Jantar Mantar

This UNESCO world heritage site is the largest of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh during the period 1727-1734 in Northern India. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices (or yantra in Hindi) for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes etc. There is signage providing elaborate explanations for the use of each device, and guides can be hired to provide much the same information in a more digestible format. Guides' charge is 200 rupees for 4 people. For a better explanation, you can take a guide. The audio guide at the observatory isn't great and doesn't tell you very much more information than the already existent signs. The observatory, the water and the wind palace are free on 18 May.

• Heritage listed

• history

Address

Near City Palace

Getting there

very close to the City Palace.

Hours

9AM-5PM

Price

₹40 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners

Phone

0141 261 0494

Website

museumsrajasthan.gov.in (opens in a new tab)