Sravasti (ancient Savatthi), which was the capital of ancient Kosala Mahajanapada , is a revered Buddhist destination. Founded by the mythological king Sravast, Sravasti was a delighted host to the Buddha and His disciples for 24 years. Lord Buddha is believed to have performed the only miracles of His life to convince the non-believers at Sravasti. The ancient city of Sravasti comes alive before its onlookers with its age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples.

General Information

• Country : India
• State : Uttar Pradesh
• Location : In Gonda district in the eastern Uttar Pradesh
• Climate : Summer - April to June - Hot Winter - November to February - Cold Monsoon - July to September
• Best Time to Visit : October to April
• Significance : Lord Buddha spent 24 years in Sravasti
• Language : Hindi and English
• Festivals : Buddhist - Buddha Jayanti(April/May); Others - Mahavir Jayanti(Jains), Holi, Deepawali (Hindus).

Major Buddhist Attractions

• Jetavana Vihara : The Jetavana Vihara, named after the Sravasti's prince Prasenjeet who donated this park to the sangha, is the holy place where the Buddha stayed for 24 years in Sravasti. Inside the Vihara, one of the most beautiful spots is the Anandabodhi tree, which grew up as a branch of the Sri Lankan Bodhi tree, a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Besides, the ruins of Anandakuti and Gandhakuti, where the Buddha used to stay in the Vihara is another sacred place.
  
  
• Monasteries : There are a number of monasteries nearby Jetvana Vihara such as Sri Lankan, Chinese, Myanmarese or Burmese and Thai monasteries and temples, which perform meditation and other Buddhist practices. Nearby these monasteries is a beautiful park, which owns a large bell donated by the Japanese pilgrims.
  
  
• Mahet : Once a fortified city in the ancient period, Mahet is situated in the north of Jetavana. The ruins of Mahet includes two stupas, one of which is believed to be that of Angulimala, the cruel dacoit, who converted into Buddhism, influenced by the Buddha's teachings. His stupa is known as Pakki Kuti, while the another one, which is believed to be that of Sudatta, Buddha's disciple is known as Kachchi Kuti.

Other Attractions

• Jain Temple : The ruins of a Jain temple, the birthplace of the third Jain Teerthankara, Swayambunatha, dates back to the Medieval era and is a sacred place for the Jains.

Nearby Buddhist Attractions

• Sankisa : Sankisa or Basantpur(as known today), is the place where the Buddha descended from heaven along with the Hindu Lord Brahma and Devraj Indra after giving a discourse to His mother, Mayadevi. Situated on the banks of the river Kali on the Agra-Manipuri road, Sankisa holds the ancient pillar with an elephant capital, erected by the great Indian emperor Ashoka to mark the holy spot related to the Buddha.

Shopping
One can buy some local handicrafts and Buddhist items from the local shops nearby the tourist destinations in Sravasti.