Fast Facts
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built By: Jai Singh II
Highlights: One of the largest observatories of the five other
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: Daily from 09:00 A.M. To 04:30 P.M.
Entry Fee: Adult: For Indians Rs. 24, For Foreigners Rs. 54
including camera
How to Reach Jantar Mantar : Easily approachable by hiring local
buses, tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis.
Introduction

The
exclusive observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical
instruments. It derives its name from yantra meaning instrument and mantra
meaning calculation. It is located next to the entrance gate of City Palace.
Jantar Mantar has been conferred with has religious and astronomical values.
The impressive structures of Jantar Mantar have some or the other particular
design to meet the objectives. Worth seeing are the fourteen major geometric
devices for calculation of time, prediction of eclipses, tracking stars in
their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets and determining the
celestial altitudes and related ephemerids. Each instrument having an
astronomical scale is built from local and marble sandstone.
Architecture of
Jantar Mantar :
The observatory is built in stone and marble. The instruments used in the
observatory are meant to suit a particular objective. Jantar Mantar is a
timeless and culturally unique pieces of architecture in the world. It has
been on the strict guidelines of architectural rules. Do see the enormous
stone observation devices which are reliable for the results because of
their dimensions. The astrologers, historians, students, tourists all are
delighted by this marvel of observatory.
Attractions of Jantar Mantar :
The first and foremost attraction in Jantar Mantar is the Brihat Samarat
Yantra, the most imposing Sundial. It is still used by the astrologers to
predict the rains in the months of June July. Entering the compound
and walking to the left will take you to Laghu Samrat Yantra or small
sundial. It serves to calculate the declination of celestial bodies. Next to
it is the Dhruva Darshak Yantra which determines the location of the Pole
Star. Two small sundials called Narivalaya Yantra is another worth seeing
instrument. Do check out the Yantra Raj, Unnatansha Yantra, Dakhinovrith
Bhitti Yantra, Rashi Yantra etc.
Nearby Places to Visit Around Jantar Mantar :
City Palace: The imposing
City
Palace is also the must see in your tour itinerary. The palace has
many mahals and is famous for th exclusive style of architectural wonders.
The son and other family members of the former rajas still reside in the
palace complex.
Hawa Mahal: The
Palace
of Winds is a unique edifice with 953 sandstone windows. The
glimpse of the palace fill one with awe. The lattice work in the palace is
quite remarkable. Climb up to th etop of the palace and you have a beautiful
view of Jantar Mantar and City Palace.