Jantar Mantar
UNESCO World Heritage astronomical observatory with world's largest stone sundial
Overview
Jantar Mantar, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, is an astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world's largest stone sundial (Samrat Yantra). The complex houses 19 astronomical instruments built from stone and marble, each designed for specific astronomical measurements - tracking stars, predicting eclipses, and determining celestial coordinates. The Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument) stands 27 meters tall and can tell time accurate to 2 seconds. This scientific marvel demonstrates India's advanced astronomical knowledge and mathematical precision centuries ago.
Highlights
Samrat Yantra - World's largest stone sundial (27m tall)
Jai Prakash Yantra - Twin hemispherical structures for sun's position
Rama Yantra - Cylindrical structures for altitude and azimuth
Rashivalaya Yantra - 12 instruments for zodiac signs
Unique geometric architectural instruments
Precise astronomical calculations demonstrated
Exploring the Astronomical Observatory
Entry & Samrat Yantra
Start with the massive sundial. Watch guide demonstrate how shadow tells time accurately to 2 seconds
Jai Prakash Yantra
Twin hemispheres sunk into ground. Unique design for tracking sun's position and celestial coordinates
Rama Yantra & Zodiac Instruments
Cylindrical buildings and 12 smaller instruments for each zodiac sign. Learn how they predict eclipses
Guided Demonstrations
Hire guide (₹300) for detailed explanations of how instruments work. Essential for understanding the science
Photography & Small Instruments
Photo opportunities and explore smaller yantras. Museum room has models explaining each instrument
Visiting Information
Entry Fee:
₹50 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners. Part of 5-monument combo ticket
Timings:
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily
Recommended Duration:
1-1.5 hours
Best Time to Visit
October to March. Visit 9-11 AM for best light and fewer crowds
Getting There
Via MI Road to old city (30 min)
Public Transport:
Adjacent to City Palace in old city
Travel Tips
- •Hire guide (₹300-500) - instruments look like sculptures without explanation
- •Combo ticket (₹1000) includes Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh
- •Visit after City Palace (200m walk) to complete heritage circuit
- •Best photos mid-morning when sun creates interesting shadows on instruments
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site - one of five Jantar Mantars in India