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Pilgrimage Guide › Sacred Sites 10–18 › Sravasti (Jetavana)
Sravasti Jetavana in Uttar Pradesh is the monastery where the Buddha spent more rainy seasons than anywhere else and gave many of his teachings. Ancient Sravasti was the capital of the Kosala kingdom and one of the eight great places of Buddhist pilgrimage.
Saheth-Maheth, Shravasti district, Uttar Pradesh
Jetavana Monastery (Saheth)
Balrampur (about 17–20 km)
Lucknow (about 170 km); Shravasti Airport for regional flights
October to March
One full day
In the Buddha’s time, Sravasti (Savatthi) was the capital of the Kosala kingdom, ruled by King Pasenadi, who became a devoted follower of the Buddha. The rich merchant Anathapindika bought a garden from Prince Jeta by covering the ground with gold coins, and built the Jetavana Monastery for the Buddha and the Sangha.
The Buddha spent around 24–25 rainy-season retreats at Sravasti, most of them at Jetavana, and many famous suttas begin with the words “at Savatthi, in Jeta’s Grove”. Here the Buddha transformed the bandit Angulimala into a peaceful monk, and here he performed the Twin Miracle. Today the ruins are found in two areas: Saheth, the Jetavana monastery, and Maheth, the ancient city.
Sravasti is where the Buddha lived the longest. Sitting at the Gandhakuti, the Buddha’s hut at Jetavana, pilgrims can chant the suttas in the very place where many of them were first taught. For Thai groups, it is one of the most peaceful and moving stops on the whole pilgrimage.
The story of Anathapindika’s generous gift also inspires pilgrims to practise dana (giving) and support the Sangha.
Sravasti is about 170 km from Lucknow, around 3–4 hours by road. The nearest railway station is Balrampur, about 17–20 km away. Shravasti Airport opened in 2024 for regional flights. Lumbini in Nepal is about 155 km away, so Sravasti fits well on the route between Lumbini and Lucknow.
October to March is the best time to visit. Sravasti is quieter than Bodh Gaya or Sarnath, which makes it ideal for long meditation and chanting at the Gandhakuti. Arrive early in the morning when the grounds are peaceful. Avoid July to September, when heavy rain can flood the low-lying roads.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
The Buddha spent more rainy seasons at Sravasti than anywhere else, mostly at Jetavana Monastery, and gave many of his teachings here. It is one of the eight great places of Buddhist pilgrimage.
Jetavana was built by the merchant Anathapindika, who bought the garden from Prince Jeta by covering the ground with gold coins.
Saheth is the site of the Jetavana Monastery, and Maheth is the site of the ancient city of Sravasti.
Lucknow airport is about 170 km away and Balrampur railway station about 17–20 km away. Shravasti Airport has regional flights.
Sravasti is about 155 km from Lumbini in Nepal, so the two are often visited one after the other.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
