Located in the bustling Parliament Street of south Connaught Circle, Jantar Mantar is a massive observatory that was built way back in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Observatory? That sounds boring!” But let me tell you, this is not your average stargazing spot.
With its 13 architectural astronomy instruments, Jantar Mantar was built to revolutionize the study of time and space. And the coolest part? The instruments were constructed in such a way that you could track the position of heavenly bodies using just your naked eye! Talk about ancient technology, huh?
Now, let’s talk about some of the highlights of this fascinating place. First up, we have the Samrat Yantra – a giant triangle that stands tall at 70 feet high, 114 feet long, and 10 feet thick. This sundial was so precise that it could measure the exact time of the day with an accuracy of half a second! Not to mention, it could also measure the declination angle of planets.
Next, we have the Misra Yantra – an instrument designed to determine the shortest and longest days of the year. It could even indicate the exact moment of noon in different cities and locations regardless of the distance from Delhi! Plus, it’s the only tool in the observatory that was designed by Raja Jai Singh himself.
But wait, there’s more! The Jai Prakash Yantra consists of hollowed-out hemispheres with markings on the concave surfaces. You could align the position of a star with these markings or even determine a window’s age from inside. And last but not least, we have the Ram Yantra – two circular buildings to the south of the Jai Prakash Yantra.
The nearest metro stations are Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, and Janpath Metro station, all within a kilometer’s distance. You can hire an autorickshaw or taxi from outside the metro stations, or even opt for a bus. The Palika Kendra Bus stand is located right outside the entry gate of Jantar Mantar.
And a quick tip for those visiting during summers – try to visit during morning or evening hours to avoid the scorching heat. Oh, and don’t forget to carry a bottle of water with you to keep yourself hydrated!
So, what are you waiting for? Come visit Jantar Mantar and transport yourself back to ancient India. Trust me, it’s a trip you won’t forget!