December 21 Madikeri : Madikeri Heritage Hotel: Private vehicle

This morning we slept in, and after a sparse Indian breakfast, with no spices, due to my stomach issues, we left by van for a Buddhist temple on the way to Madikeri. This was the Golden Temple in Bylakuppe, which was on the way to Madikeri. The Temple was a huge teaching centre, and the largest settlement of Tibetan monks outside Tibet in the world. More than 4,500 male monks are there, and 800 female nuns. We spent a few hours at the monastery, and it was quite spectacular. I saw the monks, and took pics of them, and saw all the representations of the different Buddhist lineages.I took lots of pics, and lots of pics of flowers, which thrive in this climate naturally. There are always Indian guys asking you for selfies, and you end up having group pics, and individual pics with them. They have a love affair with their cell phone cameras!! We wondered through the grounds of the monastery, then went to the Malaya Restaurant, which serves Tibetan food. I kept to the Mo Mos, steamed vegetable dumplings. Easy on the stomach. Fresh pineapple juice, and mushroom lemon dish, which proved too spicy for me, although it was quite delicious. Of course everything is spiced here! We got into the van, and drove up into the mountains towards Madikeri. Huge trees, and luxuriant vegetation, coffee growing on both sides of the road. We saw Betel trees, which look like Palm trees ( which are everywhere ) but are thinner, with more sparse foliage. The leaves are good for digestion, and are eaten. ( I took pics of them in Mysore market ) but you chew it for a stimulant. We stopped to take a pic of bulls pulling a cart, and an enormous rice straw truck. Straw to feed cattle etc. Lots of goats here, herded alongside the road. We arrived about 4:20 pm, freshened up, and had supper at 7 pm. This is a Muslim hotel, and the prayers are on now, broadcast to everyone, as we have heard in the major cities, quite loudly in the streets etc. I had a light meal, and Sanjay helped me remember the past 5 days of this blog, which was very helpful. I can't even remember what happened two days ago. We cover so many things some days, and it is so hard to remember it all. Well, and early night, and we stay here tomorrow as well. Madikeri is high up and cool. Great hotel, great hot water ( a huge plus ) They grow cocoa here, and have their own home made chocolate.