Visiting Jantar Mantar: UNESCO World Heritage Site In Jaipur, India

Where Is Jantar Mantar?

Jantar Mantar is a historical monument located in the Jaipur city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The site hosts 19 architectural astronomical instruments. The Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the vicinity of the City Palace of Jaipur and the Hawa Mahal. 

History Of Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar was the brainchild of Sawai Jai Singh, a Rajput king, and was completed in 1734 CE. Sawai Jai Singh was a scholarly man and an able ruler. Under his rule and wise decisions, his kingdom flourished well. He founded the city of Jaipur. 

In 1719, Jai Singh witnessed a noisy discussion at the court of Muhammad Shah, a Mughal Emperor. The debate was on how astronomical calculations could be made to determine the most auspicious date for the Mughal Emperor to begin one of his journeys. During this discussion, Jai Singh understood that education on astronomy was a must and a proper means to impart this education was needed. Despite foreign invasions, turmoils, and wars, Jai Singh found enough time to build astronomical observatories that would continue to inspire the awe of millions for centuries.

The king built five observatories in the Indian cities of Jaipur, Mathura, Delhi, Benares, and Ujjain. The astronomical instruments at the observatories were the most accurate and best ones of the time and built primarily on the concept provided in the Hindu Vedas.

Wonders Of Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar houses 19 stone and brass astronomical instruments. These instruments were built on the principles mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts with some external influence. The Ptolemaic positional astronomy system is reflected in the Jantar Manta’s design. 

The Chakra Yantra at the observatory gives the declination of the sun at four different points in the day, and its data corresponds to noon at four observatories around the world. The Dakshin Bhitti Yantra measures altitude, meridian, and celestial bodies’ zenith distances. The Dhruva Darshak Pattika helps to measure the Pole Star’s location relative to other celestial bodies. The Vrihat Samrat Yantra is the largest gnomon sundial in the world. Similarly, other instruments at Jantar Mantar provide further information on astronomy. 

Things To See And Do

After touring the Jantar Mantar, one can also exclusively tour the other major attractions in Jaipur including the Jaipur City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, numerous temples, and more.

Best Time To Visit Jantar Mantar
November to February is generally regarded as the best time to visit Jaipur.
The summer months must be avoided as temperatures are extremely high. 

The link below further describes the best time to visit Jaipur:
http://www.jaipur-travel-guide.com/Jaipur-guide/when-visit-Jaipur.html

Where To Stay In Jantar Mantar
Jaipur is a major tourist destination in India and is known for its centuries-old forts, palaces, and temples. Thus, the city also hosts a large number of hotels, lodges, and homestays that range from luxurious ones to budget stays. 

Interestingly, many old forts, palaces, and havelis in Jaipur have been turned into hotels, and one can stay at such locations to experience the true sense of Indian royalty. 

One such hotel stay has been mentioned below:

Hotel Umaid Bhawan
http://www.umaidbhawan.com/picture_gallery.htm

How To Go To Jantar Mantar?
To visit Jantar Mantar, one needs to visit Jaipur, the Indian city hosting the Jantar Mantar and several other historical attractions. 

The city has all modern means of communication including an international airport that receives flights from many international destinations and major Indian cities. Jaipur also is well connected by road and rail to neighboring Indian states and their cities.