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Jantar Mantar is a group of 13 architectural astronomy instruments located in Central Delhi. It’s a popular attraction and gets many foreign and local visitors. This Jantar Mantar is one of five built in the 1700s. The largest and most remarkable of these is in Jaipur (a UNESCO site), but the Jantar Mantar in Delhi is also very impressive.
I really enjoy visiting Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Even though it’s in Connaught Place and one of the busiest areas of Delhi, it’s quiet and a nice break from the city. I always take my visitors there, as well as other expats living in Delhi. Everyone enjoys it!
Visiting Jantar Mantar in Delhi: Overview
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory that was built to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets.
The name Jantar Mantar literally means ‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’. There are 13 instruments in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. They were designed so the observer could make astronomical calculations with the naked eye.
It’s very easy to visit Jantar Mantar. If you buy tickets onsite, make sure you get in the foreigner line. Foreigners pay more, but the ticket line up is usually much shorter.
Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily
Cost: INR 300 foreigners, children under 15 free (tickets are INR 250 if purchased online on the Archeological Survey of India website)
Location: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi
What To Expect
Jantar Mantar in Delhi is not huge. Most people cover it in an hour. If you’re a real science or astrology geek, you might need 1.5 hours. What’s really nice is the instruments are not sectioned off, you can walk into them and explore at leisure.
There are walking paths as well as lawns, but not a lot of shade. Try to go in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Toilet facilities are on site, but if you want a super clean and air conditioned washroom, pop into the Instituto Cervantes (the Spanish cultural centre), or the Park Hotel lobby. Both are close by. The Instituto Cervantes is closed on weekends.
You can’t buy food or drinks inside Jantar Mantar, but there’s plenty of options outside. For Indian food, Saravana Bhavan, Pind Balluchi and Kwality are all terrific and within walking distance. For a fantastic high tea buffet go to the Atrium in the Imperial Hotel, also within walking distance.
Jantar Mantar History
Jantar Mantar in Delhi was built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the Rajput ruler of the kingdom of Amber (now Jaipur).
Maharaja Jai Singh II was greatly interested in mathematics, architecture and astronomy. He actually built five jantar mantars in India, so that measurements and findings could be compared. Of these five, four remain. They are located in Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi and Ujjain. Delhi was the first one built.
There are 4 main instruments: the Samrat Yantra (giant sundial), Jaya Prakash Yantra (used to align the position of the sun and stars), Rama Yantra (measures the altitude of stars), and Misra Yantra (group of 5 instruments to measure the longest and shortest days of the year).
Considering how large the instruments are, they were amazingly accurate. Unfortunately, the instruments sustained damage during the 1857 Rebellion, and the fine calibrated markings have eroded. They are in need of restoration, but they did recently get a fresh coat of red paint.
How To Get To Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is very centrally located in Delhi. Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to walk or take an auto rickshaw there.
If you’re more than a few kilometres away, the best way to get to Jantar Mantar is Uber (very popular and reliable in Delhi), or the Delhi metro. Delhi has a fantastic metro system and it’s often the fastest way to move around the city. The nearest station to Jantar Mantar is Janpath (Violet line), exit Gate 2.
What Should I See After Jantar Mantar?
Jantar Mantar is close to many wonderful Delhi sites. You may like these popular and worthwhile places, which are all free:
- Connaught Place: British built shopping and dining hub, the unofficial centre of Delhi
- Janpath Market: a wonderful street market
- Agrasen ki Baoli: one of the few remaining stepwells in Delhi and very beautiful
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Delhi’s most important Sikh gurudwara
- State emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Road: state run government shops – a very good spot for authentic items from all across India
- Pracheen Hanuman Mandir: one of the oldest Hanuman temples in India
Where To Stay
Delhi has excellent hotels for every budget that are close to Jantar Mantar. These are my favourites:
CP Villa Bed & Breakfast (budget)
Tucked away in the quaint enclave of Gol Market, this small bed and breakfast has 4 guest rooms. Rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable with private bathrooms.
It is within walking distance of many sites in Delhi, including Jantar Mantar.
📍Check price and availability at CP Villa Bed & Breakfast
Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (mid-range)
This place is great value. It’s the only 5 star hotel at this price point and the location is very central. You’ll be able to walk to Jantar Mantar and many other sites from here.
Guest rooms are comfortable, and there’s a spa, pool, business centre and restaurants.
📍Check prices and availability at Metropolitan Hotel & Spa
Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury)
The Imperial is Delhi’s best heritage hotel and a personal favourite. It’s one of Delhi’s best 5 star luxury hotels with restaurants, spa, business services, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and female only rooms.
Built during the British Raj, it exudes traditional luxury without feeling stuffy. This is where the fabulous high tea buffet I mentioned above is located.
The location is superb, right on Janpath Road, within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants and attractions.
📍Check prices and availability at Imperial Hotel New Delhi
FAQs
These are common questions people ask about Jantar Mantar in Delhi:
Why is Jantar Mantar of Delhi famous?
It’s a historic site, built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. As well as being famous for its accuracy, the innovative design of the outdoor instruments have caught the interest of historians, astronomers and architects from around the world.
Is Jantar Mantar, Delhi Worth Visiting?
Yes, Jantar Mantar in Delhi is definitely worth visiting. It’s one of Delhi’s most famous sites, and an important glimpse into India’s history of astronomy and scientific achievements.
Are There 2 Jantar Mantars in India?
No, there are 4 Jantar Mantars in India. There were five, but the fifth was destroyed long ago. The most famous Jantar Mantar is in Jaipur, and it’s a UNESCO site. The others are in New Delhi, Varanasi and Ujjain.
The Wrap-up on Jantar Mantar Delhi: How to Visit the Ancient Observatory 2024
While in Delhi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Jantar Mantar. It’s an important part of India’s history regarding astronomy and scientific achievements. The location in central Delhi is amazing, so close to many important sites, and low entry fee leave no reason not to go.
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- Riding the Metro: the Best Way to Get Around Delhi
- 29 Amazing Things to Do in Delhi by a Local
- Hauz Khas Complex: Exploring the Hidden Gem of Delhi
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
