The Jantar Mantar - Delhi’s Ancient Astronomical Observatory
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Delhi is a city full of history, a rich past full of different empires and dynasties that each put their own stamp on the Indian capital. Wherever you are in the city, you’ll never be far from a ruin, ancient site or an important historical place.
We were having a wander around Connaught Place, mooching around the shops, debating coffee and generally avoiding shoe shine sellers when we noticed something on Google Maps, a green space just to the southwest of us - the Jantar Mantar. We had no idea what to expect from the site, but we were tired of dodging “helpful” tourist information people and were looking for an escape, and thought this would be the perfect place to head to. So we wandered away from the shopping circle and set off on the short ten minute walk to the Jantar Mantar.
What is the Jantar Mantar?
Simply put, the Jantar Mantar is a collection of instruments for making astrological measurements. This previous sentence is as misleading as it is boring, the Jantar Mantar’s instruments are humongous, multi-storey red stone constructs that bend up and around in fantastic shapes. This architectural observatory is an amazing place, and upon entering feels as though you’ve set foot into a garden of strange stone wonders!
The 13 strong stone instrument observatory was built by request of the Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah in 1724 to study cosmic movements. Jantar Mantar literally translates to the ‘instrument used for calculation’. The word ‘Jantar’ is derived from the Hindu Sanskrit word ‘Yantra’ which means instrument or machine and ‘Mantar’ is derived from ‘Mantrana’ in Sanskrit which means to consult or calculate.
The Samrat Yantra is huge, for scale have a look at those palm trees!
Dominating the centre of the park is the towering point of the Samrat Yantra. Think sundial the size of a carpark set into a bowl, almost like an gigantic radar dish. The Samrat Yantra gnomon (pointy bit of a sundial) is a huge 68 foot wedge of steps soaring up into the Delhi sky. The giant sundial is apparently accurate to the minute.
Behind the Samrat Yantra are the two Rama Yantra. Tall cylinder like structures with flat columns arranged around the outside alternating between stone and sky and, apparently, allowing astronomers to measure the distance to stars!
Around the Samrat Yantra are fantastic looking structures, like someone has cracked open giant armillary spheres . These are the Jaya Prakash Yantra’s. In the past pieces of cord would be strung between points on their curved edges allowing accurate star charts to be drawn.
The most curious looking structure in the complex is the Misra Yantra. The Misra Yantra looks like an upturned love heart full of staircases and is a multi-use astrological instrument that is capable of calculating equinoxes and the time of noon in different cities across the globe.
As you wander through the park, the bright red geometric shapes tower above you, creating different shadows across the loose stone paths and green lawns. Even if you’re not into astronomy, it’s worth a visit. Just looking up at the huge stone sculptures you could easily think you were in a modern art gallery.
Where is Jantar Mantar? How to get there?
Right here! The Jantar Mantar is located right in the heart of India’s capital of New Delhi.
The easiest way to reach the Jantar Mantar is by taking a ride in one of Delhi’s many rickshaws. With over 100,000 of them in the city, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to hitch a ride. If you’ve already arranged an Indian Sim card, then we’d recommend requesting a rickshaw through the Uber or Ola apps as this removes any unwanted negotiation.
For those taking public transport, the park is a short 6 minute walk from Connaught Place. The closest metro stations are Ravi Chowk Metro which is on the Blue and Yellow metro lines or Janpath Metro station which is on the Violet line.
How much does it cost to visit the Jantar Mantar?
Entry tickets to the Jantar Mantar cost 300 Rupees (£2.84 or $3.61) for foreigners and 25 rupees for Indian nationals.
What times is the Jantar Mantar open?
The Jantar Mantar is open between 9am and 6pm every day of the week. Opening times may be effected if its a public holiday, holy day or other festival day.
How long should I spend at Jantar Mantar?
As long as you like! Seriously if you walked around and read all of the plaques it would probably only take you about 40 minutes including stopping for photographs. However, Delhi is a chaotic and overwhelming place and Jantar Mantar is a calm little oasis full of shaded spots and benches so you can happily spend a lot longer than 40 minutes here if you needed to relax a little.
What facilities are there?
There are toilet facilities located within the park, to the left of the entrance.
Food and drink is not allowed in the site, but there are plenty of drink and ice cream vendors waiting outside the gates.
If you’re after a more substantial meal, then head back to Connaught Place where there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Can I hire a guide?
There were no guides within the park itself, but if you’re after a guide, why not book a guided tour? Get Your Guide offers a variety of different tours that encompass the Jantar Mantar and other Delhi sites.
What else is there to do in Delhi?
The Jantar Mantar is quite a small site and so could easily be added to a longer day of sightseeing within the Indian capital. There are plenty of sites and tourist attractions only a short walk or rickshaw ride away.
If you’d like to visit more historical sites, then why not visit the nearby ancient stone stepwell of Agrasen Ki Baoli or the Delhi Gate, a huge stone archway built to commemorate fallen soldiers in World War 1. Further afield is the iconic Red Fort, an emblem of India and Old Delhi’s most popular attraction.
If you’re after another park, then the peaceful Lodhi Garden is only a short drive away.
Conclusion
The collection of geometric instruments at the Jantar Mantar are a fascinating diversion from central Delhi. They make a strange and wonderful contrast as they rise against the steel and glass of the modern tower blocks that surround them. It is definitely worth a little walk to come and discover the importance of these clever ancient devices.
Thanks for reading,
John & Ellie x
#adventuresofjellie
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If you’re heading to Delhi check out our other city guides!
If you’re looking for something different to do in Delhi, check out the National Railway Museum. This open air train yard is stuffed full of engines, exhibits, turntables and carriages and is a great day out or adults and children alike! Read our guide for all the information you need for visiting this train filled wonderland.