[Sudden123]

I had driven down to The Big Banyan Tree and found it to be a good stopover while travelling from Bangalore to Mysore. It is situated in Kethohalli village, 28 kilometers from Bangalore. It is maintained by a public sector bank and is now popularly called Dodda Alada Mara Udyanavana or the Big Banyan Tree Garden.
The main tree has over the years spread out with several prop roots as is typical of the Ficus Benghalensis species. While some of the prop roots have died down, new ones are still growing from the healthier branches.

It is believed that the Big Banyan Tree symbolizes the holy trinity of Hindu Gods. The root, stem and branches represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva respectively. The Banyan Tree has its place in Buddhism as well as Lord Buddha attained his enlightenment under one.

Here is a bit of trivia on how the Banyan tree got its name.The tree got its name from “Banias" or Indian traders who relaxed under its shade and displayed their wares! From 17th century onwards English writers began to refer to the tree as Banyan Tree. Daniel Defoe featured it in his 1719 novel where Robinson Crusoe made his home in a Banyan Tree, as those with a good memory will recall from their school days!

[Fauji]

Originally Posted by Sudden123

Here is a bit of trivia on how the Banyan tree got its name.The tree got its name from “Banias" or Indian traders who relaxed under its shade and displayed their wares! From 17th century onwards English writers began to refer to the tree as Banyan Tree. Daniel Defoe featured it in his 1719 novel where Robinson Crusoe made his home in a Banyan Tree, as those with a good memory will recall from their school days!

The tree is also a favourite spot with filmwallahs and many songs and fight sequences have been shot there inclusding the "Ye dosti" song of Sholay.

BTW, didn't you visit the small but beautiful reservoir of Machanabele which is seven Kms from Big Banyan tree? On a clear day, a nice place to see sun set and also for bird watching. Take alook at this link

PAYANIGA | Bird watching @ Manchanabele

Ideally, it would be good to club Big Banyan tree with Big Banyan + Manchanabele + Savanadurga + Famous temple of Ranganatha in Tirumale on outskirts of Magadi magadi and drive back on Magadi road after visiting TG Halli reservoir for a day trip. Take alook at this link

Payana...: Rock Climbing Series – I: Savandurga

[Sudden123]

Hi. I did trek up savanadurga but on an earlier occasion!

[skandyhere]

Can you brief us on the condition of the road towards Big Banyan off Mysore Road? In case you know about it, I'd also like to know how the road is beyond, towards the Manchanbele dam.

[Sudden123]

the road from mysore road to Big Banyan is ok. Not great but manageable in any car. I didnot proceed to Manchanbele dam but have heard is a lot rougher