Big Banyan Tree (Dodda Aalada Mara) One of the wonders of Bengaluru

If you want to have a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city then Dodda Aalada Mara also called Big Banyan tree is the ideal place. Relaxing under the cool shade of this giant tree gives a fresh feel. It is located at Ramohalli. We started at 3PM from home. On Mysore road we took the road to the right at the Kumbalagod junction. Travelling 7 Kms on this narrow road leads to the famous tree. We reached the place at 4 PM.
Big Banyan tree is 400 yrs old and covers an area of 3 acres. I wondered by seeing its aerial roots. There are more than 1000 aerial roots touching the earth. 

Tree offers a beautiful vision of greenery. Support has been given to the very old branches of the tree.  The tree has fenced boundaries and benches for people to sit and enjoy its beauty. There is a small and old temple in the area. 
Entire landscape of this tree is developed by Bank of Maharashtra, Basavanagudi Branch. It has been maintained in a neat and clean manner. But here and there we can see some nonsense and mindless acts of foolish people. Littering, throwing plastic bottles, carving graffiti on the tree can be seen. It is really sad to see a heritage being destroyed by some nonsense people. 

One thing I have observed from my travels is people's favorite picnic spot is favorite for monkeys too :) Here too monkeys roam around the place abundantly. If you dont want harassment from them then avoid roaming around with food items in hand. 

Food and water is available near Big Banyan tree. There are few shops that sell tea, snacks, tender coconuts etc. 

We spent two hours there. On the way back home we visited a plant nursery. There are many plant nurseries on the way that sell many indoor, outdoor and flowering plants.