Landmark
Jantar Mantar, Varanasi
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Jantar Mantar in Varanasi is one of five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the early 18th century. This open-air collection of giant stone instruments was designed for precise astronomical measurements, such as tracking the sun's position, calculating time, and predicting eclipses. Visitors can marvel at the ingenuity of these ancient devices, including a massive sundial and a celestial globe. Though no longer used for research, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-modern astronomy and the scientific legacy of Rajput rulers.
Don't miss
- See the Samrat Yantra, a giant sundial that tells time to an accuracy of two seconds.
- Examine the Jai Prakash Yantra, a hemispherical instrument for mapping celestial coordinates.
- Climb the small platform for a panoramic view of the observatory and surrounding area.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Jantar Mantar, Varanasi
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inVaranasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD4.6★ · 151 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$11 per personSee dates →
Most bookedHidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour)5★ · 451 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleExplore Varanasi’s heritage5★ · 75 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →More attractions in Varanasi