The Banyan tree is native to India/Pakistan. The youngest planted in the region are decades old, you can imagine the age of the old ones(probably thousands of years).
These trees are like my ancestors. They've seen more than anyone alive now. They've seen great wars, many dynasties come and go, the British rule in India and so much more. During the British rule, the government used to hang the rebels with the Banyan tree. After the independence it was made the national tree of India.
The first European ever to witness these trees was Alexander of Macedonia when he came to India. He then reported back to Theophrastus, founder of modern botany.
Banyan trees are the biggest in terms of the area they cover. The shade they provide even in the hottest day is surprisingly cold and relaxing.
Reflection of a banyan tree
Captured with iPhone
