Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | Golden Triangle India Tours

A monument to celestial science

Discover
Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The monument was completed in 1734 and is the largest and best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different cities across India. It houses the world's largest stone sundial — the Samrat Yantra — which stands 27 metres tall.

The name "Jantar Mantar" is derived from the Sanskrit words "yantra" (instrument) and "mantra" (formula). Each instrument serves a specific astronomical purpose, from tracking stars and predicting eclipses to measuring time with remarkable accuracy. The observatory reflects the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Samrat Yantra giant sundial at Jantar Mantar Jaipur

Aerial view of Jantar Mantar observatory

ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTS

The observatory contains 19 astronomical instruments of remarkable size and precision. The Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument) is the world's largest stone sundial at 27 metres tall, capable of telling time to an accuracy of about two seconds. Other notable instruments include the Jai Prakash Yantra (hemispherical sundial), the Ram Yantra (cylindrical structure for measuring altitudes), and the Rashivalaya Yantra (12 instruments representing the zodiac signs).

ROYAL VISION OF JAI SINGH II

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was a scholar-king with a deep passion for astronomy and mathematics. Dissatisfied with the inaccuracy of existing brass instruments, he commissioned massive stone and marble instruments that could provide far greater precision. He built five observatories across India — in Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi — with Jaipur being the largest and most comprehensive. His work bridged Islamic, Hindu, and European astronomical traditions.

Through the ages

History of
Jantar Mantar

From its construction in 1724 to its UNESCO recognition in 2010, Jantar Mantar represents the pinnacle of ancient astronomical observation and the scientific vision of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

1724

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II begins construction of the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur. Having already built a smaller observatory in Delhi, he envisions a grander complex with larger, more accurate instruments.

1734

The Jaipur observatory is completed with 19 astronomical instruments. The Samrat Yantra, standing 27 metres tall, becomes the world's largest stone sundial. Jai Singh compiles his astronomical tables, the Zij-i Muhammad Shahi.

1901

Major restoration work is undertaken during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II. The instruments, which had fallen into disrepair, are carefully restored to their original condition, preserving the scientific legacy of Jai Singh II.

Jantar Mantar declared national monument

1948

Jantar Mantar is declared a national monument by the Government of India and placed under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Regular conservation and maintenance programmes are established.

2010

Jantar Mantar is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as "an outstanding example of the Ptolemaic positional astronomy which was shared by many civilisations." Today it attracts over 1 million visitors annually.

Explore & experience

Things To Do At
Jantar Mantar

Read the Samrat Yantra

Learn to tell time using the world's largest stone sundial. The Samrat Yantra stands 27 metres tall and can tell local time to an accuracy of about 2 seconds. A guide can demonstrate how the shadow moves across the calibrated scales.

Photography & Geometry

The massive geometric stone structures create extraordinary photographic compositions. The interplay of light and shadow on the curved and angular instruments changes throughout the day, offering unique shots at every hour.

Find Your Zodiac Instrument

The Rashivalaya Yantra consists of 12 individual instruments, each representing a zodiac sign. Find your zodiac instrument and learn how it was used to measure celestial coordinates of stars and planets.

Visit City Palace

Adjacent to Jantar Mantar, the magnificent City Palace complex offers a glimpse into royal Rajput life. Explore the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and the stunning Peacock Gate — all within walking distance.

Guided Astronomy Tour

Hire a knowledgeable guide to understand the scientific principles behind each instrument. Learn how Jai Singh II used these tools to predict eclipses, track planetary movements, and compile astronomical tables.

Rajasthani Food & Bazaar

After your visit, explore the nearby Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar for traditional Rajasthani jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts. Savour local delicacies like dal baati churma, ghewar, and lassi at nearby eateries.

Plan your trip

Visitor
Information

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (all days)
Open all days of the week
Last entry: 30 min before closing
Best visited during midday for sundial demonstration
No weekly closure

Entry Fees (2026)

Indian Citizens: ₹50
Foreign Tourists: ₹200
Students: ₹15
Composite Ticket: ₹300 (includes City Palace)
Children (below 7): Free

Best Time to Visit

October - March: Best weather (10-25°C)
Midday: Best for sundial demonstrations
Avoid: May-June (extreme heat 45°C+)
Monsoon: July-Sept (dramatic skies)
Golden Hour: Stunning shadow patterns

How to Reach

From Delhi: 270 km (5-6 hrs by road)
By Train: Jaipur Junction (3 km away)
From Agra: 240 km (4-5 hrs by road)
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International
Local: Auto/rickshaw from City Palace

JANTAR MANTAR