• Thursday, March 28, 2024

HEADLINE STORY

Taj Mahal to reopen for night-viewing from August 21

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India. (Photo by MONEY SHARMA/AFP via Getty Images)

By: Shubham Ghosh

TAJ Mahal, one of the new seven wonders of the world located in Agra in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is set to be opened for visitors at night from Saturday (21), officials said on Friday (20).

The ivory-white marble mausoleum remained closed for a year for night viewing because of the Covid-19 pandemic. But now visitors who want to relish the beauty of the Taj under moonlight will be able to fulfil their wishes.

ALSO READ: Taj Mahal to reopen on June 16 as India’s Covid-19 restrictions ease

Night-viewing of the 17th century structure had stopped on March 17, 2020, around when the first pandemic lockdown was imposed.

Vasant Kumar Swarnkar, superintending archaeologist (Agra Circle) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural monuments in the country, told Press Trust of India news agency that Taj will be open for night-viewing on August 21, 23 and 24 as the monument is closed every week on Friday and the lockdown is in effect on Sunday.

He said there are three time slots for the visitors to witness Taj at night: from 8.30 to 9 pm India local time, 9 to 9.30 pm and 9.30 to 10 pm.

“In every slot, 50 tourists would be allowed as per guidelines of the Supreme Court,” he informed, adding, “The tickets can be booked a day in advance from ASI office’s counter on 22 Mall Road in Agra.”

Rajeev Saxena, vice-president of the Tourism Guild of Agra, said it was a good step but would not attract weekend travellers until the Sunday lockdown and the post-10 pm curfew was lifted.

“Tourists want to enjoy nightlife of the city, they don’t want to be packed in their hotels after 10 pm,” he said.

Monika Sharma, a local government-approved tour guide, was happy with the move and said it was encouraging for the revival of Agra’s tourism sector.

Related Stories

Loading