Jantar Mantar New Delhi: A Great Blend of Ancient Architecture and Astronomical Instruments

Jantar Mantar, New Delhi was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur is a monument of historical importance situated next to Connaught Place (CP). Here you will see a great blend of architecture embedded in masonry style instruments. The Jantar Mantar is an ancient observatory to gather astronomical data and now a heritage site.

The Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699 – 1743 AD) built Jantar Mantar, New Delhi for the collection of astronomical data. It's an ancient observatory but now dysfunctional due to high-rise buildings in the vicinity and serves as a heritage site. Tourists from different parts of India and the world come in large number to see Jantar Mantar. Historians suggest that the construction of Jantar Mantar was completed in 1724 AD. The main purpose of building this observatory was to collect astronomical data and to forecast the time based on planetary movements e.g. Sun, Moon, and other planets. The observatory consists of 13 astronomical instruments and architecture. The three main instruments are: 1. Samrat Yantra (a giant triangle); 2. Jayaprakash Yantra and 3. Misra Yantra. The Jantar Mantar Observatory in New Delhi is an example of India's knowledge in Mathematics, Astronomy, and Architecture. Now this heritage site is a protected monument.

Travel Tips

Jantar Mantar is situated next to Connaught Place in New Delhi. It's 15 minutes walk from Connaught Circus. Best time to visit New Delhi is during winter months i.e. from October to March. In the winters of December / January, you will love walking in the Sun and going in and around Jantar Mantar. However, winter months are the rush season for Hotels and Motels businesses in Delhi. Book your accommodation well in advance before arrival. Just in case, if you want to book your hotel after arrival, go to the locations like Pahar Ganj or Old Delhi or Karol Bagh etc. In these locations, you will find many budget stay but a bargain is the key. Ask at the hotel counter if they can offer some discount and you may grab a deal.

How to Reach

You can reach to India Capital New Delhi through all means of transport i.e. Air, Rail and Road from all major cities on the globe. The nearest Metro Station to Jantar Mantar is Patel Chowk. Also, you can travel in a self-driven car / bike, hire a taxi or take a ride on a city bus. The Jantar Mantar, New Delhi is located in the Central Zone and accessible from all corners of the city.


Warning:

1. While traveling during the night it's better to take public transport or taxi instead of an auto rickshaw. Beyond 8 PM traveling in an auto rickshaw is not advisable especially if you are the first-time tourist and traveling alone.

2. Beware of cheats and anti-social elements. In the case of suspicions do not hesitate to Dial 100, its Delhi Police Helpline.

Activities

Witness the know-how of ancient Indians in astronomy, mathematics, architecture and metallurgy at Jantar Mantar. Depending on your interests in science and architecture, it will take nearly 1-2 hour to see in and around Jantar Mantar. From here you can go to Connaught Place, Palika Market, Janpath Market etc, do shopping and enjoy Indian food.

Want to relax and enjoy sunbathing?

Well, go to the Central Park in Connaught Place or above ground of Palika Market and enjoy the Sun. Also in CP you can find many restaurants; Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Spanish and American etc.

Timings & Season

The best time to visit Jantar Mantar, New Delhi is during winter months i.e. from October to March. Temperature is pretty low. December and January have partly cloudy days. During these months, you will love going in and around Jantar Mantar and learn from the great heritages of India

Entrée Fee:

Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 5 per head.
US $ 2 or Indian Rs. 100/- per head
(Free entry to children up to 15 years)
Photography Charges: Nil (25 for video filming)

History

The Jantar Mantar New Delhi was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur to predict the time and collect astronomical data based on planetary movements. It's an observatory and the heritage site now. Also, you can find similar observatories in Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). There are controversies around exact build date of Jantar Mantar but historians suggest the most precise date as 1724 (AD). The instruments at Jantar Mantar are built of brick rubble and plastered with lime. The repair and maintenance of these instruments have been carried out time to time throughout the history. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical monument, a heritage site and top tourist attractions in Delhi.