The garden city of Bangalore might have seen massive urbanization leading to increasing temperatures, water shortage and most of all appallingly slow traffic, but I still love the fact that it has a lot of green lung spaces that are somehow managing to offset the damage. These green spaces not only provide us much needed oxygen, they are also so pleasing to our senses. One such green space that is not only relaxing for the body, mind and soul, but one that leaves us totally stupefied is Dodda Alada Mara, a giant Banyan tree located on the outskirts of Bangalore.
Video Note: Watch the above video in 4K if possible to get a virtual tour of this Banyan wonder in full 4K resolution. Photos were not giving justice to its sheer magnanimity and hence this video. Hopefully, it gives you a true feel of this place.
Dodda Alada Mara (which literally translates into Big Banyan Tree) is a 400 year old Banyan tree that is located in the village of Ketohalli, a little distance away from the busy Mysore road. Over the years, this single tree, which is still growing has spread itself to an area of 3 acres, making itself one of the largest of its kind.
It has been 20 years since I have started living in Bangalore, but this was the first time I saw this tree up close. The funny thing is that I have visited the nurseries on the Doddaladamara road a good many times, but somehow managed to give this Banyan wonder a miss. And this time when I visited it, I was very happy that I did.
Not only does it offer a great day trip or picnic from Bangalore, it also makes for an interesting pit stop when you are either taking the Mysore road for a weekend getaway or if you are headed towards Manchinebele Dam, Savanadurga, Shivagange or Antaragenge. The Dodda Alada Mara is a well maintained campus that offers facilities such as parking, toilets, etc. There are shops and restaurants located right opposite it so you are never far away from food and beverages. There is a small temple being constructed in the middle of it, so you can offer your prayers there too.
There is no entry fee and the place is open all days between 8 AM and 5 PM. The only thing to worry about are the monkeys who steal food packets and fruits from the visitors. As long as you are not carrying any open food, you should not have any trouble from the monkeys. There are a lot of chairs in the campus for you to sit there and soak in its relaxed aura.
How to get there: Head straight on Mysore road and when you come to the traffic light next to Raja Rajeshwari Dental and Medical College, turn right to a small road that leads you directly onto a railway crossing. Dodda Aladamara is about 7 kms away from this railway crossing. There are a lot of nurseries located on this road and it might be a great place to stop by if you are interested in gardening.
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