Want to spend more than three-hours at Taj? Pay fine
What's the story
If you are planning to head to Taj Mahal in near future, here's something you should know. In addition to other restrictions, the entry tokens to the Taj will now be valid for only three hours. And in case you wish to spend more than the permitted time at India's favorite tourist spot, you will have to pay an additional fee. Here's more.
Information
Previous timings
The newly-introduced time restriction at the Agra monument comes off as a disappointment for the visitors. Earlier, they were free to stay at the Taj right from opening time (ie. 30 minutes before sunrise) till closing time (30 minutes before sunset).
ASI
Entry only through tokens, validity three hours: ASI
Notably, turnstile gates have also been introduced at the Taj Mahal. According to Basant Kumar, Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), "Seven turnstile gates have been installed at both the East and West entry point." "Entry is only through token which is valid for three hours, exceeding which, a visitor is required to recharge it at the counter at the exit gates," he added.
Price rise
Earlier, Taj's ticket prices were raised as well
To recall, in December, ticket prices to enter the main mausoleum were also raised by the ASI, in a bid to reduce the crowd at the Taj. To note, the monument attracts a daily footfall of around 70,000. Now, the prices to enter main mausoleum are Rs. 250 for Indian visitors. Rs. 1,300 for foreign travelers, and Rs. 740 for visitors from SAARC nations.
Condition
In February, SC reprimanded UP govt for Taj's poor upkeep
Earlier this year, in February, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Uttar Pradesh government for poor upkeep of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. An SC bench led by Justice SA Bobde expressed serious concerns over the protection and preservation of the Taj, in accordance to international standards. Back then, the top court had also demanded a vision document from UP government in this regard.