At a distance of 32 km from Bhinga, and 55 km from Shravasti, Vibhuti Nath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Merkiya village in Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the sacred Hindu places of pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh, and among the best-sacred places to visit near Shravasti.

Founded by Pandavas, Vibhuti Nath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the region. One can find traces of its history from the great Hindu epic Mahabharata. During the Mahabharata period, Pandavas spent twelve years in exile and one year in a concealed place. During the exile period, they resided for sometimes in the forest region of Suhaildev. At that time Bhima initiated to form a village that came to be known as Bhimgaon and later Bhinga. About 32 km north of Bhimgaon, Pandavas laid the foundation of a Shiva temple which became famous as Vibhuti Nath.

Thousands of devotees visit the temple every year to seek blessings and pay their homage to the deity of Lord Shiva. During the days of Savan month, the number of devotees visiting Vibhuti Nath Temple doubles as the days are considered to be auspicious for offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

At a distance of 1 km from Shravasti Bus Station, Daen Mahamongkol Chai Temple is a Buddhist temple and meditation center situated in Shravasti. It is one of the popular meditation centers in India, and among the must include places in Shravasti Packages.

The Daen Mahamongkol International Meditation Centre in Shravasti is the most famous and the largest temple built by Maha Upasika Sitthipol Bongkot of Thailand. This is a center of learning and meditation giving a rejuvenating experience. It is one of the two centers has been established by Upasika Bongkot Sitthipol, other in Thailand. The center has been established with the emphasis on education to cultivate virtues, great wisdom & kindness, giving rise to peace & true happiness in the world.

For almost thirty years, the center is providing free training in meditation & wisdom for the public. About 200 women from various countries committed to the service of mankind, promote non-formal education, and other charitable activities from the center. The area gives an experience of a natural forest with a freshwater reservoir, along with six large halls that can accommodate approximately 3000 guests for prayers and meditation. The center also has many solitary meditation huts and large dining halls along with a state of art reserve osmosis purification plant.

One can be a part of the congregation here or spend time to understand the purpose of life, discarding all bad habits and cleansing the mind to return home and follow the righteousness and spread the message of love to the family, and the entire world.

India | Uttar Pradesh | Shravasti

Distance (From Shravasti): 52 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day

Place Location: At Suhailwa

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: The sanctuary remains closed from 16th June to 14th November and from 25th December to 5th January every year.

At a distance of 52 km from Shravasti, and 56 km from Balrampur, Suhelwa, or Suhaildev Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife reserve spread across Gonda, Shravasti, and Balrampur districts of Uttar Pradesh. Situated along the Indo-Nepal border, it is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh, and among the best places to visit as part of Shravasti Tour Packages.

The forest of Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary was owned by Maharaja of Balrampur before the implementation of the Zamindari Abolition Act 1952 and was known as Balrampur Estate. The forest is one of the oldest forests in Uttar Pradesh and was given the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1988. Sprawling in an area of 452 sq km, this sanctuary is a strip of land, approximately, 120 km long from the east to west and 6-8 km wide. In the north are the jungles of Nepal and together they form a situational unit. The wildlife sanctuary encompasses Tulsipur, Barhawa, Bankatwa, Eastern Suhailwa, and Western Suhailwa Range and the Buffer Zone covers Bhaabar and Rampur Range.

With a buffer zone of 220 sq.km, the sanctuary is known for affluent flora and fauna making it one of the top tourist attractions of Shravasti. The fauna found in the sanctuary includes Leopard, Tiger, Bear, Wildcat, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Barking Deer along with Monkeys of different types. Also, Suhaildev is home to 300 species of birds. One can spot, little Grebe, Indian Cormorant, Darter, Indian Pond Heron, Cattle-egret, Little-egret, Black Kite, Greater Spotted Eagle, Long-Billed Vulture, White Rumped Vulture, Grey Francolin, Sarus Crane, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana, Bronze-Winged Jacana, etc.

Another unique feature of the sanctuary is the presence of the Tharu Tribe. The Tharu tribe having mongoloid features have been residents of this area for a long and are entirely dependent on the forest land for their survival and livelihood.

There are two entry points to Suhelwa Wildlife sanctuary, one is from East Suhailwa Range and another is from Tulsipur Range. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from 15th November to 15th June and will be closed from 16th June to 14th November. Apart from the closing season, the sanctuary remains closed from 25th Dec to 5th Jan. Only 4 seater private vehicles are allowed inside the sanctuary and one can be hired from Balrampur, Gonda, and Bhinga. Tickets can be booked from, The Range Officers of East & West, Suhailwa, Bankatwa, and Tulsipur Range.

Six Forest Rest Houses are located inside the sanctuary for accommodation where one needs to book it earlier. One needs to carry the mandatory documents to enter the sanctuary like a photo ID for Indians, and a Passport for foreigners.