The Great Banyan tree

Locally it is know as the Adyar Aala maram, or the Adyar Bodhi tree, and is a real landmark not only of Adyar but also of Chennai.  It is situated in the middle of the Theosophical Society Campus and is estimated to be the second largest banyan tree in India.

The tree is around 450 years old and is thought to be one of the largest banyan trees in the whole world. The total area occupied by the tree and its offshoots, is estimated to be around 40,000 square feet. It came with the property when it was acquired and continues to miraculously survive and even thrive despite severe storm damage to its main trunk in 1989.