Shravasti Airport

Overview

Shravasti Airport (also known as Khargupur Airport) is a modest domestic airport located in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It primarily serves the historic town of Shravasti, an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre where the Buddha is said to have spent many rain retreats. The airport handles limited scheduled flights, likely operated by small regional carriers, connecting Shravasti to major cities such as Lucknow or Varanasi. Due to its small size and seasonal demand – peaking during pilgrimage seasons – the airport operates on select days rather than daily. Most passengers are domestic tourists, pilgrims, and a small number of travellers visiting the nearby archaeological sites.

Location & Access

Shravasti Airport is situated near the village of Khargupur, approximately 15 kilometres from the town of Shravasti and about 170 kilometres north-east of Lucknow, the state capital. The airport lies in the Gangetic plains of northern India, a flat agricultural region. Access is primarily by road. The closest major highway is National Highway 927, which connects Shravasti to Bahraich and further to Lucknow. State-run Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses and private taxis are available from Shravasti town and nearby cities. There is no railway station at the airport; the nearest railhead is at Bahraich (about 55 km) or Gonda (about 90 km). For international visitors, the most practical entry point is Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, followed by a 3-4 hour drive. Given the lack of public transport directly at the airport, arranging a pre-booked taxi or private vehicle is advisable.

Facilities

Shravasti Airport is a small facility with basic infrastructure. The confirmed amenities focus on accessibility and sanitation. The airport features a wheelchair-accessible car park, with designated parking spaces close to the terminal entrance. The entrance itself is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring smooth entry for passengers with mobility challenges. Inside, the terminal provides a wheelchair-accessible toilet, which also includes a changing table – a thoughtful addition for families with infants. Standard toilets are available as well. Note that these are the only confirmed amenities; there is no mention of restaurants, shops, or lounges. Passengers should plan to bring their own food and refreshments for any waiting time. The airport's compact size means that services are minimal, but the commitment to accessibility makes it a dignified starting point for travellers.

About the Region

The Shravasti district is historically and religiously significant. In ancient times, Shravasti was the capital of the Kosala kingdom and one of the six major cities of India during the Buddha's era. It is most famous for the Jetavana Monastery, where the Buddha is believed to have delivered many of his sermons and spent 24 rainy seasons. Pilgrims come to visit the sacred sites: the Jetavana, the Anathapindika's Stupa, and the Angulimala's Stupa. The region is also known for its peaceful rural landscape, with rice and sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon. Besides Buddhism, the area has Hindu and Jain heritage – the Jain Tirthankara Sambhavanath is associated with Shravasti. The proximity to the Nepal border (about 60 km) adds a cross-border dimension, though the airport does not handle international flights. For travellers, Shravasti offers a glimpse into a quieter, spiritually rich corner of India, far from the hustle of major tourist centres.

Practical Information

Hours of Operation: The airport does not open daily. Based on operational patterns, it is likely open only on days with scheduled flights. The peak hours – when activity is highest – are reported to be 4 pm and 5 pm, suggesting afternoon arrivals or departures. Passengers should confirm flight schedules with their airline well in advance and expect the terminal to be open only during flight times.

Contact: No official phone number or website is available for the airport. For inquiries, travellers should contact their airline or the local airport authority (Airports Authority of India regional office in Lucknow).

Accessibility: As noted, the airport is designed with wheelchair access in mind. However, given its small scale, passengers requiring special assistance should coordinate with their airline prior to travel.

Parking: The car park is wheelchair-accessible, but it is small. Parking is free or at minimal cost; exact details are not confirmed.

Tips: Carry drinking water and snacks. Mobile connectivity may be patchy in the surrounding area; download offline maps. Plan transport from the airport – taxis are not always waiting, so pre-booking from Shravasti town is recommended.

Shravasti Airport serves as a quiet, functional gateway to one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. While facilities are basic, the airport's accessible design and focused operation meet the needs of pilgrims arriving with devotion and curiosity.