Entry Fee
For Indian nationals: Rs. 50 per person
For foreign nationals: Rs. 200 per person
Note that there are additional charges for cameras and video cameras.
Visiting Timings
Open all days of the week
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
It is recommended to visit Jantar Mantar during the daytime to fully appreciate the astronomical instruments and their functions.
About Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was a great astronomer and mathematician of his time. Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in India, and it is considered to be the largest and most well-preserved of them all.
The observatory is a collection of astronomical instruments, which were designed and built by Jai Singh II himself. The instruments are used to measure various celestial phenomena such as the positions of the stars, the altitude of the sun, and the time of day. The instruments are made of stone and marble, and they are arranged in a large open space, which is used as a sun-dial.
The most impressive instrument in Jantar Mantar is the Samrat Yantra, which is a giant sundial that stands at a height of 27 meters. The sundial is accurate to within 2 seconds, which is remarkable for an instrument of its size and age. Other notable instruments include the Jai Prakash Yantra, which is used to measure the position of celestial bodies, and the Misra Yantra, which is used to measure the altitude of the sun.
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in astronomy and science.
History of Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century. Jai Singh II was a keen astronomer and he built five such observatories in India, with the one in Jaipur being the largest and best-preserved. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur was completed in 1734 and is one of the most significant and well-preserved astronomical observatories in the world. The observatory was used to study the movement of celestial bodies and to make astronomical calculations that were used to predict eclipses, the positions of the stars and planets, and the onset of the monsoon.
Architecture of Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, which were constructed using stone, brass and plaster. The instruments are designed to measure time, the position of the sun, the moon and the planets, and the location of stars. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest and best-preserved of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, and it is also the most impressive.
Some of the key instruments in the Jantar Mantar complex include the Samrat Yantra, which is a massive sundial that stands at a height of 27 meters and is capable of measuring time to an accuracy of two seconds. The Jai Prakash Yantra is another important instrument, which is used to measure the altitude and azimuth of celestial bodies. The Ram Yantra is used to measure the altitude and azimuth of the sun, and the Misra Yantra is used to determine the exact time of midday.
The instruments at the Jantar Mantar are arranged in a geometric pattern, and the layout is based on ancient Vedic principles of design and architecture. The structures are also adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, which reflect the artistic and architectural traditions of the Rajput era. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is not only an important scientific and astronomical site, but also a fascinating example of Indian architecture and design.
Facts About Jantar Mantar
Here are some interesting facts about Jantar Mantar:
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of five such observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, with the others located in Delhi, Varanasi, Mathura, and Ujjain.
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur was completed in 1734 CE and is the largest of the five observatories.
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur has 19 astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest sundial, which stands at 27 meters tall.
- The sundial at Jantar Mantar can measure time accurate to within 20 seconds.
- The Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of Indian astronomy.
- The instruments at Jantar Mantar can be used to calculate the positions of celestial bodies, track the movement of the sun and the moon, and predict eclipses.
- The Jantar Mantar was restored in the 1900s and again in the 2000s to preserve the site and its historical significance.
- The Jantar Mantar is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tips For Memorable Visit to Jantar Mantar
- Visit during the daytime: Jantar Mantar is best visited during the daytime when the sun is out. This will help you appreciate the intricacies of the instruments and make for a more enjoyable experience.
- Wear comfortable clothing: It can get quite hot during the day, so make sure you wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Hire a guide: Jantar Mantar can be a little overwhelming to navigate on your own, so consider hiring a guide who can explain the various instruments and their functions.
- Carry water and sunscreen: It can get quite hot and sunny during the day, so make sure you carry water and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Don’t touch the instruments: The instruments at Jantar Mantar are delicate and historic, so make sure you don’t touch them or tamper with them in any way.
- Respect the site: Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important historical monument, so make sure you respect the site and its significance.
How To Reach Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Jaipur is the Jaipur International Airport, which is approximately 13 kilometers from Jantar Mantar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jantar Mantar.
- By Train: Jaipur is well connected to all major cities in India by rail. The Jaipur Railway Station is the main railway station in the city and is located approximately 4 kilometers from Jantar Mantar. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Jantar Mantar.
- By Bus: Jaipur is well connected to all major cities in Rajasthan and India by road. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates regular buses from major cities in Rajasthan to Jaipur. From the bus stand, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Jantar Mantar.
- By Local Transport: Jaipur has a well-developed local transportation system that includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses. You can easily hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Jantar Mantar from any part of the city.
