Bored of the usual work-from-home weekdays and ‘Netflix & chill’ weekends? Yeah, we understand! So if you are looking for a hatke plan to sort your boredom, we have got you covered! Take an 80-minute drive from Indore to Jantar Mantar in Ujjain and learn about the ways by which revolutions and positions of celestial bodies were calculated in the bygone age. Built in 1725, this is the only ancient observatory in India where research work is still carried on to this day. Read on to get a free virtual tour of this astronomical monument before you plan your visit.
History & purpose of Jantar Mantar
Discover the ‘Greenwich of India’!
BTW did you know? Before Greenwich was accepted as the prime meridian universally, Ujjain was considered as the central meridian for time in India. Ujjain, situated at a distance of 56 km from Indore, is geographically placed at the precise spot where zero meridian of longitude and the Tropic of Cancer meet, which is why it is known as the ‘Greenwich of India’. One can see the location of Ujjain pinpointed on the Tropic of Cancer, on a large globe outside Jantar Mantar.
Get a glimpse of stars at Taramandal
The observatory houses a hybrid planetarium with a 12-metre dome and 125 seats, on its premise. Famously known as Taramandal, this planetarium showcases 20 and 30-minute shows on planets, stars, constellations and galaxies! The programmes are available at an interval of 30 minutes for a minimum of 10 people at least. One has to buy the tickets for the show from the ticket counter separately, as it is not included in the entry fee.
List of instruments at Jantar Mantar
Knock Knock
Location: Government Jiwaji Observatory, Chintaman Road, Jabsinghpura, Ujjain
Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Everyday
