Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is an observatory, designed to be used with the naked eye. It is one of five Jantar Mantar in India. "Jantar Mantar" means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens".[1] It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments.

The site is one of five built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1723 onwards, who had a keen interest in mathematics, architecture and astronomy. The maharaja built five observatories during his rule in the 18th century. Among these five, the one in Delhi was the first to be built. The other four observatories are located in Ujjain, Mathura, Varanasi, and Jaipur. Of this four remain as the Jantar Mantar at Mathura was torn down just before the revolt of 1857.

The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the Sun, Moon and planets..


Address: Sansad Marg, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001.

Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk (on the Yellow line), located 600-700 meters away. You can also consider Rajiv Chowk or Janpath Metro station, which are about 1 km away.

Nearest Bus Stand: Sansad Marg or Palika Kendra Bus stand, located near the entry gate.

Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station (2 km away).

Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (13.2 km away).

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Some sources mention 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is generally open from sunrise to sunset.

Entry Fee: Indian Nationals, SAARC, and BIMSTEC visitors: Rs. 15 per person. Foreign Tourists: Rs. 200 per person. Some sources mention Rs. 250 or Rs. 300. Video filming: Rs. 25 per person. (Note: Cashless payment options might offer slightly reduced fees compared to cash payments.) Photography Charges: Nil (except for video filming).

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the winter months, specifically between November and February or October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cooler. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. Avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June) when temperatures can be very high.

Other Information: Duration of visit will be approximately 1-3 hours. Wear light clothing, sunglasses, and a hat, especially during warmer months. Consider visiting during daylight hours to see the instruments function.

Delhi

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