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Dodda Alada Mara or the Big Banyan Tree located at Kethohalli is perfect for your one-day trip from Bengaluru. Go here with your family, friends, and loved ones to spend your time in a peaceful and serene environment.

Dodda Alada Mara is the 400-Year old tree

Dodda Alada Mara, when literally translated in English, means “Big Banyan Tree.” It is a 400-year-old tree and is so big that it occupies 3 acres of land. This site is converted into a park where visitors can relax beneath this giant tree.

The big banyan tree is an ideal picnic spot

If you are looking for places within 50 km from Bengaluru, the Dodda Alada Mara is the ideal picnic spot. This destination is also a perfect one-day trip from Bangalore. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, it’s going to be a fun ride.

The horticulture department has maintained the park well, making it pleasant to walk on the pathways and relax on the benches.

Shri Muneeshwara Swamy Temple

The park has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The devotees can have a quick darshan at the temple.

The Monkey Warning

The Dodda Alada Mara park has a monkey population. Children will enjoy watching them but ensure to maintain the distance.

If you show them food, you will provoke the monkeys, so hide your snacks inside your bag before entering the park. Have fun watching the monkeys from a distance.

Horticulture Department Notice Board

The Dodda Alada Mara is no doubt is a peaceful and calm place to be. A place where you can take a long walk breathing fresh air. All thanks to the horticulture department, which is doing its best to maintain the park.   

But you got to read what the horticulture department has to say on the notice board at the site.

Big Banyan Tree is the 4th Biggest in the world

Dodda Alada Mara, or the Big Banyan Tree at this site, is the 4^th largest tree in the world. However, this tree now lives without its main trunk! The first three are in Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata, and Tamil Nadu.

As typical to its species, the main tree has spread out widely with several aerial roots over the years. With thousands of “roots spread out,” the tree covers an area of 3 acres.

The present crown of the tree has a circumference of about 120 meters, and the highest branch rises to about 95 feet.

The Banyan Tree has no primary trunk

A few years back (in yr 2000), the primary trunk of the tree succumbed to natural illness. Therefore the tree appears like several trees.

Popular Tourist Destination

One can walk alongside the hanging prop roots, which creates a relaxed and shady environment. The big banyan tree has been a popular joint for quite some time and a tourist’s favorite place.

It is pathetic that almost every branch and the trunk of the tree has been etched by vandals.

The tree’s aging needs necessary support to the branches, and the people who visit the site are advised not to get close to them. The aging tree is now being monitored by the department of horticulture.

It should be the responsibility of every visitor to save the heritage tree for our next generation.

Prohibited inside Dodda Alada Mara

Let’s care for the trees and the future generation.

Park Timings

8.00 am to 5.30 pm

The Dodda Alada Mara park is open all days of the week. However, try to arrive at this place before 5.30 pm.  

How to reach

If you are traveling from Bengaluru, you got to hit the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway. Take a right turn just before Rajarajeswarai Engineering College that will lead straight to Dodda Alada Mara.

Due to the metro construction, you will miss the turn. It is better to switch on Google map and follow.

What to carry

Keep all your food in your vehicle and just carry water. Dispose of empty bottles in the dustbins if need to be. By doing this, you will help keep the place clean, hygienic and not provoke the monkeys.

Restaurants

There are restaurants, tea stalls, and bakeries outside the Dodda Alada Mara park. Or you may head to Manchinebele dam to try some fried fish.

FAQ

Conclusion

If you are looking for places to visit near Bangalore within 50 km, then Dodda Alada Mara is the best picnic spot. Whether riding alone or traveling with family, friends, or loved ones,  you will enjoy your time here.

You can also extend your trip until Manchinbele Dam and enjoy beautiful sights en-route. It is about 9 km from Big Banyan Tree. The dam is closed to visitors, but you can still enjoy the dam view from a bit of distance.

Nearest Tourist Attraction

• Manchinbele dam (9 km)
• Ramadevara Hill, Ramanagara (33 kms)

Hope you enjoyed the content and that you were able to make appropriate travel decisions. Please recommend the best of Bengaluru travel and food by commenting below.