Among the 7 wonders of the world, a prominent Unesco World Heritage Site and a major haunt of domestic and international tourists alike, the Taj Mahal has been subject to several labels overtime. Well, what has recently made headlines is not the grandeur of the architecture but the fact that this Mughal marvel is all set to charge tourists more who wish to enjoy the magnificent view from the vantage point. However, the prices of the ticket to enter the monument have not been changed.

This new vantage point has been developed by Agra Development Authority and was opened to public on November 16 at Mehtabh Bagh across river Yamuna. The construction of this new viewpoint involved an investment of nearly INR 35 lakhs. As per the new norms, Indian tourists will be required to pay an additional Rs 50, while international tourists will be charged INR 200. The timings of the new vantage point will be from 12pm to 7pm. 

This is a major price hike as earlier the tickets were priced at a mere INR 20  for both domestic and foreign tourists alike. However, entry for children below the age of 12 still remains the same. Tourists interested in viewing the Taj Mahal in moonlight are required to pay Rs 200 (in case of Indian tourists) whereas international visitors are charged Rs 500. On the days of moonlight the structure will be open from 12pm to 12am. 

The ADA has also installed a platform for tourists to see the monument for a duration of 30 minutes. As per the new SC guidelines, the structure will be open during full moon for five days which includes two days prior and two days after the full moon. However, if any of these days happen to fall on a Friday, the site will remain closed.