India: Jaipur - Jantar Mantar

On our last day in Jaipur, we finally made it to the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory established by Jai Singh II. Here, within a spacious courtyard are a number of large structures, each with a specific role whether it be measuring the angle of the sun, observing the course of planets or locating major constellations.

This amazing edifice is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest sundial in the world:



Other structures, like the set of stairs to nowhere, observed the movement of stars, planets and the constellations representing the zodiac.Our guide explained that astrology still plays a significant part in Indian life and these instruments are still consulted to determine how auspicious the birth of a baby may be.