The sprawling branches of a Banyan tree has captured a land of over 3 acres in Kethohalli village, making it one of the unique sightseeing places in Bangalore. This 400-year-old Banyan tree is stated to be the second largest tree in the country and the first largest in Karnataka. A thousand aerial roots hanging out from this tree covers a circumference of over 250 meters.
A magnificent oddity of nature, the Dodda Alada Mara in Bangalore is a 400-year-old banyan tree. Amazingly, the tree is spread across in more than 3 acres of land, making it one of the vastest Banyan trees ever. Found on the Bangalore Mysore road, the tree has become a great attraction for tourists.
The structural integrity of the tree was hindered in the late 2000s when Dodda Alada Mara suffered through diseases and now the tree just looks like a bundle of a vast collection of trees. The enormous scatter of the tree has also made itself home to a number of animals including monkeys.
Additionally, there are seating arrangements placed around the tree which the visitors can use to sit and adore the beauty of Dodda Alada Mara and enjoy catching a glimpse of the monkeys. Picnics and evening walks are some of the most common activities appreciated here. Looking at the growing tourist visits, there are a number of restaurants and eateries arranged near and around the tree.
Various plantations including a garden of roses are farmed around the tree. According to the Hindu tradition, the Banyan tree is holy and thus, apart from the general visitors, many devotees visit the big banyan tree.
There is also a temple right in the epicenter of the tree where devotees can simply bask a peaceful time praying. All in all, the Dodda Alada Mara is a natural enigma standing tall for 4 centuries making it a must-visit for anyone who is visiting Bangalore or Mysore for holidays.
How To Reach
From Airport:
The distance between Dodda Alada Mara from Bangalore Airport is about 64 km and after you land, there are several options you could use to travel. There is a taxi service available from Bangalore airport and it can take up to 2 hours to reach Dodda Alada Mara.
You can also take a bus from the airport to Dodda Aladamara but it can take up to 4 hours to reach there.
Best Time To Visit
The best months to visit Dodda Alada Mara is after the rainy season and before the summer season in between January and April. Temperatures around these months are decent and less humid visitors can easily enjoy a peaceful day and various other activities.
The best time to rejoice the place is in the evening and early morning. Early morning walks and activities including cycling are enjoyed here while evening picnics are a really great way to relish the place.
Other Essential Information
Location: Dodda Alada Mara, Tavarekere, Uttarahalli Hobli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562130
Tips For Visiting Dodda Alada Mara:
There is some necessary information which the visitors must know before journeying to Dodda Alada Mara.
-Don't forget to wear loose clothes and shoes -The entire area is scattered with shreds of branches and small rocks. It is best if visitors wear shoes while walking around the place. Additionally, loose clothes are also a good option since the place can get really humid during the day.
-Be aware of the monkeys - The area is surrounded by a bunch of monkeys and if you carry food around they might just jump in on you and snatch it. To be on the safer side be aware of them and try not to eat around the monkeys.
-The best time to visit the place is between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM in the morning and after 4:00 PM in the evening.
Haunted Stories of the Dodda Alada Mara
Dodda Alada Mara being a 400-year-old establishment has its fair share of haunted and scary stories. Few says that the tourists who have taken photographs at and around the location have seen some kind of ghosts in the photos.
There are also stories of spirits of individuals who were once killed in an accident on the highway near the Big Banyan Tree now, surround the tree and haunt the local residents of the place. There are also a lot of ancient haunted tales that encapsulate Dodda Alada Mara and are quite famous among the local residents.
The residents have also dedicated a certain time late at night when witches come to roam around the 3 acres of land and haunt people who enter the premises. However, these are just stories and should not stop you from discovering the magnificence of the tree.
There have been individuals who have tried their methods of manipulating photos and videos to prove the existence of the paranormal but nothing has ever surfaced. Although spooky, some might find the stories fascinating and visitors can also talk to the locals here to enjoy the latest tales and horrifying stories.
Activities at the Dodda Alada Mara
Picnic - The vast dry land covered by various branches of the tree provides for a perfect place to enjoy a calm and relaxing picnic amidst the huge limbs of the Dodda Alada Mara. Visitors from across the town treat the place as the perfect weekend getaway location with family and friends.
Sit and relax - Apart from fantastically maintained, the tree area is embedded with a number of benches and a clean seating arrangement. Visitors can simply unwind and admire the magnificence of Dodda Alada Mara. You can also enjoy the sunset and evening sceneries from around here.
Pray - There is a temple established right in the middle of the 3-acre Banyan tree land. Since the tree itself is holy for the Hindus, there are a number of devotees visiting the place quite frequently. The temple serves perfectly for them to enjoy a calm time praying.
Strolling around - The calming shed developed from the long branches of the tree makes it perfect for visitors to enjoy long walks at any time of the day. Especially in the evening when the soft wind blows through the trees and the sun is settling, walking down through Dodda Alada Mara during this time is majestical.
Monkey Spotting - The extended branches and lanky limps of Dodda Alada Mara have allowed monkeys to be a common affair here. Visitors can enjoy a fun time spotting them. The authorized also warn visitors to keep their food away from the monkeys since they are known for snapping it out of the tourist's hands.
Cycling - One of the more leisure yet adventurous activities to do around Dodda Alada Mara is cycling. There are several organizations that plan cycling activities here. The activity starts early in the morning and goes on for a couple of hours. Visitors can simply cycle through the enormous tree area to the Manchandela Dam allocated in the vicinity of Dodda Alada Mara.
Enjoy Snacks and Meals - The place is visitors by a number of tourists and it is also established on the main Bangalore - Mysore Road. This has allowed a number of restaurants and snack shops to open around the area. It is perfect for visitors who have spent hours exploring the vast land to just relax, unwind and relish some delicious snacks and beverages while enjoying the ancestry of the tree.
Photography - Since there is no restriction on taking pictures here, visitors can take several snaps to capture the beauty of the magnificent Dodda Alada Mara.
Attractions at the Dodda Alada Mara
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga - The mesmerizing temple, capped with beautiful architecture homes the statue of Lord Shiva's and 12 Jyotirlingas. Visitors can simply admire a calm time praying and appreciating the gorgeous view from the hilltop. Ceremonies prayers happen in the temple every day in which the visitors can participate in too.
The four fountain spa - Exploring the Big Banaya tree can be really taxing and the Four Fountain Spa provides the perfect spot for visitors to enjoy a peaceful time. It is a unisex spa delivering top amenities like body massage, body polish, body wraps and more.
Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple - The temple is highly appreciated for its distinct architectural design and devotions. A Lord Shiva statue is established right in the middle of two enormous rocks. The place is also encapsulated with a ton of visitors and devotees especially during Makar Sankranti when the sun rays fall directly on the Shiv Ling for a brief period of time and travelers from across the nation visit to capture this mystical moment.
Bannerghatta National Park - A spectacular place housing some of the most magnificent creatures of the wildlife, Bannerghatta National Park is located at a distance from the Big Banyan Tree but is a place one must visit. Wildlife creatures like White Tiger, Lions, Monkeys, Bengal Tigers, Elephants, Various species of birds among other animals magnify the place. Safari rides are also available for large groups and families. All in all, it is perfect for weekend flights.
Turahalli Forest - A reserved forest established right in the middle of the city, the Turahalli forest is embedded with a ton of activities. From Hilltop picnics to long walks and more there is a lot to do around the density of the vast tropics. Cycling and trekking are one of the most common activities enjoyed here.
