Jantar Mantar

LocationJaipur, Rajasthan
Built By: Jai Singh II
Attractions :One of the largest observatories of the five other
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: Daily from 09:00 A.M. To 04:30 P.M.
Entry Fee: Adult: For Indians Rs. 24, For Foreigners Rs. 54 including camera
How to Reach Jantar Mantar :Easily approachable by hiring local buses, tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis.

Introduction
The exclusive observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It derives its name from yantra meaning instrument and mantra meaning calculation. It is located next to the entrance gate of City Palace. Jantar Mantar has been conferred with has religious and astronomical values. The impressive structures of Jantar Mantar have some or the other particular design to meet the objectives. Worth seeing are the fourteen major geometric devices for calculation of time, prediction of eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerids. Each instrument having an astronomical scale is built from local and marble sandstone.

Architecture of Jantar Mantar :
The observatory is built in stone and marble. The instruments used in the observatory are meant to suit a particular objective. Jantar Mantar is a timeless and culturally unique pieces of architecture in the world. It has been on the strict guidelines of architectural rules. Do see the enormous stone observation devices which are reliable for the results because of their dimensions. The astrologers, historians, students, tourists all are delighted by this marvel of observatory.

Attractions of Jantar Mantar :
The first and foremost attraction in Jantar Mantar is the Brihat Samarat Yantra, the most imposing Sundial. It is still used by the astrologers to predict the rains in the months of June - July. Entering the compound and walking to the left will take you to Laghu Samrat Yantra or small sundial. It serves to calculate the declination of celestial bodies. Next to it is the Dhruva Darshak Yantra which determines the location of the Pole Star. Two small sundials called Narivalaya Yantra is another worth seeing instrument. Do check out the Yantra Raj, Unnatansha Yantra, Dakhinovrith Bhitti Yantra, Rashi Yantra etc.

Nearby Places to Visit Around Jantar Mantar :

City Palace: The imposing City Palace is also the must see in your tour itinerary. The palace has many mahals and is famous for th exclusive style of architectural wonders. The son and other family members of the former rajas still reside in the palace complex.

Hawa Mahal: The Palace of Winds is a unique edifice with 953 sandstone windows. The glimpse of the palace fill one with awe. The lattice work in the palace is quite remarkable. Climb up to th etop of the palace and you have a beautiful view of Jantar Mantar and City Palace.