Big Banyan Tree
About Big Banyan Tree
Far From City: 23 kms from city center
Cost:
About Big Banyan Tree
Weather:
Time Required:2 - 3 hrs
Open Time:9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:No Entry Fee
Activities at the Big Banyan Tree
The dense aerial roots of Dodda Alada Mara provide just the adequate sunlight to match the temperature between cool and warm. The pleasant atmosphere and the picturesque location is an ideal spot for a day out or a picnic amidst nature?s bounty. It is also a hot spot for botany students, the spiritually inclined and the religious devotees.
The gigantic tree is home to an extensive variety of rare birds including Drongo, Hoopoe, Doves and Pirnia. Several people visit just to spot one of these rare entities. If you?re lucky, you might catch a movie shoot, which is a usual sight at the spot.
Places to Visit at Big Banyan Tree
1. Lord Munisvara Templeis situated right inside the tree complex. The shrine was constructed sometime in the 2000s when the main trunk of the tree collapsed due to old age.
2. Mukti Naga Templeis another famous tourist spot around 10 kms on the way back to Bangalore. It houses the largest statue of Lord Naaga- 16 ft. tall. An interesting myth suggests that if you take 9 rounds of this temple and make a wish, you wish is bound to get fulfilled within 90 days.
3. Manchanabele Reservoiris a scenic dam, 10 kms on the road ahead to Mysore, away from Bangalore. If you have time at hand, you can club the two and go visit the stunning water reservoir.
4. Ranganathaswamy Templeis one the most famous Vishnu temples of South India, is located a 100 kms away, on the Bangalore- Mysore highway.
5. Melkote Templeis another popular attraction, set up by Ramanuja Acharya in 12th AD. It is located on the same Bangalore- Mysore highway, at a distance of around 120 kms from Dodda Alada Mara.
Haunted Stories of the Big Banyan Tree
It is a common belief in India that witches, evil spirits and stray beings nestle in dense ancient trees, banyan and neem topping the list. Big Banyan Tree or Dodda Alada Mara is a 400 year old tree with an extensive canopy, elaborate roots and covers an enormous area. It is believed that the area is haunted by a lot of evil spirits.
Locals believe that straying in the tree premises has bought major misfortune to many. Some people also claim to have seen figures dressed in white, during the late hours of the night. The atmosphere presents a very eerie picture during the dusk hours and in the night. It is therefore advisable, not to wander off in the area post evening.
How to Reach Big Banyan Tree
The tree is located around 28 kms from Bangalore on the Bangalore- Mysore highway. It can be reached in a private taxi cab or you can also drive down in your own vehicle. Take the Mysore Road and drive 7 kms, then take a right at Ramohalli Crossing. Alternatively, you can go in a public bus. State buses run from Majestic to Kanjeri, change at Kanjeri to reach Dodda Alada Mara. Or you can also take a direct bus from K. R. Market to Dodda Alada Mara.
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Tips
1. The area is replete with monkeys considering the tree spot. It is advisable to carry all your things in a bag. Avoid food items. But if you do bring some, make sure they are packed properly. You wouldn't like to be harassed by a bunch of monkeys.2. The place has dustbins installed all over. We request you to not litter and dispose off the garbage in the bins.3. Some people have carved graffiti on the trunk of the tree. We request you to refrain from doing any such activity to preserve the national heritage.4. Carry your sunglasses or hats for the sunlight.5. Considering the population of monkeys, take good care of your bags, cameras, phones and other stuff.6. It is advisable not to wear jewellery or carry valuable stuff.
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