Jantar Mantar Delhi – History, Timings, Ticket Price & Travel Guide

Delhi, the capital city of India, is famous not only for its monuments, forts, and temples but also for its scientific heritage. One such marvel is the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century that still stands as a symbol of India’s scientific knowledge and curiosity. Located on Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar is one of the most visited heritage attractions in Delhi.

🌟 History of Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar of Delhi was built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, who was deeply interested in astronomy and scientific calculations. Jai Singh II believed that traditional astronomical instruments were not accurate enough, so he built massive stone instruments for precise measurement of time, planetary positions, and celestial events.

The Delhi Jantar Mantar was the first among the five observatories he built in India. The others are located in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura.

🏛 Architecture and Instruments

The observatory consists of 13 astronomical instruments, all made of stone and masonry. These instruments were designed for:

• Measuring the time of the day
• Tracking the movement of celestial bodies
• Predicting eclipses
• Studying the declination of planets

🔹 Key Instruments at Jantar Mantar

1. Samrat Yantra (The Supreme Instrument):
• A huge sundial, 27 meters high.
• Can calculate time to an accuracy of 2 seconds.
2. Jai Prakash Yantra:
• Helps determine the position of stars and planets.
3. Misra Yantra:
• Used to find the shortest and longest days of the year.
4. Rama Yantra:
• Measures the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects.

These giant structures may look like artistic sculptures, but they were once the most advanced astronomical tools of their time.

🎟️ Timings & Entry Fee

• Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open all days)
• Entry Fee:
• Indians: ₹25
• Foreigners: ₹300
• Photography Fee: Free
• Time Required: Around 1 hour

📍 How to Reach Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is located in central Delhi and is easily accessible:

• Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk or Rajiv Chowk (Yellow & Blue Line) – 10 minutes walk.
• By Bus/Auto: Well connected to all major routes in Delhi.
• By Cab: The most comfortable option for tourists.

👉 AK Tour & Tourism cabs provide a safe and reliable way to reach Jantar Mantar and explore other attractions nearby like Connaught Place, Raj Ghat, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.

🚶 Things to Do at Jantar Mantar

1. Explore the Instruments: Understand how ancient astronomers calculated time and planetary movements.
2. Photography: The massive instruments provide great photo opportunities.
3. Learn History: Get insights into India’s scientific past.
4. Guided Tours: Hire a guide for detailed explanations.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant weather makes sightseeing comfortable.
• Morning or Evening Hours: Avoid afternoon heat, especially in summer.

📍 Nearby Attractions

Jantar Mantar is located close to Connaught Place, so you can combine your visit with:

• Connaught Place (1 km): Shopping & food hub.
• Rajiv Chowk Market (1 km): Street shopping & eateries.
• India Gate (2.5 km): National War Memorial.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan (3 km): The official residence of the President.
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (1.5 km): Famous Sikh shrine.

👉 With AK Tour & Tourism, you can book a Delhi sightseeing tour to cover all these attractions in one trip.

🏨 Hotels Near Jantar Mantar

• Luxury Hotels: The Imperial, Shangri-La Eros Hotel.
• Mid-range Hotels: Hotel Connaught Royale, Radisson Blu Marina.
• Budget Stays: Paharganj area hotels & guesthouses.

✨ Travel Tips

• Carry a water bottle during summers.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site.
• A guided tour enhances the experience.
• Morning visits are best for clear photographs.
• Respect the heritage site and avoid climbing on instruments.