Entry charges to Taj Mahal and other monuments in Agra circle have been hiked by the Archaeological Survey of India with effect from today.
ASI officials said the domestic tourists visiting the Taj Mahal will now have to pay Rs 40 instead of Rs 20 as earlier, while the foreign visitors will need to shell out Rs 1,000 per ticket instead of Rs 750 to see the monument.
The earlier proposal was to increase the rates to Rs 50 for domestic and Rs 1,250 for foreign tourists but after stiff protest from tourism industry and travel agents, the Union Culture Ministry finalised Rs 40 and Rs 1,000 respectively.
The Agra Development Authority will get Rs 500 while the ASI's share is Rs 500 from a Taj Mahal ticket of Rs 1000 for foreigners.
Rates for Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Etmauddaula, Sikandra and other monuments have also been increased in the same ratio.
"At the monuments including the Fatehpur Sikri, old tickets with new rates stamped were being issued," said Ved Gautam, a tourist guide.
Since the Taj Mahal is closed on Friday, there were no tourists at the booking windows.
