Welcome to the enchanting world of Shravasti, a hidden gem in India’s cultural tapestry. In this blog, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the most captivating and historically significant places this sacred city offers. From ancient Buddhist relics to lush natural wonders, Shravasti has something for every traveller. Let’s dive right in and explore the best Shravasti has in store for you.”
Here are the top tourist places in Shravasti, India:
1- Jetavana Monastery
Address: Jetavana, Katra, Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh 271805
Jetavana Monastery is one of the world’s most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is located in Shravasti, India, once a significant center of Buddhism. The monastery was founded in the 6th century BCE by a wealthy merchant named Anathapindika. It was a gift to the Buddha, who spent 25 rainy seasons there.
The monastery was once one of India’s largest and most opulent Buddhist monasteries. It covered an area of over 10 square kilometers and was home to thousands of monks. The monastery was surrounded by a wall and had several gates. Inside the monastery were several buildings, including a stupa, a meditation hall, and a library.
Invaders destroyed the monastery in the 13th century. Today, the ruins of the monastery can still be seen. The most notable ruins include the Ananda Bodhi Tree, which is said to have been planted by the Buddha himself, and the Mulagandhakuti, the Buddha’s residence.
Jetavana Monastery is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. It is a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings and his importance in the development of Buddhism.
2- Ananda Bodhi Tree
Address: Jetavana, Katra, Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh 271805
The Ananda Bodhi Tree is sacred in the Jetavana Monastery complex in Shravasti, India. Lord Buddha is said to have planted one of the four most sacred Bodhi trees in the Buddhist world.
The tree was planted in the 6th century BCE by Ananda, the Buddha’s closest disciple. The Buddha is said to have meditated under the tree for one night, adding sanctity.
The tree is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. It is believed that worshipping the tree can bring good fortune and enlightenment.
The tree is large and healthy. It is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. A brick wall surrounds the tree and has a small temple in front of it.
The Ananda Bodhi Tree is a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings and his importance in the development of Buddhism. It is a sacred site for Buddhists from all over the world.
3- Angulimala Stupa
Angulimala Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in the Mahet area of Shravasti, India. It is said to be built on the spot where Lord Buddha converted Angulimala, a serial killer, to Buddhism.
Angulimala was a ruthless dacoit who killed 999 people and collected their thumbs as trophies. He was going to kill his 1000th victim, his mother, when he met the Buddha. The Buddha convinced Angulimala to give up his violence and become a monk.
Angulimala Stupa is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It reminds the Buddha of his compassion and ability to transform even the most hardened criminals.
The stupa is a large, rectangular structure made of brick. A wall surrounds it and has a gate on each side. The stupa is topped with a dome and a spire.
4- Shobnath Jain Temple
Address: Mahet Rd, Jetavana, Katra, Shravasti, Rajgarh Gulahriya, Uttar Pradesh 271805
Shobnath Jain Temple is an ancient Jain temple located in the town of Shravasti, India. It is dedicated to Lord Sambhavnath, the third Jain Tirthankara. The temple is said to be built on the spot where Lord Sambhavnath was born. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Jains, and it is also a popular tourist attraction.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century CE. It is a large, impressive temple with several buildings and a large courtyard. The main temple building is a rectangular structure with a dome-shaped roof. The temple’s interior is decorated with several Jain sculptures and paintings.
The temple is also home to many other important Jain sites, including the Samavasarana, which is a place where Lord Sambhavnath is said to have taught his disciples. The temple has several libraries and museums, which house a collection of Jain manuscripts and artefacts.
Shobnath Jain Temple is a significant site in Jain history and culture. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Jains from all over the world. The temple is also a popular tourist attraction for its beautiful architecture and rich religious significance.
5- Mahet
Mahet is a village located in the district of Shravasti in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a popular tourist destination for those interested in Buddhism and Jainism.
Mahet is home to several important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Jetavana Monastery complex, the Angulimala Stupa, and the Shobnath Jain Temple. The village is also known for its natural beauty, lush forests and clear lakes.
Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mahet:
- Jetavana Monastery complex: This complex was once one of India’s largest and most opulent Buddhist monasteries. It is said that Lord Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons here. Today, the ruins of the monastery can still be seen, including the remains of a stupa, a meditation hall, and some other structures.
- Angulimala Stupa: This stupa is said to be built on the spot where Lord Buddha converted Angulimala, a serial killer, to Buddhism. The stupa is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
- Shobnath Jain Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Sambhavnath, the third Jain Tirthankara. The temple is said to be built on the spot where Lord Sambhavnath was born. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Jains.
Mahet is a great place to learn about Buddhism, Jainism, and Indian history and culture. It is a beautiful and peaceful village with a lot to offer tourists.
6- Pakki Kuti
Pakki Kuti is a large mound in the Mahet area of Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Shravasti, and it is thought to be the ruins of a Buddhist stupa or monastery.
The name “Pakki Kuti” means “old house” in Hindi. The mound was first excavated in 1863 by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham. Cunningham found that the brick bank contained several Buddhist artifacts, including statues, coins, and pottery.
The exact purpose of Pakki Kuti has yet to be discovered. Some scholars believe it is the ruins of a stupa, while others believe it is the ruins of a monastery. The stupa theory is supported by the fact that the mound is located in the same area as other Buddhist stupas and contains Buddhist artifacts. The monastery theory is supported by the fact that the mound is large and complex and could have housed several monks.
7- Orajhar
Orajhar is an archaeological site located in the district of Shravasti in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the left bank of the Khajua River, a tributary of the Rapti River.
Orajhar is thought to be the ruins of a Buddhist monastery complex. The site was first excavated in 1906 by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham. Cunningham found that the site was home to some buildings, including a stupa, a vihara, and a monastery.
The stupa at Orajhar is a large, circular structure made of brick. A wall surrounds it and has a gate on each side. The stupa is topped with a dome and a spire.
The vihara at Orajhar is a large, rectangular building made of brick. It is believed to have been used as a place for monks to live and meditate.
The monastery at Orajhar is a complex of buildings that includes many viharas, a stupa, and a library. The monastery is considered a major centre of Buddhist learning and culture.
Orajhar is a significant site in Buddhist history. It is a reminder of the importance of Shravasti as a centre of Buddhism in the ancient world.
8- Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary
Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the district of Shravasti in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the Indo-Nepal border and covers an area of 452 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including leopards, tigers, deer, crocodiles, and snakes. It is also a popular birdwatching destination, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to learn about the wildlife and environment of Uttar Pradesh.
Here are some of the most popular tourist activities in Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Wildlife safaris: The sanctuary offers jeep safaris and elephant safaris. Jeep safaris are the most popular way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. Elephant safaris are a more unique experience, and they offer a better chance of seeing some of the more elusive animals, such as tigers and leopards.
- Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a popular birdwatching destination, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the sanctuary. Some of the most popular birds in the sanctuary include peacocks, hornbills, and kingfishers.
- Nature walks: The sanctuary offers a number of nature walks that are a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the sanctuary. The walks are led by experienced guides who can share their knowledge about the local wildlife.
Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place for anyone interested in wildlife, nature, or birdwatching. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy the natural world.
Plan Your Shravasti Visit
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 3-day visit to Shravasti:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Shravasti and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Jetavana Monastery complex.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Shravasti.
Day 2:
- Visit the Angulimala Stupa and the Shobnath Jain Temple.
- Visit the Pakki Kuti and Orajhar archaeological sites.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Shravasti.
Day 3:
- Visit the Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the sanctuary.
- Depart from Shravasti.
This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting the archaeological sites. If you are interested in wildlife, you could spend more time at the Suhaildev Sanctuary.
When to Go
The best time to visit Shravasti is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be quite hot and humid.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Shravasti is Gorakhpur Airport, about 100 kilometers away. Some several trains and buses connect Shravasti to Gorakhpur and other major cities in India.
Where to Stay
There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Shravasti to choose from. Some of the popular options include:
- Hotel Buddha
- Hotel Shravasti
- Hotel Jetavana