UNESCO observatory

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II beside City Palace. Its large masonry instruments were designed to observe celestial positions and calculate time. The UNESCO-listed site contains 19 instruments, including the Vrihat Samrat Yantra, a monumental sundial. The instruments are architectural structures as well as scientific tools, and their purpose is easier to understand with interpretation or a guide.

What to know

This is a distinctive site for anyone curious about astronomy, mathematics, architecture or Jaipur's history as a planned capital. Instead of treating the instruments as abstract sculptures, follow their scales and shadows and learn what each one measures. The open-air layout also makes the observatory a useful complement to the enclosed galleries at City Palace.

Good to Know

The observatory is outdoors, so sun protection and water are useful in hot weather. Rajasthan Tourism lists current hours and ticket details, which may change; confirm them on the day you plan to go. A guide or audio interpretation can make the instruments much easier to read. The site is close to City Palace and Badi Chaupar metro station.

Common questions

Who built Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?

It was built under Sawai Jai Singh II and completed in 1734, according to Rajasthan Tourism.

How many instruments are there?

Rajasthan Tourism describes a collection of 19 astronomical instruments.

Is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Jaipur's Jantar Mantar is inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Related Jaipur pages

City Palace Museum, JaipurPalace museum Hawa MahalPalace and landmark Jaipur Walled City: History and ArchitectureUNESCO heritage area

Sources to check

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