Called “the world’s largest sundial,” Jantar Mantar Observatory in Jaipur, India is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it utterly transfixed us. The literal translation of Jantar Mantar is “calculating instrument” and it’s used for astronomical observations. What is so fascinating and impressive about it is that it allows observations with the naked eye.

Jantar Mantar is an example of Ptolemaic positional astronomy. This marble and stone collection of 19 instruments of architectural structures predicted eclipses, measured time, and tracked the locations of orbit and stars. There were also astrological labels throughout the structure.

It was built by King Sawai Jai Singh 11 and completed in 1734.

Touring Jantar Mantar with a guide is recommended because it is very in-depth and informative. I recommend buying a guidebook to take home later and absorb the facts so that you can spend time during the physical tour just enjoying the architecture and whimsy of it all. To think this was achieved in the 1700s is so impressive.

all photos by Gina Kingsley