How much time should be planned for the visit ?

Exploring the site usually takes under an hour.

Is this suitable as a quick stop ?

Yes, it is suitable for a short visit and a quick stop.

Is this combined with Fatehpur Sikri visit ?

Yes, it can be combined and is usually visited together.

Are guides available?

Yes, guides are available offering on-site assistance.

Book tickets to Observatory of Man Singh (Man Mahal)

Search for events, movies and restaurants

Observatory of Man Singh (Man Mahal)

Daily, 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM

Man Singh Observatory, Varanasi · 9305.3 km away

4.6•

2443 ratings

About the venue

Man Mahal stands beside Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi and is noted for its remarkable masonry observatory. The site reflects the disciplined architectural vision of Rajput patrons and the scientific curiosity that shaped early astronomical study in India.

Historical Background

The palace was established around 1600 C.E. by Man Singh, the Raja of Amber and a trusted general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The observatory was added around 1737 C.E. by Sawai Jai Singh II, an accomplished astronomer, founder of Jaipur and a descendant of Man Singh. Jai Singh II also created a network of five monumental observatories at Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura, collectively known as Jantar Mantar.

Location and Significance

Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a short distance from the Varanasi railway station, Man Mahal represents a lasting point of scientific engagement. The site highlights the commitment of Indian rulers to empirical observation and structured astronomical research.

Architectural Materials and Design

The Man Singh Observatory features a refined collection of stone instruments designed for measuring time and preparing lunar and solar calendars. Key instruments include the Samrat Yantra, Laghu Samrat Yantra, Dakshinobhiti Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Digamsa Yantra and Nari Valaya Dakshin Yantra. Their design enables accurate study of celestial positions, distances and angular movements.

Things to know

Ticket needed for all ages

Entry allowed for all ages

Kid friendly

Pets not allowed

Free water stations

Washrooms available

What visitors say

4.6|

From 2,443 Google reviews

Stroller Shravan

7 months ago

25 rupees ticketfare 🎫 of each. Place was really good, atleast one time visit this place this also known as 'Mansingh observetory' very knowledgeable instruments and vision of Varanasi. Old things and a beautiful knowledge about varanasi. Thank you good team ☺️.Read More

Divya

3 months ago

The Observatory was beautiful, it was built by Man singh who is a well known personality in Medieval indian history, he was a Rajput king and a partner of Mughal emperor Akbar. Now the condition of this observatory is kind of ok ok, it has many ancient equipments for measurement of time through solar light. Although it is managed by Archeological survey of India but still there is many scope of improvement, there were so many bats 🦇 inside the observatory, and many articles were either missing or was not working, lighting was too dim, further the stairs to go up to the observatory which is on the terrace ,is very steep and narrow ,for elderly people it is almost impossible to go up. The whole place has no ramps and is not wheel chair friendly, apart from all the flaws, the terrace has one of the most beautiful view of ghats .Read More

Shekhar A

3 months ago

Lovely, informative observatory near Dashwamedh ghat. Laser show explains about Ganga origination. Watch the live time in ancient clock at terrace Tickets can be bought online.Read More

Anshika Jain

8 months ago

Man Mahal Observatory – Where Time, Technology & Life Stories Meet -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Man Mahal Observatory, also known as Man Mandir, is a historic astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Overlooking the Ganga near Man Mahal Ghat, it once helped calculate time, planetary movements, and celestial positions using massive stone instruments. Today, it has been beautifully transformed into an interactive museum that blends Kashi’s ancient wisdom with modern technology. Now, my experience. I reached Varanasi early morning around 3:30 AM, much before hotel check-in, so I intentionally planned activities that would help me pass time slowly and mindfully. After completing my morning rituals, I took a boat ride around 6:45 AM, which ended by around 8:00 AM. I then sat quietly at the ghat and met a woman named Lakshmi, who was selling religious jewellery and ornaments made from camel bone. What started as casual conversation turned into something deeply inspiring. She shared her life story—how her husband left her, how she rebuilt her life on her own terms, worked independently, and even married her daughter happily in Chennai. She reminded me how powerful women can be when they choose themselves. That conversation stayed with me. Lakshmi then suggested I visit the museum behind Man Mahal—just a ₹20 ticket—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. Inside the Man Mahal Observatory, the experience was unexpectedly rich: Short films and timelines showcasing the history of Kashi Stunning 3D laser and visual shows Handloom displays, Shilp Kala, and old manuscripts Puppet shows, including Rasleela-inspired storytelling Sections on Varanasi’s cuisine, books, and cultural evolution The way everything was curated—using technology without losing soul—was impressive. On the upper floors, the astronomical instruments that once calculated time and celestial movements made me pause and reflect. Even without fully understanding every instrument, the space itself made you feel connected to something much larger than yourself. The view from the observatory overlooking the Ganga was serene and grounding. I read, explored, watched, and simply was—until it was finally time to check into my hotel. Man Mahal Observatory is not just a museum; it’s a place where history, science, culture, and human stories quietly meet. Highly recommended if you have time to slow down in Varanasi.Read More

Kanika Banerjee

5 months ago

The Mansingh Observatory is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat. With just a ₹25 ticket, you’ll witness stunning views that will amaze you. There’s also a show about the origin of the Ganga—everything is available there.Read More

Organized by