India will limit the number of authorized visitors to the Taj Mahal in order to better conserve its most famous monument.
Built between 1631 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble mausoleum with precious stones has undergone facade renovations to prevent yellowing due to air pollution. The monument is visited every year by millions of tourists.
On average, between 10,000 and 15,000 people visit the Taj Mahal every day, and on weekends the number of visitors can increase to 70,000 people.
Authorities have announced that a maximum of 40,000 people will be authorized to enter each day.
The restriction will not include foreign tourists, who pay 1,000 rupees (13 EUR), but only Indian citizens, who pay an entrance ticket of 40 rupees. However, they will be able to visit the site if they pay 1,000 rupees.
Nearly 6.5 million people visited the Taj Mahal in 2016, according to the Indian government.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new daily visitor limit for the Taj Mahal?
Authorities have set a maximum limit of 40,000 visitors per day to protect the monument’s structure and integrity.
Does the restriction apply to foreign tourists?
No, the restriction primarily targets domestic visitors; foreign tourists paying the higher entry fee of 1,000 rupees are currently exempt.
Why are these restrictions being implemented?
The measures aim to conserve the white marble mausoleum and manage the massive crowds that can reach up to 70,000 people on weekends.