Three acres of sheer beauty - 400 year old Big Banyan Tree

Bengaluru

At the outskirts of Bengaluru, is a giant 400 year old world famous tree - Dodda Alada Mara (in Kannada) and its literal translation is Big Banyan Tree. It’s so huge that it covers 3 acres and is said to be the largest of its kind in Karnataka. Read along to know more.. #bigbanyantree

Dodda Aalada Mara

Located 28 kms away from Bengaluru, this sole (soul) tree is a famous tourist attraction. It is said that the main tree was planted in the 17th century and has grown ever since covering 3 acres of land. The main trunk of the tree is said to be dead due to a disease, yet the tree is thriving due to its long deep roots into the Earth which seems like many trees. “Life finds a way” a famous quote from the Jurassic Park movie is so fitting!

#doddaaladamara

And the fencing around the park has not been able to stop the tree from branching out, just like “Life will not be contained” (yup, I’m a Jurassic Park movie fanatic ;-)

What amazes me about this magnificent tree is - how deep the roots would have gone into the soil, how many villages would have connected, how many human stories the tree has heard - all the happiness, sadness, secrets, fights, pain and so on. It may have cheered during happy times, comforted during sad and lonely times, would have healed the pain, sheltering so many beings for hundreds of years, living through generations. Sigh! It's truly a marvel!

The tree is home to many birds, squirrels, monkeys, we even saw 3 cute baby owls.

Oh, there were many monkeys but surprisingly they weren’t monkeying around, which is a good thing haha!

Things to do:

There isn’t much to do around. There’s a ranch and vineyard nearby but if you truly love being in nature, then this tree alone would soothe you. Spending time in nature brings so much calm to one’s soul and you can find that here apart from the bumpy ride and traffic to get to here.

The Big Banyan Tree

How to get here:

There is a metro (purple) line from Majestic or MG Road to Kengeri. And take a bus or a taxi to Dodda Aladamara stop (total ride over 90 minutes depending on where you start from). There are a couple of restaurants closeby.

Entry is free and maybe crowded over weekends.

Also note: Do not litter, there are people trying to keep this place tidy and is decently maintained. Be responsible, and don’t monkey around with the monkeys. Also, don't vandalize - do not carve out your names or initials onto the tree. If you truly want to be part of this tree’s history, come and enjoy its beauty, relax (there are benches around the park), take pictures and reminisce the moments spent.