The Inkaya Historical Plane Tree is a giant plane tree over 600 years old, located on the 3rd kilometer of the Uluda road in Osmangazi district of Bursa; its height reaches 35 meters, its trunk circumference is 9.2 meters, and it welcomes visitors with tea gardens in its shade.
The Inkaya Plane Tree appears on the roadside at the third kilometer when ascending from Bursa to Uluda. It stands in Inkaya Neighborhood, part of Osmangazi, at an altitude of 610 meters above sea level. With a history spanning over 600 years, it is believed to have witnessed the period of the Ottoman Empire's establishment. Some sources state its age as 615-620 years.
The numbers are truly impressive: the trunk circumference is 9.2 meters, its diameter is 3 meters, and its height is measured between 35-37 meters. It has 13 main branches, each as thick as a normal tree trunk, and these branches together form a shaded area of approximately 250 square meters. It has been registered as a monumental tree by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. Its heavy branches are supported by steel cables to prevent breakage.
The area beneath the tree has been transformed into a tea garden. Most visitors come here to drink tea, and some eat gözleme (Turkish flatbread). Some comments complain about the area being full of tables, making it difficult to approach the tree. However, some visitors see this as a natural part of the experience and enjoy sitting in the shade. It gets particularly crowded on weekends.
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Guide's Note
The Inkaya Historical Plane Tree is an easily accessible stop on the Uluda route due to its proximity to Bursa. The vast majority of visitors state that seeing the trunk and wide branches of this colossal plane tree, standing for over 600 years, leaves a unique impression. It is understood to be a preferred spot for relaxation, especially in summer, due to its shady and cool structure.
The surrounding tea gardens and scenic resting areas add a distinct charm to the place. Prices are generally found to be reasonable; visitors have shared that tea is around 25 TL and a fruit plate is around 200 TL. The sweet fruit plate is also among the recommended options to try.
However, some points highlighted by visitors include:
- Service time: There are complaints about orders taking up to half an hour and arriving incomplete.
- Tea quality: At least one visitor mentioned that the tea did not meet their expectations.
When to Visit
In spring and summer, the plane tree's leaves provide full shade, making this period more enjoyable for a visit. In winter, the tree loses its leaves, but the size of the trunk and branches is still impressive. On weekends, especially in the afternoon, the number of visitors significantly increases. Most of those who complain about the crowds in comments encountered them during these hours. Weekday mornings are recommended for a peaceful visit.
How to Get There
The Inkaya Plane Tree is located on the road ascending from Bursa to Uluda, 4 km from Çekirge. According to Culture Portal data, it is at the third kilometer on the road. It takes approximately 10 minutes by private car from Çekirge, and the road is the same main avenue leading to Uluda. Those going to Uluda for skiing or a nature trip can easily stop by on their way back.
Duration of Visit
15-20 minutes is sufficient to see the tree and take photos. For those who wish to sit and relax in the tea garden, the duration can extend to 40 minutes-1 hour. When combined with a trip to Uluda, it can be considered a small stop on a full-day itinerary.
How to Add to Your Itinerary
The Inkaya Plane Tree works well as a starting or ending point for an Uluda trip. It's logical to stop by when leaving thermal hotels in Çekirge and heading to Uluda, or on the way back after descending by cable car. Among the routes suggested by visitbursa.org are nature and culture-themed tours that include this tree. It can be added as a small stop to a one-day out-of-city program in Bursa.
What to Eat Under the Tree
Gözleme and tea are served at the tea garden under the plane tree. One visitor's comment stated that tea was 25 TL, a teapot was between 180-420 TL, and gözleme was around 150 TL. As these prices may vary, please confirm current information before visiting. Breakfast options are also offered.
Things to Pay Attention To
The area around the tree is largely covered with tables. Some visitors state that this turns the natural area into a commercial space, making photography difficult. Morning hours are more suitable for those who want to take photos without people. Weekend crowds should also be taken into consideration.
Photography Tip
To fit the tree's trunk and 13 main branches into a single frame, it's necessary to shoot from a little further back, from the opposite side. During less crowded hours, the true size of the branches becomes clearer. From a lighting perspective, coming before noon can be preferred to capture the light filtering through the branches.
FAQ
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