Dodda Alada Mara – The Big Banyan Tree

Ficus Benghalensis… Banyan Tree – 28 kms from Bengaluru on the way to Mysore stands this tree of 400 years. The Portuguese were the first to give the name of ‘Banyan’ to this tree, they found a lot of business men of the then India conduct their business under this tree of good shade all over the place – these local Indian business men were called ‘banias’ – hence the name Banyan to this tree prevailed.
Once you leave Bangalore … towards Mysore on the National Highway traverse 20 kms on it passing Decathlon on your left, at this point caution yourself and take a right turn on to the narrow road at Rajeshwari Dental college. Immediately you are greeted by a railway crossing, where you mostly stop with the number of trains between Bangalore & Mysore. Once passing this point. The road of 8 kms leads you on to Bangalore’s very own Big Banyan Tree which comes to your left fenced.
This place is an small ideal area which is cool and enjoyable. At the most you could spend an hour if you are a tourist or half a day if you are in a mood to picnic – with your loved ones. This place has a lot of tuck shops selling water, softdrinks and nick-nacks. There is a unit of KSTDC hotel which is a Bar & Restaurant serving alcoholic drinks and food from 11am to 11pm. But is unkempt. They claim to have rooms for overnight stay – less said the better. It’s better to carry your packed lunch or just move on further to the highway for it. Monkey menace is very high here. Going over here is a sight – awesome nature at its best!
This banyan tree is the fourth largest in the country others being at Andhrapradesh, Kolkata and Chennai. The main trunk of this tree has died a natural death, but the tree continues to grow 2 to 3 feet in circumference each year. Today it covers 3 acres and has reached a height of 95 feet. This tree is maintained by the Karnataka Horticulture Department and their request is not to carve any graffiti on this tree trunk.
This Big Banyan Tree is the most cinematographed one. Banyan being a reverend tree for the Hindus, a Muneswara temple stands in the central part of this mammoth tree. The local village has a fair in the month of April-May each year. This tree is bursting at it’s seams but civilization and progress seem to curtail it’s growth!
There’s nothing much to do here but to relax and unwind in the arms of nature. There are a few resorts nearby for your personal comfort.
Dodda Alada Mara, Kettohalli (Ramohalli), Tavarekere Hobli, Bangalore Urban District is worth a nature’s visit. A family portrait at this location is worth it.