The Great Banyan Tree In Kolkata Holds A World Record For The Widest Circumference!

Over two hundred and fifty years old, the ancient Great Banyan Tree has created a world record for having the widest circumference in the entire world!

Established in the year of 1787 and sprawled across the river banks of the Ganges river in the Shibpur area, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (more popularly known as the Botanical Garden) is home to an impressive collection of exotic plants from five continents. Being a tourist hotspot or the perfect destination for anyone who loves exploring the great variety of flora across the globe, the Botanical Garden includes an approximate of 12,000 perennial plants and shrubs, 1,400 species, rare orchids and exotic flowers in multiple, uncommon hues. 

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Image courtesy: Atlas Obscura

However, the centre of attraction in the Botanical Garden has to be the gigantic tree that is over two hundred and fifty years in age - the Great Banyan Tree. At first glance, you will definitely be under the impression that it is an entire forest of banyan trees that is covering the whole area and well, prepare to be shocked completely out of your wits! The appearance of a forest-like canopy is actually due to the branching out of 3,600 aerial roots of the main trunk and not formed due to the cluster of individual trees.

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Image courtesy: Flickr

Even after the enormous tree suffered from a fungal infection owing to the two cyclones that wreaked havoc during the 19th century, the eerie fact that the aerial roots of the clonal colony has survived and flourished in spite of the removal of the main trunk - that is simply wow! The Great Banyan Tree is also known as the ‘Walking Tree’ because of its strange affinity towards sunlight and the way it is steadily growing in that direction. As unbelievable as it sounds, the girth of the colossal tree has increased by no less than two acres over the past three decades! 

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Image courtesy: India Ink

Frequented by science lovers, academicians and photography enthusiasts, the Great Banyan Tree is indeed a natural wonder that will evoke an awed feeling in you as you are suddenly conscious of your minuscule appearance in front of its towering presence. Covering an incredible area of 14,500 square metres of land, the Great Banyan Tree features on the Guinness Book Of World Records for having the widest circumference in the whole world - now that sounds amazing, right?


Vertical image courtesy: Deskgram

Header image courtesy: TCM World

Social image courtesy: Express Travel, Pinterest


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