Big Banyan Tree, Bangalore

Big Banyan Tree or Doda Alada Mara is located in village Ramohalli near Kengeri approx 60 kms west of Bangalore City.

This single tree covers 3 acres (approx 12000sq mtrs) & is one of the largest of its kind in India. The tree is said to be 400 years old. Main trunk of this tree is no more due to natural causes. The tree now looks a cluster of trees. Due to aerial roots coming down in to the earth, this tree can live for hundreds of years.

Banyan Tree is National Tree of India.

Largest Banyan tree is named Great Banyan & is in Botanical Garden in Howrah spread in 4 Acres (approx14500sq mtrs) & is said to be 250 years old. Another famous Banyan tree is in Kabirvad island Gujrat. It is said to be 300 years old.

Botanical name of this tree - which is native of India, is Ficus Benghalensis.

Portuguese traders who landed on Gujrat coast observed that Hindu merchants or Baniyas sat under the shade of this tree for trading. They conveyed this to English traders who began using the name ‘Banyan’ for tree itself! 

The tree finds mention in Bhagwad Gita 15.1 also:

'urdhva-mulam adhah-sakham, ashvattham prahur avyayam,
chandamsi yasya parnani yas tam veda sa veda-vit' 

( 'It is said that there is an imperishable banyan tree that has its roots upward and its branches down and whose leaves are Vedic hymns. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas'.)

Elsewhere in Bhagwad Gita(10.26) Krishna says ‘Of all the trees I am the Banyan tree.....

Banyan tree is also known as Barh, Bargad, Vat, Vatvriksh (Sanskrit), Marri Vrikshamu (Telugu), & Ala Maram (Tamil). In fact the city of Vadodra in Gujrat  is named after this tree.

To reach Big Banyan Tree in Banglore, bus can had from Majestic cinema to Kengeri & from there change to reach Doda Alada Mara. For own vehicles NICE toll road can be taken.

Cool walk under the tree

Roots in to the earth 

Ariel roots are becoming trees 

Ariel roots directed to earth via a bin

Thick & heavy

Network of leaves, branches & roots