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Jantar Mantar
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Jantar Mantar

culture
Getting around: On Sansad Marg near Connaught Place, reachable on foot from CP or a short auto-rickshaw ride, close to Patel Chowk metro station.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 6am to 6pm.

Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, one of five such observatories he constructed across India, featuring large geometric masonry instruments designed to track celestial positions, measure time, and predict eclipses with impressive accuracy for the era. The largest instrument, the Samrat Yantra, is essentially a giant sundial capable of reading time to a matter of seconds.

It's a compact site, easily combined with Connaught Place sightseeing given the short distance, and appeals particularly to visitors interested in astronomy, science history, or unusual architectural forms.

Jantar Mantar FAQs

Is Jantar Mantar in Delhi different from the one in Jaipur?

Yes, they're separate observatories built by the same ruler, Maharaja Jai Singh II; Jaipur's is larger and generally considered the more elaborate of the two.

How long does a visit take?

30-45 minutes.

Do the instruments still work?

Some, like the large sundial, can still be used to demonstrate reasonably accurate time reading, though they're maintained primarily as historical monuments rather than active scientific tools.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a modest ASI ticket fee applies.

Is it close to Connaught Place?

Yes, an easy walk or short ride, making it convenient to combine with CP shopping and sightseeing.

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