Sravasti is an important historical and religious attraction in Uttar Pradesh. The place has for long been attached to Lord Buddha and his times. In Buddhist times (6th century BC-6th century AD), Shravasti was capital of the kingdom of Kosala and was important both as a prosperous trading centre and for its religious associations. Buddha is believed to have spent 24 monsoons in the city. It is said that Buddha sat on a lotus with a thousand petals and multiplied his image a million times. A divine sight that silenced his critics. Age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples near the village of Sahet-Mahet, highlight Buddha's association with Shravasti. An important religious site is the Jetavana Monastery, which was erected in a garden outside the walls of the city and presented to the Buddha by a wealthy banker, Anathapinaka.

Tourist Places Around Sravasti

The Devi Patan Temple is located some 28 km from Sravasti. It is one of the most important Shaktipeeths in the region, revered by Hindus in India and Nepal. Sankissa is the place where the Buddha descended from heaven along with Lord Brahma and Devaraj Indra after giving a discourse to his mother, Mayadevi who had died soon after giving birth to him. Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar with an elephant capital to mark this holy spot. Sankissa is situated on the banks of river Kali and is most easily accessible from Agra, which is 175 km away. The nearest railhead is Pakhna, 11.5 km away.

Climate of Sravasti

Sravasti, due to its location in the Gangatic plains and proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, enjoys a comfortable winter but a really hot summer. In the winters, the night temperature can go down to around 10°C and the day temperature to 20°C. October-November and February-March are almost always comfortable and sunny.

How to Reach Sravasti?

By Air - The nearest airport from Sravasti is Lucknow, 176 km away. One can take flights for other cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi from Lucknow.
By Rail - The nearest railway station from Sravasti is Gainjahwa, on the Gonda-Naugarh-Gorakhpur loop line. Gonda and Gorakhpur are connected to the other cities in India through a fairly good number of trains.
By Road - Sravasti is connected with Gonda, Gorakhpur, Lucknow and other cities in central Uttar Pradesh through state transport corporation buses. The nearest large town from Sravasti is Balrampur some 20 km away.