Jantar Mantar, Jaipur in Jaipur
Summer: March-May (25°C - 47°C)
Winter: December-February (4°C - 30°C)
Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 09:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 04:30 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: N/A
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 40 (IN
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 200 (I
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a keen scholar and astrologer, built five astronomical observatories in different cities, the largest one being located in Jaipur. Popularly called Jantar Mantar (meaning instruments and calculations), the observatory is famous globally for its largest sundial. Built from 1728-1734, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and combines the aspects of religious, science, art and architecture in the most magnetizing manner.
Each of the 14 geometrical instruments at the observatory is constructed using stone and marble. Apart from the sundial, which boasts of an accuracy of 2 seconds and is called Brihat Samrat, other popular instruments include Sasthamsa with four huge meridian dials, Jai Prakash sundial, Great Ram used for recording the azimuth of celestial bodies and Rasivalaya used for recording ecliptic co-ordinates of celestial bodies. Even today, the instruments are used for weather forecasting and probability of calamities like floods and famines. Astronomy students as well as astrologists from all over the world throng this wonderful tourist attraction.
Connectivites
Road:
The famous observatory is located close to the City Palace complex and can be easily accessed by well-maintained roads. Available modes of transport in all parts of the city include local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and horse-carts.
Railway:
The railway station of Jaipur is an important rail access point in the whole of northwest India. It is located about 5 km. from the observatory. Choose to hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw for the road trip from here.
Airway:
About 13 km. from Jantar Mantar is Jaipur International Airport connected to the place by Jawaharlal Nehru Road. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw or board a bus from the airport to the final destination.