The Taj Mahal raises the entrance fee a whopping 400 percent in an attempt to deter tourists from visiting.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
The Taj Mahal is undeniably one of the most magnificent landmarks in India to see. The stunning monument was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1632. The 42-acre complex includes a mosque and guesthouse that’s set in beautiful formal gardens in the city of Agra.
According to the Daily Mail, more than 6.5 million visited the historical site in 2016. So in an attempt to preserve the Taj Mahal, Indian authorities have hiked up the entry fee.
Admission has gone for locals and tourists. The price for Indian citizens went from 50 rupees (70 cents) to 250 rupees ($3.50). Foreigners will now be charged 1100 rupees ($13.50), with an additional 200 rupees ($2.75) to visit the main mausoleum.
Children under the age of 15, no matter what nationality, can still enter for free.
The Indian government has a growing concern for overtourism, which has caused overcrowding and structural damage. Therefore limiting the number of people visiting the Taj Mahal is one solution. However, environmental damage is another worry. Pollution is causing the white marble to turn yellow. And further damage is being caused by insects from the Yamuna River, one of India’s most polluted waterways.
This is the latest move by the government to protect the world renowned Taj Mahal after officials limited the number of visitors to 40,000 per day.
But don’t worry. If the Taj Mahal is still on your bucket list you can make it happen. Book your tickets online in advance. The UNESCO world heritage Site opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. On Fridays the attraction is closed for general viewing.