In 2026, India's 550-Year-Old Great Banyan Tree is as big as an entire Forest
ETimes | July 26, 2026 2:39 PM CST
India is home to some of the most scenic sights in the world. The Great Banyan tree within the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah is one such tree. This tree continues to amaze scientists, tourists and nature enthusiasts even in 2026. The Great Banyan tree covers a huge expanse and appears to be a fully grown forest. However, what people fail to realize is that apart from this tree, there is another giant banyan tree, the Thimmamma Marrimanu , in Andhra Pradesh.
Two giant banyan trees, often mixed up
The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata is often compared to the Thimmamma Marrimanu tree in Andhra Pradesh. Although the Great Banyan tree is one of the widest trees in the world, the Thimmamma Marrimanu tree is one of the oldest trees, which has been recorded to be more than 500 years old and holds the record for the largest canopy spread in the world.
About Thimmamma Marrimanu
According to a report by Better Health, the Thimmamma Marrimanu tree in Andhra Pradesh is a giant tree that has attracted the attention of nature lovers and tourists from all around the country. This tree has a great religious importance in addition to being one of the largest trees in the world . This enormous tree has grown to be so big that it creates a feeling of a forest. However, what makes this tree so special is that it is a part of Andhra Pradesh’s culture.
The locals have a tradition of gathering together under the tree, in addition to offering prayers. Moreover, several local events and festivals are held around the tree, creating a sense of togetherness. Thimmamma Marrimanu is thus a tree that is loved by the locals as it provides a sense of belonging to a certain community, in addition to being a part of history and culture.
About The Great Banyan Tree
The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata has an extensive coverage of nearly 4.5 to 4.7 acres. This tree has been growing for more than 250 years and is among the widest trees in the world.
The most fascinating thing about this tree is that it does not have a single trunk. Instead, the tree has aerial roots that grow from the branches down to the ground. These roots then turn into trunks and add to the width of the tree.
In fact, the Great Banyan tree in Kolkata now has more than 3,700 aerial roots that serve as the trunks for the tree.
A huge forest within the Great Banyan tree
Due to the huge coverage and the aerial roots, the Great Banyan tree appears to be a jungle with a thick canopy that offers enough shelter to birds and animals.
One strange characteristic of the Great Banyan tree is its resilience. The main trunk of the tree died in 1925 due to cyclone and disease, however, the banyan tree continued to grow with the help of its aerial roots.
A giant tree that has stood the test of time
As of 2026, the circumference of the canopy of the Great Banyan tree is more than 330 meters, which makes it qualify as one of the largest trees in the world. The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata attracts thousands of tourists every year. It has been more than two and a half centuries since the tree first began to grow. Talking about Thimmamma Marrimanu tree, it covers about 5 acres of land, features over 4,000 aerial roots, and was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 as the largest tree specimen in the world.
Two giant banyan trees, often mixed up
The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata is often compared to the Thimmamma Marrimanu tree in Andhra Pradesh. Although the Great Banyan tree is one of the widest trees in the world, the Thimmamma Marrimanu tree is one of the oldest trees, which has been recorded to be more than 500 years old and holds the record for the largest canopy spread in the world.
About Thimmamma Marrimanu
According to a report by Better Health, the Thimmamma Marrimanu tree in Andhra Pradesh is a giant tree that has attracted the attention of nature lovers and tourists from all around the country. This tree has a great religious importance in addition to being one of the largest trees in the world . This enormous tree has grown to be so big that it creates a feeling of a forest. However, what makes this tree so special is that it is a part of Andhra Pradesh’s culture.
The locals have a tradition of gathering together under the tree, in addition to offering prayers. Moreover, several local events and festivals are held around the tree, creating a sense of togetherness. Thimmamma Marrimanu is thus a tree that is loved by the locals as it provides a sense of belonging to a certain community, in addition to being a part of history and culture.
About The Great Banyan Tree
The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata has an extensive coverage of nearly 4.5 to 4.7 acres. This tree has been growing for more than 250 years and is among the widest trees in the world.
The most fascinating thing about this tree is that it does not have a single trunk. Instead, the tree has aerial roots that grow from the branches down to the ground. These roots then turn into trunks and add to the width of the tree.
In fact, the Great Banyan tree in Kolkata now has more than 3,700 aerial roots that serve as the trunks for the tree.
A huge forest within the Great Banyan tree
Due to the huge coverage and the aerial roots, the Great Banyan tree appears to be a jungle with a thick canopy that offers enough shelter to birds and animals.
One strange characteristic of the Great Banyan tree is its resilience. The main trunk of the tree died in 1925 due to cyclone and disease, however, the banyan tree continued to grow with the help of its aerial roots.
A giant tree that has stood the test of time
As of 2026, the circumference of the canopy of the Great Banyan tree is more than 330 meters, which makes it qualify as one of the largest trees in the world. The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata attracts thousands of tourists every year. It has been more than two and a half centuries since the tree first began to grow. Talking about Thimmamma Marrimanu tree, it covers about 5 acres of land, features over 4,000 aerial roots, and was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 as the largest tree specimen in the world.
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