Shravasti itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Shravasti

1. 01

   Day 1: Jetavana and the excavation site

   Start early and hire a car to the Sahet-Mahet excavation site, roughly 15 km from town. Spend the morning exploring the Jetavana monastery ruins, walking past the stupas, brick structures and the site of Anathapindika's great donation. Visit the small on-site museum to understand what was excavated. Have lunch in or near town, then in the late afternoon, visit one of the major temples—either the grand Burmese temple complex nearby or the Japanese Peace Pagoda if available. If time allows and energy permits, stop at a local viewpoint over the ruins as the light softens. Return to town in the evening.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Shravasti

1. 01

   Day 1: Jetavana monastery and museums

   Drive to Sahet-Mahet in the morning and spend a full day at the excavation site. Start with the Jetavana monastery, following a circuit that takes in the main stupas, the monastic cells, the great assembly hall foundations, and the temple structures. Visit the on-site museum to see pottery, sculptures and other finds. In the late afternoon, see the Anathapindika temple or the Dhamek-like structures on the grounds. If staying in Shravasti town, visit one of the major temples—the Burmese temple, the Japanese pagoda, or the Sri Lankan temple—in the early evening.

2. 02

   Day 2: Smaller temples and Lumbini excursion (optional)

   In the morning, explore other temples and shrines in and around Shravasti town, such as the Kanak Bhawan temple or local Hindu shrines. For a longer trip, take a car across the border to Lumbini, Nepal (roughly 40–60 minutes by road, depending on traffic and border procedures), where the Buddha was born, and see the Mayadevi temple and the sacred garden. Return in the late afternoon, or plan an overnight in Lumbini. If staying in Shravasti, use the afternoon for reflection, rest, or revisiting favourite sites from Day 1.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Shravasti

1. 01

   Day 1: Jetavana monastery, full day

   Dedicate a full day to the Sahet-Mahet site. Start early and walk the entire circuit of the Jetavana monastery—the great stupa, Anathapindika's monastic cells, the assembly hall, the smaller stupas, and the temple sites. Spend time in the on-site museum understanding the Buddhist and architectural history. Have a quiet lunch nearby. In the afternoon, return to the main highlights if anything was rushed, or sit quietly in the monastery grounds to absorb the atmosphere.

2. 02

   Day 2: Other monastic sites and temples

   Visit the Pakbirya site, another major excavation, which has the ruins of earlier monasteries. Explore the temples built by later Buddhist practitioners—the Burmese temple, the Japanese Peace Pagoda, and the Sri Lankan temple complex—to see how different Asian Buddhist traditions honour the site. Have lunch at a local guesthouse. In the afternoon, visit the district museum if available, which holds additional artifacts and information about ancient Shravasti.

3. 03

   Day 3: Lumbini and reflection

   Take a morning drive to Lumbini, Nepal, to see the birthplace of the Buddha and the Mayadevi temple. Spend the morning in Lumbini's sacred garden and visitor sites. Return to Shravasti in the afternoon, or stay overnight in Lumbini if the pace suits your group. If returning, use the evening for a final quiet visit to a favourite temple or meditation spot, reflecting on the Buddhist teachings and the continuity of the tradition across these holy places.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Heat is the main constraint: March to June is intensely hot for outdoor walking, and even the cooler months warm up by mid-morning. Plan the archaeological park for early morning or late afternoon and rest indoors in between.
• A car and driver is close to essential: The Sahet-Mahet site is around 15 km outside Shravasti town and not well served by public transport. Arrange a car for the day rather than relying on local autos for the whole itinerary.
• Walking surfaces are uneven brick and gravel: None of the ruins involve steps, but paths are unpaved and slightly uneven underfoot. Flat, closed shoes with grip are more useful here than sandals.
• Shade and seating are scarce: Beyond the Anandabodhi tree, the archaeological park has little shelter. Carry a hat, sunscreen and water, and build in rest breaks rather than trying to cover everything in one push.
• English signage is limited on site: Most structures are numbered but not explained in detail. A local guide, arranged through your hotel or at the site, adds a great deal, particularly for the Angulimala, Anathapindika and Jain stories.
• Dress modestly at temples and the monastery: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the Jain temple ruins or any of the working monasteries and shrines in the area, as a mark of respect.