones, colours, even silence.

Sometimes, the best picture is the one you don’t take!

About this series:

Favourite Places | 1 of 50

This post marks the beginning of a new series on lifeonweekends.com – 50 of my favourite places in the world (mostly in India), explored slowly, one destination at a time.

Some places calm you. Some places remind you who you were. Some places quietly return you to yourself.

This is a record of those places.