About Sravasti
Capital of the ancient Kosala kingdom and where the Buddha spent 24 of his 45 monsoon retreats — the site of the Twin Miracle and the Anathapindika-built Jetavana monastery, whose foundations still mark the Gandhakuti where the Buddha resided.
History
Sravasti — ancient Savatthi — was the capital of the Kosala kingdom under King Pasenadi during the Buddha's lifetime, the largest city of north India and the Buddha's chief urban patron-base. The wealthy banker Anathapindika bought the prince Jeta's grove for the Buddha by covering its ground with gold coins, and built the Jetavana monastery — the Buddha spent 19 monsoons here, more than at any other site. The neighbouring Pubbarama monastery, built by the laywoman Visakha, hosted another 6 retreats. It was at Sravasti that the Buddha performed the Twin Miracle (Yamaka Patihariya), simultaneously emanating fire and water from his body, to convert the heretic teachers — an event commemorated in countless Asian Buddhist artworks. The Anandabodhi tree at Jetavana, planted by the disciple Ananda from a sapling of the Bodhgaya Bodhi tree, is one of the longest continuously living trees on earth — over 2,500 years. The site declined after the 12th century and was identified by Alexander Cunningham in 1863.
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Entry fees in your currency
- Indian / SAARC / BIMSTEC adult₹20$…
- Foreign National₹250$…
- Children below 15Free—
Live INR rates, refreshed hourly. Confirm at the gate counter — entry fees may have changed since this page was updated.
Entry Fee · Tickets
How much does it cost to visit Sravasti?
Saheth Mahet archaeological complex has a paid ticket. Adjacent monasteries are free.
- Indian / SAARC / BIMSTEC adult₹20
- Foreign National₹250
- Children below 15Free
- Open sunrise to sunset, all days
- Tickets at the gate or asi.payumoney.com
- Anandabodhi tree is inside the ticketed area; meditation under it is allowed but quiet only
Plan your visit
Stay, fly, or ride to Sravasti, Uttar Pradesh
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Travel Tips
- From Lucknow: 4-hour drive (175 km); from Gorakhpur (closest railhead with regular services): 5 hours
- Combine with Lumbini (Nepal, 200 km) and Kushinagar (170 km) — the standard 3-stop North Buddhist circuit
- The Jetavana site is a quiet 1 km walk; the Sahet Mahet ruins, the Anandabodhi tree and the Gandhakuti Vihara can all be done on foot
- Stay at the Lotus Nikko or the Sri Lankan / Thai monasteries — the Korean Soong Temple runs 3-day silent retreats October–March
- Saheth-Maheth ASI Museum (small, free) holds excavated Mauryan and Gupta sculpture
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Jetavana Vihara — the Gandhakuti (Buddha's residence) and Anandabodhi tree
- Pubbarama (Eastern Monastery) — Visakha's monastery foundations
- Saheth Mahet ASI Museum — Mauryan and Gupta finds
- Sri Lankan, Thai, Korean, Burmese, Chinese monasteries — clustered near the Jetavana entrance
How to Reach Sravasti
Sravasti is located in Uttar Pradesh, India at coordinates 27.5253°N, 82.0341°E. You can reach Sravasti by air (nearest airport in Uttar Pradesh), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Sravasti?
- The best time to visit Sravasti is October to March.
- What are the top travel tips for Sravasti?
- From Lucknow: 4-hour drive (175 km); from Gorakhpur (closest railhead with regular services): 5 hours. Combine with Lumbini (Nepal, 200 km) and Kushinagar (170 km) — the standard 3-stop North Buddhist circuit. The Jetavana site is a quiet 1 km walk; the Sahet Mahet ruins, the Anandabodhi tree and the Gandhakuti Vihara can all be done on foot. Stay at the Lotus Nikko or the Sri Lankan / Thai monasteries — the Korean Soong Temple runs 3-day silent retreats October–March. Saheth-Maheth ASI Museum (small, free) holds excavated Mauryan and Gupta sculpture.
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