In a recent session of the Indian parliament Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat disclosed that the Taj Mahal in Agra has consistently outperformed all other monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in terms of ticket sales revenue. According to NDTV, the Mughal-era mausoleum earned the highest income through ticket sales each year from fiscal year 2019-2020 to 2023-2024, generating over $11 million in fiscal year 2023-2024 alone.
Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a symbol of eternal love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth, the Taj Mahal remains one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Its enduring allure draws millions of visitors annually. Minister Shekhawat provided detailed data outlining the income from ticket sales for various ASI monuments over the past five years, reaffirming the Taj Mahal's leading position.
In his written response, Minister Shekhawat was asked about the ASI's ticket sales revenue, year-wise and monument-wise, for the last five years, which included the Taj Mahal's performance. "The data clearly indicates the Taj Mahal's consistent appeal to tourists, both domestic and international," he noted, according to NDTV.
In fiscal year 2023-2024, the Taj Mahal received a footfall of 6,780,215 visitors. Trailing behind were Delhi's Qutub Minar and Red Fort in second and third places, respectively. The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after his decision to make Delhi the capital of his empire, saw 2,878,260 visitors.
Agra Fort, another monument lying parallel to the River Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, saw a footfall of 1,628,541 in fiscal year 2023-2024. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, Agra Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperors until the capital shifted to Delhi in 1638. The fort has witnessed multiple dynasties, from Lodi to Maratha, contributing to its historical significance.
Odisha's Konark Sun Temple also featured prominently in the revenue and footfall statistics. In fiscal year 2023-2024.
The consistent performance of the Taj Mahal in attracting visitors and generating revenue underscores its enduring appeal. "This proves that the Taj Mahal's allure hasn't dulled with time or tourism trends," Minister Shekhawat remarked, according to Times Now.
For those planning to visit, Agra's peak tourist season runs from October to March, offering the most pleasant weather for exploring the city's historic sites. February and March are particularly favorable, coinciding with the Taj Mahotsav festival, which brings India's culture and crafts to the fore. "If you visit Agra in February, you can time it with the Taj Mahotsav festival," suggests Times Now, noting that this is also the best time to see the Taj Mahal, both in the mornings and evenings.
During the early morning hours, the Taj Mahal is illuminated in a golden glow, providing an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. The temperate weather during this peak season is ideal for long strolls without the need for excessive layers of clothing, enhancing the experience.
The Taj Mahal's status as one of the seven wonders of the world continues to make it a must-visit destination for tourists from around the globe. Its enduring appeal not only contributes to India's cultural heritage but also plays a crucial role in the nation's tourism revenue.
Agra Fort and the Konark Sun Temple, along with Delhi's Qutub Minar and Red Fort, remain essential landmarks that reflect India's rich history and architectural prowess. The detailed data provided by the Ministry of Culture offers valuable insights into the popularity and economic impact of these historic sites.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.