Lesser Known Facts aboutJantar Mantar
- Jantar Mantar was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, who was an avid astronomer and mathematician.
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of five such observatories constructed by Jai Singh II in different parts of India, with the others located in Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi.
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest and most well-preserved of the five observatories.
- The instruments at Jantar Mantar were used to observe and measure the positions and movements of celestial bodies and to determine the time of day with great accuracy.
- The Samrat Yantra at Jantar Mantar is the largest sundial in the world and can be used to tell time accurate to within two seconds.
- Jantar Mantar was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, along with four other observatories built by Jai Singh II.
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is visited by thousands of people every year.
Places To Stay Near Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a monument located in the heart of Jaipur city and does not have any accommodation facilities within its premises. However, there are many hotels and guesthouses located in the nearby areas where tourists can stay. Some of the popular options include:
- The Raj Palace: This is a luxury heritage hotel located just 1 km away from Jantar Mantar. It offers world-class amenities and a royal experience to guests.
- Hotel Pearl Palace: This is a budget hotel located around 1.5 km away from Jantar Mantar. It offers comfortable accommodation at affordable prices.
- Samode Haveli: This is another luxury hotel located around 2 km away from Jantar Mantar. It is known for its beautiful architecture and offers a traditional Rajasthani experience to guests.
- Hotel Kalyan: This is a budget hotel located around 1 km away from Jantar Mantar. It offers clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.
- Hotel Ratnawali: This is a mid-range hotel located around 2 km away from Jantar Mantar. It offers comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices.
Places to Visit NearJantar Mantar Within 10 km
There are several places to visit within 10 km of Jantar Mantar. Here are some of them:
- City Palace: Located just 450 meters from Jantar Mantar, City Palace is a must-visit destination for history and architecture buffs.
- Hawa Mahal: One of the most iconic landmarks of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is located just 1.4 km away from Jantar Mantar.
- Albert Hall Museum: Situated at a distance of 2.2 km from Jantar Mantar, this museum is home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts, paintings, and other exhibits.
- Jal Mahal: Also known as the Water Palace, Jal Mahal is located 6.6 km away from Jantar Mantar and is a beautiful palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake.
- Nahargarh Fort: Located 7.5 km away from Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort is a majestic fort that offers a breathtaking view of Jaipur city.
- Jaigarh Fort: Situated at a distance of 9.3 km from Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Fort is another historical monument that is worth a visit. It is famous for its massive cannon, Jaivana, which is believed to be the world’s largest cannon on wheels.
- Birla Mandir: Located 4.5 km away from Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir is a beautiful temple made of white marble and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Govind Devji Temple: Situated at a distance of 3.7 km from Jantar Mantar, Govind Devji Temple is a popular Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Places for Shopping Near Jantar Mantar
Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are two popular markets near Jantar Mantar where you can shop for souvenirs, jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, and more. Johari Bazaar is known for its exquisite collection of traditional Rajasthani jewelry and gems, while Bapu Bazaar is a great place to find traditional Rajasthani textiles and clothing, such as bandhani and block-printed fabrics. There are also several shops selling leather goods, shoes, and other accessories. Both markets are located in the heart of Jaipur and can be easily reached by local transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jantar Mantar
Q: What is Jantar Mantar?
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century. It is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and is one of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in India.
Q: What is the significance of Jantar Mantar?
Jantar Mantar was built to study and observe the positions and movements of celestial objects. It consists of several astronomical instruments that were used to make precise measurements of the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.
Q: What are some of the instruments at Jantar Mantar?
Jantar Mantar has several instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra, Ram Yantra, Dhruva Yantra, and others. These instruments were used to measure time, the positions of celestial bodies, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
Q: What is the best time to visit Jantar Mantar?
The best time to visit Jantar Mantar is during the winter months, between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. It is also advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to get the best light for photography.
Q: How long does it take to visit Jantar Mantar?
A visit to Jantar Mantar usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your level of interest in astronomy and history.
Q: Is there an entry fee for Jantar Mantar?
Yes, there is an entry fee for Jantar Mantar. The fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 50, while the fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 200.
Q: Are there any restrictions on photography at Jantar Mantar?
Yes, there are restrictions on photography at Jantar Mantar. Tripods and professional cameras are not allowed inside the premises, and visitors are not allowed to climb or touch the instruments.
Overall, the surrounding area of Jantar Mantar offers plenty of opportunities to explore and discover the beauty of Jaipur.