The Big Banyan Tree in Bangalore is probably the least known outing destination in & around Bangalore. We explored the Big Banyan Tree one weekend & documented our experience through the blog post. So, what’s in store?
WHAT IS BIG BANYAN TREE ALL ABOUT?
The Dodda Aalada Mara in Kannada, literally translated to Big Banyan Tree, is a giant & huge 400 plus-year-old Banyan tree, located in the village of Kethohalli in the outskirts of Bangalore. Precisely approx 35 Km from city center & off Bangalore- Mysore road.
WHY WE CHOOSE TO VISIT THE BIG BANYAN TREE?
A beautiful weekend gateway from Bangalore is what we will be talking about today. After getting highly bored due to Monday to Friday work, we decided to have a quick trip on Saturday morning. To avoid traffic, we started at six in the morning. We took the NICE road to enjoy the drive and prevent the traffic simultaneously
My husband’s colleague arrived in Bangalore from San Francisco on his business visit. We asked him to come along and he happily accepted the offer with a broad smile. As planned we picked him from his hotel golden palm resort Bangalore based in yeshwanthpur
Usually on weekend, people from Bangalore city heads to Nandi hills, Avalabetta or Lepakshi. One Monsoon morning we choose to visit less known and also near by place known as by name of Big Banyan Tree. The idea was to get some nice open drive, a good breakfast and to see what it take to be 400 years old giant Banyan tree.
Quick NavigationWHAT IS BIG BANYAN TREE ALL ABOUT?WHY WE CHOOSE TO VISIT THE BIG BANYAN TREE?WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE & REFRESHINGMORNING DRIVE TO BIG BANYAN TREEVISITING TIMINGS OF BIG BANYAN TREEALL ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE OF THE BANYAN TREE VISITWHAT ELSE WE DID DURING OUR VISITWHAT ELSE OTHER THAN BANYAN TREEQUICK TIPS FOR YOUR BANYAN TREE VISITBEST WAY TO REACH THE BIG BANYAN TREE, BANGALOREBY ROADDRIVING DIRECTION TO THE BANYAN TREE BANGALORE
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE & REFRESHING
To put everything in simple words, an unique, refreshing sight with pleasant drive once you take right from the crowded Bangalore-Mysore highway.If you are the one who loves nature, interested in the species of plants and loves to just head out with friends, family or even solo Big Banyan Tree is for you!
MORNING DRIVE TO BIG BANYAN TREE
A Week before, we went to Horsley hills in Andhra which is approx 160 Km from Bangalore, so we thought to something very short this time and so started towards Mysore road in the morning.
Going 6 Km more for a great morning breakfast at popular Veg restaurant Vatika proved to be a very good option. As you come down to Bangalore-Mysore highway, be prepared to encounter heavy rush and arrays of hotels. Vatika is located 6 Km ahead from the right turn for the Banyan Tree & towards Mysore.
After the breakfast and few random clicks within the premise, we took U turn and headed towards the left turn for our destination. Look out for the Raj Rajeshwari college & exit to the narrow cut. After 1 Km you will see the rail tracks.
Remember, as you take the turn towards the Banyan Tree the road would be narrow with speed breakers. Drive carefully and enjoy the changing landscape. Notice the beautiful trees surrounding the roads.
VISITING TIMINGS OF BIG BANYAN TREE
All Day (Monday to Sunday)6 AM to 6:30 PM IST , however avoid odd hours
Monkey Menace: Be aware of the Monkeys all around the area.Do not or never feed them and also protect your kids and belonging from these creatures!
Monkey at Big Banyan Tree
ALL ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE OF THE BANYAN TREE VISIT
The Big Banyan Tree or in local language “Dodda Alada Mara” is the largest banyan tree in Karnataka.It is also the fourth largest Banyan Tree in India.The tree is one of its kind, very giant and 400 years old.
The roots of the tree have so much altered that it will give a feel of multiple trees. The tree has spread across four acres of area. The tree is home to a lot of birds, monkeys, and squirrels. Beautiful sitting arrangements are there near the tree.
We also visited the temple of Lord Munisvara inside the Big Banyan Tree or Dodda Alada Mara complex. As per local people saying , we got to know about the popular belief of the temple.
If you have an unfilled wish, you need to do is to make nine rounds at the Mukti Naga Temple around the ant hill in Big Banyan Tree and a legend promises its fulfillment in 90 days time
Munisvara Temple Big Banyan Tree
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WHAT ELSE WE DID DURING OUR VISIT
At the Big Banyan Tree, we took the path along the roots on the pathway that leads to the roots which are spread over three acres. The roots are well secured, and proper care is being done for the roots. After surfing the internet net, we got to know that several feature films have been shot on this location with the actors walking in and out of the mighty tree.
We also witnessed several birds like the Drongo, Hoopoe, Doves, and Pirnia and a lot of monkeys were there who were trying to get something to eat from the people who have come to visit there.
After spending some real good time in the lap of nature, we headed back towards Bangalore. I think 2 to 3 hrs is idle visit duration for the visit to Big Banyan Tree.
WHAT ELSE OTHER THAN BANYAN TREE
We didn’t expected an array of plant’s nurseries on both side of road leading to the Banyan tree. I recommend you to do visit any of those nurseries and check out the saplings or unique trees!
SURPRISE! We had seen various nurseries on the way, so we decided to check out one of them.The nurseries were so well maintained and were offering plants and planting pots on very reasonable prices compared to Bangalore. We picked various flowering plants and pots which just increased our happiness.
QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR BANYAN TREE VISIT
- Start early from Bangalore, you can cut down the travelling time to the Banyan tree.
- I would recommend having your breakfast in either of the good eateries or at Vatika or Kamath.
- Do not go with a lot of bags or big rucksack because this may increase unnecessary load for your bike trip.
- Please do not litter the environment with plastics. The area is maintained quite nicely and we all should respect the legendary tree and surroundings
- Afternoon could be quite harsh during summers and sunny days, carry sufficient water & keep yourself dehydrated
- Respect the culture of the state, destination and its local community.
BEST WAY TO REACH THE BIG BANYAN TREE, BANGALORE
BY ROAD
The Road direction to the tree is quite simple and it is placed left of the road when you are coming from Bangalore and off Mysore Road. For South Bangalore people, I recommend taking the NICE Road and exit at Mysuru road.
After approx 3 KM from NICE road exit look out for RajaRajeswari college to your right and take the right cut that goes to the Big Banyan Tree (6.6 KM from the right cut)
DRIVING DIRECTION TO THE BANYAN TREE BANGALORE
Get Directions
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Very Nice Post About Big Banyan Tree Bangalore: Perfect Destination For Half Day Outing and thanks for sharing perfect destination outing.. Keep it up.