The Big Banyan Tree is one of the most preferred Tourists spot among the general public. It has a magical approach towards the visitors, leaving them mesmerized with its serene beauty. It is mostly preferred as a picnic joint by the family members. The sprawling tree provides the shade and cool breeze, making a relaxing day for the visitors, thus grabbing the title of an ideal picnic spot.
It is also known as Dodda Alada Mara in Kannada. The tree is 400 years old and covers an area of 3 acres. The crown circumference is more than 250 meters and has more than thousand aerial roots.The tree is one of the largest of its type. The tree is fenced by boundaries to protect it from antisocial activities. It also offers benches to the visitors to make them comfortable. The beauty is further enhanced by Savandurga hill & the backwaters of the Manchanabele reservoir, which forms the backdrop of the tree.
The Big Banyan Tree is located at a distance of 28 kms from Bangalore and is situated on the Bangalore – Mysore Road. One can reach the picnic spot at the Big Banyan Tree by following the road to the right at the Kumbalagod junction on Mysore road. The next 7 km from this road will take to the Big Banyan Tree. The place is easily accessible by road. The private vehicles can also be used as the parking is available.
The food and water facility is smartly arranged at the place; hence one doesn’t have to starve. It also has the restaurant run by the tourist department, giving a wider range of cuisines to choose from. The tea and snacks vendors are easily spotted there, wandering to help your taste buds with something sweet and spicy. It is advisable to carry water bottle, caps, sunglasses and other personal things that one might need in an open space. It is also a Monkey hub; hence one has to be careful with the food items. It is better not to tease the monkeys or else one has to be prepared to bear the consequences. Littering and graffiting is strictly prohibited.