Big Banyan Tree, Karnataka

Big Banyan Tree - Manchanbele Dam

Big Banyan Tree also called as Dodda Alada Mara in Kannada language is a beautiful location for a Bangalore residents to freak out. It is ideally located and quite easily accessible. This single tree is one of the largest of its type and is spread on 4 acres of land. It is believed that this Big banyan Tree is more than 400 years old.
This is the 4th biggest banyan tree after the one in Andhra Pradesh, chennai and kolkata. The whole tree location is fenced and one can walk alongside the roots which by themselves look like branches of the tree, also the walk it self will be cool as it is shady location. You can find a Shiva temple in this location. 

Shady region of Big Banyan Tree

Another View

Full View

Manchanbele Dam View from a distance (approaching...)

Manchanabele Dam

A few kilometers away from Big Banyan tree is picturesque Manchanbele Dam and the drive to this dam is a beautiful country side drive. It is around 10 to 11kms. The dam is surrounded by the hills and is quite green. Venturing into the backwaters for swim is strictly prohibited as it is very dangerous and there are many incidents which is very unfavorable for  such activities.

Travel:

Get on to Bangalore-Mysore Road (get on to any NICE Road junctions and drop yourself on Mysore road, this will help in avoiding the hectic city traffic), travel up to Rajarajeshwari Dental college and take deviation towards right. There are sign boards to guide you. After taking right, one will find a Railway Crossing, followed by and UB Beverages unit Mc.Dowell. Just drive down with no deviations upto a junction where you will find two roads, I must admit I might be incorrect so I suggest you to enquire some villagers there, but it is a left turn to Big Banyan Tree. Proceed further to big banyan tree till you find a junction, and then take the left to reach Manchanbele Dam by driving down around 10 to 11 Kms. Word of caution on this road, please enquire people on the way for the approach, it is said that, some approaches are closed during some times of the year based on the seasons.

Food: It is a nice place for a family lunch under a shady huge tree, so one could carry food from home and have it there. I am sure you will enjoy the food more than any local eat outs there. There are couple of restaurants and snacks shop to quickly fill your stomach. Beware of monkeys. 

Stay: I do not see any reason why one need to stay in this place. So no description is provide