In Uttar Pradesh, the trees documented as part of The Big Tree Quest often mark places connected to history and mythology. From sites linked to the freedom movement to those rooted in belief, these trees continue to hold relevance over time.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
A huge banyan tree stands in Bareilly, locally known as Budha Bargad. It is associated with events from the 1857 uprising, when, as recorded on the memorial at the site, 133 freedom fighters were hanged from this tree by British forces on 4 June 1857.
The executions were carried out in public, with locals forced to witness them. A memorial now stands beside the tree, marking the site and recording the names connected to the event.
Species: Adansonia digitata (Baobab, locally known as Parijaat)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
A large, sacred tree stands at Kintoor village, locally known as the Parijaat. It is associated with long-standing beliefs linking it to the Mahabharata, with local stories connecting it to Kunti and Arjuna. The tree is regarded as a Kalpavriksha at the site and is considered highly sacred.
The tree is maintained within a protected enclosure, with nets placed around it to ensure that even fallen leaves do not touch the ground. The entire space is structured around preserving the tree, reflecting the level of reverence associated with it.
Species: Ficus religiosa (Peepal)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
A large peepal tree stands directly in the middle of a road in Dahkheri. The road has been built around the tree, retaining it in place rather than removing it during expansion.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: ~5000+ years (as locally believed)
At Shukratal stands a huge banyan tree, known as the Akshay Vat, rising prominently within the temple complex. The tree is associated with the site where Sage Sukhdev is believed to have narrated the Bhagavata Purana to King Parikshit.
The tree is regarded as ever-living in local belief, with its presence closely tied to the idea of continuity and endurance. Devotees gather around it, often tying threads along the trunk and branches as part of their visit.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented (identified as among the oldest through carbon dating)
A banyan tree stands at the Sidhbari temple near Narora, close to the Ganga belt in this region. The site is also known for the nearby atomic power plant, but the tree itself has recently come into focus for a different reason.
Studies and carbon dating have identified this banyan as one of the oldest of its kind. The tree shows signs of age and structural stress, but continues to stand, supported by the attention it receives locally.
Species: Mangifera indica (Mango)
Estimated age: ~120–125 years
A mango tree in Malihabad cultivated by Kaleem Ullah Khan, known for carrying over 300 varieties on a single tree through grafting. Each branch produces a different type of mango, varying in size, color, and taste.
The varieties range from very small fruits to larger ones like Noor Jahan, which can grow up to 2–5 kg. Some varieties have also been named after well-known personalities.
The tree has been developed over decades using grafting techniques, turning it into a single tree with multiple distinct varieties growing together.
Species: Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton / Semal)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
A red silk cotton tree stands within the Taj Mahal complex, identified locally as a Shah Jahan Semal. The tree shows signs of past damage, with a major break visible higher up the trunk.
Despite this, new shoots have emerged, and the tree continues to regrow. Its size and form indicate that it is an old tree within the complex.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
Akshayavat, the “perpetual” banyan tree in Prayagraj, is located within the Allahabad Fort near the Sangam. It is known for a long-standing belief that the tree has endured through time despite repeated attempts to destroy it.
The tree does not have a single visible main trunk and is largely made up of aerial roots that continue to grow and sustain it.
It is regarded as an enduring presence at the site and is visited as part of the larger religious landscape of Prayagraj.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
A huge banyan tree stands in Bareilly, locally known as Budha Bargad. It is associated with events from the 1857 uprising, when, as recorded on the memorial at the site, 133 freedom fighters were hanged from this tree by British forces on 4 June 1857.
The executions were carried out in public, with locals forced to witness them. A memorial now stands beside the tree, marking the site and recording the names connected to the event.
Type: Petrified fossil wood
Estimated age: ~250 million years (Upper Permian)
A fossilized tree trunk identified as Dadoxylon sp., originating from the Raniganj Formation in present-day West Bengal. The specimen dates back to the Upper Permian period, making it approximately 250 million years old.
The trunk has undergone petrification, where the original wood structure has been replaced by minerals over time, preserving its form in stone. Despite its age, the grain and texture of the original tree are still visible on the surface.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: ~200 years
A banyan tree stands in Baksar, quiet and unassuming within the surroundings, but tied to a moment from the 1857 uprising. This is the tree where Raja Rao Ram Baksh Singh, the ruler of Daundia Khera and a close associate of Nana Sahib, was hanged by British forces in 1859.
The tree remains at the site, carrying that association. What appears today as a regular banyan in a park-like setting holds a specific place in the local memory of resistance from that period.
Species: Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadamba)
Estimated age: ~6000 years (as locally believed)
A kadamba tree stands at Cheer Ghat in Vrindavan, associated with stories of Lord Krishna’s childhood and his time spent in this area. The tree is considered very old, with local belief linking it back to that period.
Parts of the tree show age, with a few branches no longer alive, but the tree itself continues to remain active and growing.
Cheer Ghat is connected to a well-known Krishna narrative, where he is said to have climbed a kadamba tree here. The present tree is identified with that location and stands within a small temple setting close to the Yamuna.
Species: Adansonia digitata (Baobab)
Estimated age: ~800 years (as reported)
An ancient baobab tree stands on the banks of the Yamuna at Jhunsi, directly across from the main Prayagraj side. The tree is associated with a nearby shrine and is considered to be very old.
The tree shows visible signs of damage, with large portions of its bark stripped away. While some leaves are still visible, much of the trunk appears exposed, possibly due to human use of the bark.
Located close to a major gathering point for river festivals held periodically, the tree has likely witnessed repeated cycles of large public gatherings over time, though it is currently not in its best condition.