Taj Mahal is an ultimate pride of India and it is regarded as one of the most recognised and attractive tourist spots in the world. India’s historical monument is visited by millions of inland and foreign tourists.
Now the visitors who spend more than 3 hours at the Taj Mahal will now have pay an additional fee, as a circular implementing the three-hour limit has come into effect.
In a bid to prevent unauthorised entry, turnstile gates have been inducted at the iconic monument.
“7 turnstile gates have been installed at both the East and West entry point. 5 gates are for the exit. For the entry of foreign tourists, there are separate gates.
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,” said Basant Kumar, superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Previously, visitors were permitted to stay from morning till evening, from opening time (30 minutes before Sunrise) to closing time (30 minutes before sunset).
“A person comes here for relaxation and to spend some time. If the sightseeing is limited to three hours and the charges are so much then anyone will think twice before coming here,” Mohammad Mustafa Hussain, a tourist from Hyderabad, told ANI.
Celina who is an American tourist, is annoyed by the concern that tickets for foreign visitors cost much more. “Foreign tourists are required to pay 10 times as compared to Indians. It would be really nice to stay long here but timings are limited,” Celina told ANI.