Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory on Parliament Street in Connaught Place, New Delhi, built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur. Its large masonry instruments were designed for astronomical observation, and the central location makes the complex a worthwhile stop on a visit to the city.
- Location: Parliament Street, Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Usual opening pattern: Open daily
- Entry: ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors
What makes Jantar Mantar distinctive
Jantar Mantar stands out for its monumental instruments, built to observe the movement of celestial bodies. Delhi Tourism dates its construction to 1724 and attributes it to Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, who built larger instruments because he considered existing ones too small for accurate measurements.
The observatory in Delhi is one of five built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The others are in Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. Its position in Connaught Place places a historic scientific site within central Delhi’s street grid.
How do you get from Karol Bagh to Jantar Mantar?
For a metro journey, travel from Karol Bagh station on the Blue Line toward central Delhi, then use Patel Chowk or Rajiv Chowk for access to the observatory. Delhi Tourism identifies Patel Chowk as the station for Jantar Mantar and also notes that the site is accessible from Rajiv Chowk.
Rajiv Chowk is a useful stop if you plan to combine Jantar Mantar with other central attractions: the metro itinerary groups it with Connaught Place, Janpath and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. You can find which Karol Bagh metro station to use when choosing your starting point.
You can also take a car from Karol Bagh to the observatory.
Understanding the instruments and grounds
The Samrat Yantra is an equinoctial sundial, with a triangular gnomon whose hypotenuse runs parallel to Earth’s axis. A quadrant on either side is parallel to the equatorial plane.
NDMC describes the instrument as designed to measure the time of day to half a second, as well as the declination of the Sun and other heavenly bodies. Its scale and geometry make the observatory’s purpose easier to grasp: these structures were working astronomical instruments, not simply decorative forms.
Jantar Mantar tickets and opening hours
Delhi Tourism gives the opening pattern as every day from sunrise to sunset. Entry costs ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors. Photography is free, while video filming carries a ₹25 charge.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Hours, fees and visitor arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
What can you combine with a visit?
Connaught Place is part of the observatory’s immediate setting, and the metro itinerary groups Jantar Mantar with Janpath and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Rajiv Chowk provides a practical metro connection for linking these central Delhi stops.
If you are shaping a fuller day from Karol Bagh, an example of a one-day Delhi route from Karol Bagh can help put the observatory in context.
India Gate is another central landmark.
Jantar Mantar is about 3.7 km from Hotel Singh Palace in Karol Bagh.
FAQs
Where is Jantar Mantar in New Delhi?
It is on Parliament Street in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
What are Jantar Mantar’s usual opening hours?
Open daily. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check the official site before your visit because hours can change.
How much are Jantar Mantar tickets?
Entry costs ₹25 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for foreign visitors. Photography is free, and video filming costs ₹25.
Which metro station serves Jantar Mantar?
Patel Chowk is the metro station for Jantar Mantar, and the observatory is also accessible from Rajiv Chowk.