Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory on Parliament Street in Connaught Place, New Delhi. Built in 1724, it contains large masonry instruments designed to measure the sky, making it a distinctive stop in central Delhi.
- Location: Parliament Street, Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Nearest metro station: Patel Chowk
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Entry fees: ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreign visitors
What makes Jantar Mantar distinctive
Jantar Mantar stands out for its 13 astronomical instruments, built to make observations using large-scale structures rather than small tools. Delhi Tourism dates its construction to 1724 and credits Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, who commissioned it because existing instruments were too small for accurate measurements.
The Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India page highlights three instruments. The Samrat Yantra is a large sundial; the Jayaprakash Yantra is a hemispherical structure used to align star positions with markings; and the Misra Yantra was designed to identify the shortest and longest days of the year.
The instruments were made for observation, but their setting has changed. Tall buildings now surround the observatory, so accurate observations can no longer be made from the site. The monumental forms remain, offering a visible record of the methods once used to study celestial movements.
How do you get to Jantar Mantar from central Delhi?
Patel Chowk is the nearest metro station identified by Delhi Tourism and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Delhi Tourism also includes Jantar Mantar among the places accessible from Rajiv Chowk station, so you can choose between the two based on your route through Connaught Place.
The observatory is on Sansad Marg, also known as Parliament Street, in Connaught Place. From Hotel Raj, it is about 34 minutes on foot or about 12 minutes by car. Hotel Raj’s guest rooms are one accommodation option for a Delhi visit.
Connaught Place itself is a natural pairing with the observatory: the district is accessible from Rajiv Chowk station.
For more on navigating the area, the guide to getting around Connaught Place covers the central district.
Entry, hours and visitor access
Delhi Tourism gives the opening hours as every day from sunrise to sunset. Entry costs ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors. Photography charges are nil, and video-filming charges are ₹25.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Schedules and charges can change, so check the official site before you go. The Archaeological Survey of India’s general guidance for protected monuments says to use designated pathways, observe posted opening and closing times, and follow any rules for filming and videography. It also advises against photography in restricted areas marked as such.
Plan your visit around daylight and follow the signs on site. The instruments are spread through the grounds, so staying on designated paths helps you move among them while respecting the monument’s access rules.
Combining the observatory with central Delhi
Jantar Mantar’s Connaught Place location makes it easy to pair a visit with other central-Delhi stops. Delhi Tourism names Janpath, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Hanuman Mandir among places accessible from Rajiv Chowk station, alongside the observatory. You can use Rajiv Chowk as a metro link for a broader look at the district.
For a contrasting day in the capital, Old Delhi has a different setting and pace. A one-day Old Delhi itinerary provides a separate plan for that part of the city.
FAQs
What is Jantar Mantar in Delhi?
It is an astronomical observatory built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur. Its 13 instruments were designed for observing and measuring celestial movements.
Which metro station is nearest to Jantar Mantar?
Patel Chowk is identified as the nearest metro station. Rajiv Chowk is another station from which Delhi Tourism includes the observatory as an accessible place.
What are the entry fees for Jantar Mantar?
Entry costs ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors. Check the official site before you go, as fees may change.