Jantar Mantar

Observatory · Ward 138 ·

Jantar Mantar

Observatory · Ward 138 ·

UNESCO site with 19 stone astronomical instruments, world's largest sundial

Information

Malve Nagar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India Get directions

@atlasobscura

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12 Ancient Scientific Instruments You Can Still See Today

"In 1728, Sawai Jai Singh II, rajah of Jaipur, dispatched his emissaries across the globe to gather the most accurate astronomical data possible. When they returned, Jai Singh ordered the construction of the original Jantar Mantar complex in New Delhi, a monumental astronomical observatory constructed entirely out of stone and based on the astronomical tables of the French mathematician Phillipe de la Hire. In all Sawai Jai Singh built a total of five observatories, with the largest being this later construction of the Jantar Mantar in his hometown of Jaipur. Among the stone instruments Jai Singh constructed was the Samrat Yantra, a 73-foot-tall sundial which remains the largest ever built. Though indistinguishable in design from other sundials of the day, it was far and away the most accurate. Its two-second interval markings are more precise than even de la Hire’s table. The smaller but older (and pink) version of the Jantar Mantar can be seen in New Delhi." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/ancient-scientific-instruments-astronomy-observatories

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Jantar Mantar - Jaipur

@afar

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"Janta Mantar, a Jaipur park for the space-and-time-inclined, wasbuilt in the early 1700s by the Maharaja Singh.The UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the old city, contains20 large stone astronomical instrumentsdesigned to assist scientists who wereobserving the heavens with their bare eyes. The huge tools monitorcelestial happenings and are still in used today for agricultural predictions. One can walk between the impressive apparatuses and imagine the 18th-century scientists of the royal court plotting and charting impossible distances and paths."

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Jantar Mantar - Jaipur

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Jantar Mantar - Jaipur

@silverkris

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New Delhi’s greatest monuments and must-see attractions - SilverKris

"I examined Jantar Mantar, the observatory built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur to keep track of calendars and astronomical tables; the site features various instruments, including a massive sundial used to track the movements of the sun, moon, and planets." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/arts-culture/design-architecture/new-delhis-greatest-monuments-must-see-attractions/

Jantar Mantar

Nic B.

Google

A phenomenal experience in Jaipur. Recommend getting a guide if you can to get the full story behind the many engineering marvels. We loved touring the observatory and learning about time was measured via the sundials and other equipment, and how the night sky was mapped. Astronomy and astrology collide here. Its also a serene experience in the middle of a big city

Naresh P.

Google

Jantar Mantar is an impressive astronomical site and a must-visit attraction. It is highly recommended to take a guide, as they explain each instrument in detail; without a guide, it can be difficult to fully understand the significance of the structures. It is fascinating to see how deeply kings were interested in astronomy and how accurately it was studied. The entry ticket for Indian visitors is ₹52 per person. Jantar Mantar is located very close to Hawa Mahal and can easily be reached on foot. Parking facilities are the same as those for Hawa Mahal.

Rohini K.

Google

Jantar means instrument and Mantar means measurement, and this place clearly reflects that meaning through its design and purpose. Jantar Mantar is a good place for people who have an interest in astronomy, science, and historical methods of time calculation. Entry tickets can be booked online, which is helpful during peak hours, weekends, and holidays, as it saves time and avoids long queues at the counter. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains multiple large-scale instruments that were built to observe stars, planetary positions, zodiac signs, and to measure time accurately. One of the important structures here is the massive sundial, which stands out due to its size and practical use in calculating time using the sun’s shadow. Inside the premises, there is also a small informational video that explains the significance and working principles of the instruments, which helps visitors understand their usage better. The instruments are large, well-structured, and give a clear idea of how observations were done without modern technology. The king who commissioned this observatory had deep interest and knowledge in astronomy and worked with European scholars during that time. With their combined efforts, logarithmic tables were used to calculate star movements, orientation, and time with precision. Overall, the visit helps in understanding how astronomy and mathematics were practically applied in earlier centuries.

Amit C.

Google

I visited Jantar Mantar and found the place really interesting. There are many big stone instruments used to measure time, sun position, and planets. It’s surprising to see how accurate everything is even after so many years. The boards help in understanding what each structure is used for, so you don’t feel lost while walking around. The place is open, well maintained, and gives a calm feeling. Overall, it’s a very good place to visit if you want to see something unique and learn how science and astronomy were used in earlier times.

Neha S.

Google

The place was very informative and beautiful with a calm and vivid environment. We saw multiple ancient astronomical instruments, the stone sundial, Jai Prakash yantra, Kapala yantra, Chakra yantra etc. They are used for naked-eye observation of celestial bodies and precise timekeeping, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its blend of architecture, astronomy, and mathematics. We just had to wait 10 mins to get the tickets and if you have a valid student ID, don't forget to take it with yourself while visiting, you will receive discount on the entry ticket. There is a lot of space to sit and wander around and there is a cafe inside the place if you want to buy food and refreshments. Along with that there is a souvenir shop present which is obvious for tourist places, so you can visit that too.

Mahim P.

Google

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever visited. It’s not just a historical monument but a real scientific wonder that shows how advanced India’s astronomical knowledge was centuries ago. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 1700s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features massive instruments made entirely of stone and marble — all used to study the stars, track time, and predict eclipses long before modern technology existed. The highlight is the Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest stone sundial, which can measure time with incredible accuracy — up to just a few seconds! There are several other fascinating instruments, each designed with perfect geometric precision. It’s truly mind-blowing to think that these were built over 300 years ago without any modern equipment. 👉 Make sure to get a local guide — they will explain everything clearly and make the experience ten times better. The instruments can look confusing at first, but once the guide walks you through how each one works, it becomes absolutely captivating. My guide explained how shadows, angles, and sunlight were used to calculate time and planetary positions — it was like stepping into a live science classroom! The complex is clean, well-maintained, and ideal for photography, especially in the morning when the light hits the instruments beautifully. There are shaded spots to relax, and the atmosphere feels peaceful despite being near the busy City Palace area. Overall, Jantar Mantar is a must-visit in Jaipur — a perfect blend of history, science, and art. It’s one of those places that truly makes you admire India’s ancient brilliance. Highly recommended!

Jagpreet Singh - J.

Google

Located in the heart of the "Pink City," the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is an 18th-century astronomical observatory that remains one of the most significant heritage sites in India. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the founder of Jaipur) between 1728 and 1734, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest of five such observatories built by the king across India

Sachin S.

Google

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is an extraordinary astronomical observatory that beautifully blends science, architecture, and history. The massive stone instruments are incredibly precise and showcase the scientific brilliance of ancient India. Each structure has a unique purpose, from measuring time to tracking celestial movements. The site is well-maintained, informative, and truly fascinating for students and travelers alike. A must-visit spot to experience India’s scientific heritage up close.