Dodda Alada Mara (Big Banyan Tree)
Dodda Alada Mara is a giant Banyan tree in the village of Ramohalli, approximately 28 kilometers west of Bangalore. This 400 year old sprawling tree covers about 3 acres. The main tree has over the years spread out widely with several aerial roots and though is a single tree, it looks like many different trees now.
The entire tree is fenced, and the enclosed area has marked pathways. You can walk around under the tree’s canopy and enjoy the banyan shade. There is also a Shiva temple in the enclosure.
This is the fourth largest banyan tree in India after these three huge trees:
1) World’s biggest banyan tree at Thimmamma Marimanu near Gooty, Andhra Pradesh
2) The banyan tree at Botanical Gardens in Kolkata
3) Adyar banyan tree at Chennai
Some shots of the Dodda Alada Mara
There are many monkeys here that are very used to having humans around. You will see some huge ones too. If they think you have food, they will not hesitate snatching your bags etc from you. So, watch out for them.
Some of the smaller monkeys
What is dis-heartening to see is the acts of vandalism on the trunk, branches, and the roots; there’s a lot of etched graffiti! Please visit this natural spot responsibly. Leave the place clean and use the many trash cans available at the site.
Some pretty flowers from the site
After your visit to the big banyan tree, you can choose to go to Kamat’s Lokaruchi at Ramnagaram for lunch/dinner.
You can reach the big banyan tree either from Kumbalgod on Mysore Road or from Chennenahalli on Magadi Road.
From Mysore Road: On Mysore Road take a deviation to the right at Kumbalagod junction. This is a small road. Go on this road for 7 kms. The road literally goes to the base of the tree. The wide canopy of the tree is visible as you approach it.
From Magadi Road: Between Tavarekere and Chennenahalli, there’s an indication to take a left to go the banyan tree. Take a left there and go in for about 6 kms.
There are many buses that go to the banyan tree from the City. There are a few shops and restaurants too at the banyan tree bus stop.
Chitra,
Nice post. One of these weekends, a visit to the Dodda Alada Mara, is on the cards, I can assure you!
Cheers,
Ravi
I have been wanting to go to this place for a while now. But no luck. Should make it sometime.
let’s do this together Ravi, what say?
Sure, Rajesh. You’re on!!!! This weekend?
Just one warning guys! There’s not much to do – a nice stroll, click pics, watch monkeys, and let the kids run around. :)
one place that’s on my to visit place. thanks chitra for writing about it! and i liked the second pic of the lady in red walking down. very nice!! i think the place is more than 28 kms though since kamat’s itself is around 50 kms.
Anita, Thanks!
This place is much closer than Lokaruchi. The reason I suggested a visit to Lokaruchi was so that it can then become like a day out, instead of just going to see the tree! I think it is not clear in the write-up. :)
Such type of trees should be taken care by the government otherwise people wil spoil it.It seems to be big home under that tree we can enjoy lot of cool under that treeeeeeeeeeeee
nice photo……….
plz……..send me such photos
mk_kori2000@yahoo.co.in