The Great Banyan Tree

Historical landmark · Howrah

The Great Banyan Tree

Historical landmark · Howrah

1

B. Garden New Gate, Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India

Photos

The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by Wikimedia (Biswarup Ganguly)
The Great Banyan Tree by Wikimedia (Biswarup Ganguly)
The Great Banyan Tree by Wikimedia (Biswarup Ganguly)
The Great Banyan Tree by Wikimedia (Biswarup Ganguly)
The Great Banyan Tree by Paul Hamilton (Creative Commons)
The Great Banyan Tree by raj dip/Flickr (Creative Commons)
The Great Banyan Tree by Wikimedia (Biswarup Ganguly)
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null
The Great Banyan Tree by null

Highlights

World's widest tree, a 250-year-old clonal colony  

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B. Garden New Gate, Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India Get directions

Information

Static Map

B. Garden New Gate, Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India Get directions

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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@atlasobscura

These 23 Trees Have Seen Some Things

"The Great Banyan Tree is over 250 years old and covers about 14,500 square meters of land (3.5 acres) in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden near Kolkata (Calcutta), making it the widest tree in the world. Banyan is the tree native to India and is botanically it is known as Ficus benghalensis. From a distance, the tree has the appearance of a forest, but what appear to be individual trees are actually aerial roots- around 3,600 of them. After two cyclones in the 19th century that led to a fungal attack, the tree’s main 15.7-meter-wide (51-foot) trunk had to be removed. Fortunately, the “clonal colony” of the tree itself remains healthy. A 330-meter-long road was constructed around the tree so that visitors could drive around the circumference, but the Great Banyan continues to spread beyond, growing wider with each passing year. Currently, it is already over 450-meters. There are other large banyan trees across India, including the Old Banyan in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the Gigantic Banyan Tree in Ranthambore National Park, and the Big Banyan in Bangalore." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/trees-witness-history
View Postcard for The Great Banyan Tree

Upasana Ghosh

Google
The Great Banyan tree is a marvel indeed. It is in an enclosed space that prohibits visitors to enter. It's well-maintained and is an ecosystem in itself. There is peace and quiet which is such a welcome in the congested city. Will definitely recommend everyone visit at least once for it is truly spectacular and will leave you in awe because of its sheer size.

halder subha

Google
The Great Banyan Tree is truly a wonder of nature! It’s amazing to see how one single tree has spread over such a huge area, almost like an entire forest by itself. The massive canopy offers cool shade and creates a peaceful atmosphere — perfect for photography and nature lovers. It’s well-maintained and clearly marked inside the Botanic Garden. A must-visit spot if you’re in Kolkata or Howrah — standing under this living giant feels magical!

Abhijeet Maity

Google
A one of its kind tree in the world. More than 270 years old with the largest canopy in the world. Main trunk is not present as it has been removed. With almost 4200 prop roots, the tree doesn't even look like a normal tree. Covers an area of almost 20000 sq m. Do visit this amazing living legend.

Manorama C

Google
When we came to see the Banyan tree 20 years ago (2005), we went under the tree and enjoyed the place very much. But today, (December 2024), the entire tree with approximately 19000 sq.meters is covered with fencing. We can get a long view photo only. The big Lilly leaves are an eye feast. Other than these two, we can do the nature walk only. Nothing else. In walking time, there is no ticket. (Morning 2 hours, evening 2 hours). After that, a visitors ticket is 30 rs. to watch the greenery.

Prashant Dabas

Google
It is in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, India. It is a nice place to visit with family and it is spread in 1.89 hectares and it is still growing. Near it there is a kitchen garden with many plants like black tomato, cauliflower, brinjal etc and near it there is a pond with lotus.

U.A. Elaya Perumal AARI

Google
One of the oldest and biggest tree. The Great Banyan Tree is a Natural Marvel of indian Botanic garden. The Great Banyan Tree is a magnificent banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) located in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, India. It is one of the most iconic and largest trees in the world, renowned for its immense size and age. Key features and facts about the Great Banyan Tree: * Immense size: The tree covers an area of approximately 18,918 square meters (about 1.89 hectares or 4.67 acres). Its crown has a circumference of 486 meters, and the highest branch rises to 24.5 meters. * Age: Estimated to be over 300 years old, it has witnessed centuries of history and change. * Aerial roots: The tree has a vast network of aerial roots that reach down to the ground and become prop roots, supporting its massive canopy. These roots give the tree the appearance of a forest. * History: The tree has survived several major cyclones, including two in the 19th century that led to the removal of its main trunk. Despite this, the tree continued to grow and thrive. * Cultural significance: The Great Banyan Tree is a symbol of India's rich biodiversity and natural heritage. It is a popular tourist destination and a place of spiritual significance for many.

SANGEETA NAYAR

Google
The Great Banyan Tree located in AJC Bose, Botanical Garden, Howrah is about 250 years old and is serving without main trunk for almost 100 years. It is a must visit place while in Kolkata

Sumit Bar

Google
We had our botany college excursion to this place. This great Banyan tree is the main attraction of the Indian botanical garden. It is over 250 years old and continues to grow its canopy through the open spaces. Proper maintenance is being taken by the staff here so that the Banyan tree can grow more.. it is the largest Banyan tree in the world and holds the Guinness World record.