Big Banyan Tree: A Single-Tree Mini-Forest Near Bengaluru

[TusharSuradkar]

The Big Banayan Tree is a conglomerate of several Banyan trees creating a giant shady place. The roots are spread across which makes it look like a mini forest. This is a nice family picnic spot and a great place for a quick weekend getaway from the chaos of Bengaluru.

The Big Banayan Tree is miraculously large and nature’s wonder. The stem of the original Banyan tree got dried off and died long ago. Now it’s the roots of the tree that are spread across the place creating a stunning single tree garden spread over 2 acres.

Locally called the Dodda Aalada Mara it is about 400 years old and a treasure for botanists to study.
Some roots have grown so wide and thick that they form little gateways which a tall person like me can easily walkthrough.

The place is gated as there are a lot of monkeys. One needs to be careful and avoid taking food inside the gate as these monkeys would snatch the same from the visitors. The park also has few benches to relax and admire the scenic beauty. Apart from the monkeys, there are Squirrels and birds like Myna, Parakeets, Owls, Barbets, etc.

Best Time to Visit

1. The ideal is from November to March as summer could be quite warm but the tree garden is shady and cool so it should not be much problem in summer as well.
2. It is recommended to visit in broad sunlight as it can quickly get dark after sunset.

Travel Tips

1. This place is around 40 KM from Bengaluru.
2. There are a lot of hotels and a big parking space adjacent which is free.
3. To access the parking space just drive past the main entrance to the Banyan tree and keep watching on the left for a comparatively narrow entrance.

Monument Tips

1. There is a circular walking path around the tree so that you can have a nice walk while observing the beauty of this old tree.
2. You can easily get distracted from the primary walking path and maybe want to climb or cling to a tree, so carry a lot of water or energy drink along.
3. There is also a small temple inside the premises which makes the atmosphere very adorable.

Accessibility Features for the Big Banayan Tree

Ramp Access.

Wheelchair-accessible Entrance.

Wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.

Wheelchair-accessible Seating.

Wheelchair-accessible Parking.

Nearby Attractions

Within 5 kilometers are the following fabulous places you can also visit:

1. Thottikallu Falls
2. Innovative Film City
3. Wonderla Amusement Park
4. Bannerghatta Biological Park

Have you also seen any amazingly large tree before? I’d be interested in knowing.

Until then… Happy Guiding

[PaulPavlinovich]

The Banyan is quite an amazing tree @TusharSuradkar thanks for sharing this tranquil shady place.

Paul

[TusharSuradkar]

Thanks, @PaulPavlinovich

I am glad you liked the place.

~Greetings from New Delhi

[C_T]

काही अनोखी माहिती @TusharSuradkar
मला कोलकाताजवळ अशाच एका मोठ्या वटवृक्षाबद्दल थोडी माहिती होती. तथापि, बेंगळुरूजवळ देखील असाच एक मोठा वृक्ष आहे ही माहिती मनोरंजक आहे.

[TusharSuradkar]

हो नक्कीच. मला देखील कोलकाता येथील वटवृक्षा बद्दल फार दिवसांपासून माहिती होती, मात्र बेंगळूरू जवळील प्रसुत वृक्षाबद्ल बंगळुरूला गेल्यानंतरच कळाले. हा वटवृक्ष फारसा माहित नाही हे खरे आहे.

कळावे.

तुषार सुरडकर

[indahnuria]

looks like an amazing jungle! Banyan trees are indeed particular and there is something alluring about it @TusharSuradkar

[TusharSuradkar]

Thanks @indahnuria

That’s the right expression.

One cannot escape the surreal and mysteriously attractive feeling when roaming around in the tree complex.

Have you felt like that before, where was it?

~Greetings from New Delhi