Dodda Aalada Mara and Manchanabele Dam

Date: 21-Sep-13
I had not been to either Big Banyan Tree or Manchanabele dam earlier, whereas Thilak had been to both these places once before. This was a suddenly planned trip. We decided to travel post lunch. We had lunch at Jayanagar and started at around 1.30 PM, we took Mysore road to reach Dodda Aalada Mara (Big Banyan Tree). As the name itself suggests, the tree was huge. It was 400 years old. Below the tree, there were many benches to sit.

Dodda Alada Mara (Big Banyan Tree)

We spent around 1 hr there, talking, talking and only talking. Weather was cloudy and the place under the tree was cool and beautiful.
We started towards Manchanbele dam at around 3.45 PM. Manchanabele is only 10 km from Big Banyan tree. On the way, it started to rain heavily. Both of us enjoyed the rainy ride and reached Manchanabele dam at around 4.00 PM.

Manchanabele

The entry was restricted to the Manchanabele dam. So, we went near the Manchanabele lake. The lake water was pure and the place was very calm. Both of us were not interested in getting into the water. So, we just sat on the rock, chatted for a long time and enjoyed the beauty of nature.We started back from there at around 5.30 PM. Although the place didn’t have anything to see in particular and road was not in a very good condition, we felt happy being there.

• Route travelled: HSR Layout > Jayanagar > Mysore Road > Dodda Aalada Mara > Manchanabele
• Total distance travelled (To & Fro): 100 km
• Mileage (Car): 21 km/l
• Fuel expense: 395 Rs
• Total expense: 500 Rs
• Challenges: No good hotels nearby.
• Photos: Dodda Alada Mara and Manchanabele Photos

Route Map: