Jantar Mantar Delhi: How to Visit the Ancient Observatory 2026
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 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 a quiet site and a nice break from the city.
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.
Of the 13 instruments in Delhi, the main ones are:
- Samrat Yantra – giant sundial
- Jaya Prakash Yantra – used to align the position of the sun and stars
- Rama Yantra – measures the altitude of stars
- Misra Yantra – group of 5 instruments to measure the longest and shortest days of the year
Jantar Mantar is located in Central Delhi and very easy to visit. If you buy tickets onsite, make sure you get in the foreigner line. Foreigners pay more, but the ticket line up is much shorter.
- Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily
- Cost: INR 300 foreigners, children under 15 free (also available online on the ASI 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.
How to Get to Jantar Mantar
If you’re staying in Central Delhi you can take an auto rickshaw or possibly walk to Jantar Mantar.
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.
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 built five jantar mantars in India, so the measurements and findings could be compared.
Of these five, four remain. They are located in Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi and Ujjain. Delhi was the first jantar mantar built.
Considering how large the instruments are, they were amazingly accurate. Unfortunately, the instruments in Delhi sustained damage during the 1857 Rebellion, and the fine calibrated markings have eroded. They are in need of restoration.
What Should I See After Jantar Mantar?
Jantar Mantar is close to many wonderful Delhi sites. You can walk or take an auto rickshaw to 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 and one of the best places to buy authentic items from across India.
- Pracheen Hanuman Mandir: One of the oldest Hanuman temples in India.
Where To Stay Near Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is located in central New Delhi, one of the nicest areas to stay in. These are my top picks for hotels that are very close to Jantar Mantar:
- Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury): Delhi’s finest heritage hotel. My personal favourite hotel in Delhi. Excellent walkable area in Connaught Place.
- Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (mid-range): Excellent value for a 5 star hotel. Fabulous location for exploring Delhi.
- CP Villa Bed & Breakfast (budget): Rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable with private bathrooms. Quiet location near Gol Market.
Last Words on Jantar Mantar Delhi: How to Visit the Ancient Observatory
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 other sites, and the low entry fee leave no reason not to go.
