Nestled in the heart of the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur, near Kolkata, The Great Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) stands as a timeless testament to nature’s grandeur and India’s cultural legacy.
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📜 Quick Facts at a Glance:
- 🕰️ Age: Over 250 years old
- 📏 Area Covered: Around 1.94 acres (7,860 sq. meters)
- 🔁 Trunk Circumference: More than 330 meters (1,083 feet)
- 🌱 Aerial Roots: Has 2,880+ aerial roots supporting its massive canopy
- 📐 Height: Stands tall at approximately 24 meters (79 feet)
🛡️ Heritage & Conservation:
- 🌿 Heritage Status: Officially recognized as a “Heritage Tree” by the Indian government
- ✂️ Maintenance: Carefully pruned and maintained by garden authorities to preserve its health and legacy
🌍 Ecological & Cultural Importance:
- 🐦 Habitat: Home to numerous birds, bats, and insects
- 🙏 Cultural Significance: Revered as sacred by many and seen as a symbol of Kolkata’s natural heritage
- 🧭 Tourism: Draws millions of visitors every year from across the globe
The Great Banyan is more than just a tree—it’s a living monument of resilience, growth, and harmony between nature and people. A visit to this botanical marvel is not just a walk under branches, but a journey through history, culture, and ecological wonder.
