Jantar Mantar Delhi

Built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724, Jantar Mantar is a vast observatory in New Delhi, built to help and improve upon the studies of time and space. The Jantar Mantar, consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments which could he used to predict the movement and timings of the sun, moon and planets by compiling the astronomical tables.

Visiting Jantar Mantar, the top three instruments that shouldn’t be missed are: Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra and Misra Yantra. The Samrat Yantra, standing parallel to the axis of the Earth is a large hour sundial that helps in checking the time. The Jayaprakash Yantra is a hemisphere like structure which is used for aligning poisoning of stars to various markings. The Misra Yantra is used to determine the longest and shortest days of the year.

The instruments are built out of brick, rubble and then plastered with lime are repaired and then restored from time to time without making any significant alteration. Visiting Jantar Mantar, one would come across the small temple of Bhairava to the east of the main site and the one which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II.

History of the Attraction

Being fascinated by the movement of the celestial objects, Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1724. The primary purpose of the observatory was to predict the location, distance and speed of heavenly bodies, movement of sun and others by compiling the astronomic tables.

Visiting Timings

One can visit Jama Masjid between 7:00 AM to Noon and then between 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Tourists are not allowed to visit during the prayer hours.

Entry Fees

Indian citizens are charged INR 15 and children under the age of 15 are free to enter. Tourists are allowed to use camera free of cost. However, Video cameras are charged INR 25 per camera. International Tourists are charged INR 150.

Best Time to Visit

Jantar Mantar remains at its beauty throughout the year. However, choosing the clear winter season between November and February would be an ideal choice as the weather would be cool and pleasant making it easier for you to explore Jantar Mantar.

Top Things to Do & Places to See Nearby

Apart from visiting Jantar Mantar, one could make a visit to other popular tourist attractions in Delhi.

• Located at a distance of 350 metres away from Jantar Mantar, one can visit Bible House.
• Visit The Attic which is one of the cultural spaces which takes one to the world of art and culture.
• A visit to Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Handloom would take you to traditional looms, stitches, weaves, semi stitched apparel, interior pieces and souvenirs.
• American Central Library which is at a distance of 1 km from Jantar Mantar, contains information on everything related to the United States of America - its history, culture, civil war, policy and government.

How to Reach

One needs to get down at Rajiv Chowk or Patel Chowk Metro Station to get to Jantar Mantar.