Vidyaranyapura is situated in the northern part of Bangalore city in the state of Karnataka, India. Vidyaranyapura, along with several other extensions of the city, comes under a constituency called Byatarayanapura.[7][8] It comes under the Greater Bangalore jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).[7][2]
History
Vidyaranyapura is a colony that was formed in the late 1970s.[3] It was formerly owned by a rich landlord, who still owns a large mango garden called Dinshaw Estate.[9] Legends suggest that it may have been a battlefield. This is supported by the name of a nearby place called Dandina Kodigehalli ('Dandu' in Kannada means a cantonment or military camp). The township is named after the great Kannada poet, saint, and priest, Vidyaranya.
Vidyaranyapura is west of the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, and Thindlu. The area has a variety of trees and plants, which were planted by the Forest Department while converting it into a residential area. The native tree is predominantly the eucalyptus. The soil is very rich in nutrients and has a distinct red color.
Biodiversity
Vidyaranyapura is known for the existence of a varied number of species. It also houses some beautiful lakes. The location is surrounded by ample greenery. Agricultural landforms a major part. There is a mango grove (earlier Dinshaw Estate) at the center of the locality. Soil humus content is high in the area, and red soil is found majorly. Almost all diversity of plants can be found or grown here, including those of medicinal value. The area does also has some animal diversity. The locality has a huge flock of pigeons. Rare birds in Bangalore like the Greater coucal are seen at silent places, sparrows can be found near to the Last Bus Stop. Cobra snakes are very common here and can be found in groups. Narasipura lake is home for a few turtles and mongooses. Common Indian toad and bullfrog are the various others traced in the area. Even a pangolin was found in the area in 2002.[10]