MaaNi called at 10 am with the plan to bike to the Big Banyan tree in RamohaLLi, about 18 km from Bangalore, on the road to Mysore. I dint think twice. Having company to bike was a reason enough, infact! And no harm in seeing the place, i decided.
An hour and half later, we left from MaaNi's place, and met up with couple of his friends - Vinay and Pradeep near Rajarajeshwari Nagar on Mysore Road. Riding onwards, we took a right turn next to Sri Rajajeshwari Dental College, beyond Kengeri. The road from here to the Big Banyan was under construction and a torture both to the bikes and the riders. Thankfully, it lasted only about 3 km, and another 6 km straight ahead on the road, we reached the Big Banyan - doDDa Alada mara.
The information board at the entrance said that the tree was around 400 years old and spread over 3-4 acres. I ain't too good at such large-scale measurements, based on mere observation, but I am positive that the area was under 2 acres - this I surmised, coz my high school playground in Manipal which housed a big football ground, 2 basketball courts and 4 volleyball courts, I knew was 3 acres large. It was just about a decent place for half-a-day's picnic for families. Nothing too great, I personally felt. Clicked some snaps, lie down on the grass and chatted for an hour and started back at around 2 pm.
On the way back, took the route from the other side, through MaagaDi road. The road was very nice, and worth the extra km we had to ride. Had a late lunch at 3 pm in one of the restaurants on the way, and got back at about 4 30 pm, covering 70 km in the day. Short and mildly-sweet bike trip for the weekend! :-)
