Jantar Mantar is very popular among tourists and the people of Delhi. The structure is another great masterpiece of Indian architecture which shows the scientific acumen of ancient India. Jantar Manter is situated at Parliament Street, very close to Connaught Place. Jantar Mantar is also called Delhi Observatory. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1724 onwards, and is one of five built by him, as he was given by Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah the task of revising the calendar and astronomical tables. The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some of these purposes nowadays would be classified as astrology. It is a remarkable structure which consists of fourteen geometric devices used for measuring time, forecasting weather changes, predicting behavior of planets and finding extraterrestrial altitude. All these devices are fixed structures and point to a specific direction. The largest device or instrument is the Samrat Jantar which is 90 feet high and its shadow is plotted in such a manner so that is shows the exact time of the day. Any weather change or the onset of monsoons can be ascertained by the Hindu Chhatri, which is a small domed structure.
How to Reach Jantar Mantar
The observatory is located in the center of the city. You can easily find buses, trains, rickshaws and autos from any part of the city to Jantar Mantar. If you are staying in a high-end hotel, you can find pre-paid car services too. The nearest railway station is located in Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk. Get down at the Rajiv Chowk metro station Gate 6 and hire auto or taxi to reach the monument. It is 2 km away from the observatory. If choosing Patel Chowk station, the observatory is at walking distance from the station.
The observatory is located in Connaught Place which is a common landmark in Delhi. Thus, you can easily reach the observatory from any part of the city. The observatory is 2.5 km away from New Delhi railway station. You can hire buses from any part of the city to Palika Kendra bus stand, which is very close to the entry gate of the observatory.
Best Time to Visit Jantar Mantar
The observatory is at prime beauty throughout the year. Tourists are allowed to use the equipment to watch the heavenly bodies. Thus, choose clear days of summer or winter. Cloudy and rainy days can hinder the view. Moreover, visiting in the morning will help you explore the place in slow pace.
Delhi, the capital of India, is built on the banks of the River Yamuna and is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present. Be it its culture, vibrant nightlife, bustling markets or tourist attractions, the city never fails to hypnotise people with its irresistible charm. Below described are the most sought-after tourist attractions in this great city. Humayun's Tomb is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture that still stand tall in the city. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it is a mausoleum, which was built to house the corpse of Humayun. Red Fort is another marvellous monument accredited to the Mughals. While here, you can admire the inlaid work on the marble and pietra dura in different sections. Another grand fortress, Purana Qila was built by Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, but claimed to be originally constructed by Yudhishthira. Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque are its two main highlights. Most New Delhi packages come with a visit to the magnificent India Gate. This imposing 42-metre-high stone arch was built to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers during the First World War. You can pay tribute to the soldiers at the eternal flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti. Another site, which holds immense historical significance, is Qutb Minar. Built by Qutb ud din Aibak, this sandstone minaret is renowned for its Arabic calligraphy. Your trip to New Delhi would be incomplete without a visit to Rajghat, a memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Close to Rajghat are the memorials of other Indian leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri that are worth a visit.