Forts and Monuments

Location: Near City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built By: Jai Singh II
Highlights: One of the largest observatories of the five other in India
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 09:00 A.M. To 04:30 P.M.
Entry Fee: Adult: Rs. 24 for Indians,Rs. 54 for Foreigners including camera

Dedicated to the timeless service to Science, Jantar Mantar is one of the famous tourist destinations in Jaipur, Delhi. It is housed with collections of astronomical instruments that unveils astronomical values in human life and living. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, between 1727 and 1734, after a similar type of observatory was constructed at the then Mughal capital of Delhi. The construction was restored in 1901 and later in 1948, it was declared as a national monument.

Observatory Architecture
Jantar Mantar Observatory in Rajasthan is built in Rajasthani style of architecture. Built intricately of marbles and stone, it is devoted to invention of astronomy in India. The entire campus has been constructed following the combinations and calculation used to trace heavenly celestial bodies.

Each structure carries an astronomical scale, clearly marked on marble inner lining. The massive Samrat Yantra, measuring an height of 27 meters is the world's largest sun dial. Other stone observation devices displays great architectural work of erstwhile eras.

Tourist Attractions
The term Jantar Mantar talks about the equipments used for measuring the harmony of the heavens. The observatory in Rajasthan has 17 instruments, that attracts tech-savvy tourists from different corners of the world. Some most popular instruments are:

Brihat Samarat Yantra: an imposing Sundial that helps astrologers to predict rainfalls.
Laghu Samrat Yantra: a small Sundial that serves to trace the movement of celestial bodies
Dhruva Darshak Yantra: an instrument to determine the location of Polo Star
Kranti Yantra: an instrument to measure the latitude and longitude of celestial bodies

Other worth-watching astronomical equipments are Chakra Yantra, Ram Yantra, Diganta Yantra, Jai Prakesh Yantra, Unnatansha Yantra, Dakhinovrith Bhitti Yantra and Rashi Yantra

Nearby Places of Attractions
A visit to Hawa Mahal and City Palace near Jantar Mantar Observatory completes the monumental tour in Jaipur. Tourist can also enjoy shopping at the nearby Jaipur bazaars.