Taj Mahal Earns ₹98 Crore In Ticket Sales, Tops India's Monuments

The Taj Mahal has indeed emerged as the highest revenue-generating monument in India for the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), reportedly earning ₹98.7 crore through ticket sales. This solidifies its position not only as a globally recognized architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also as a significant contributor to India's tourism economy.

Taj Mahal Earns ₹98 Crore In Ticket Sales, Tops India's Monuments

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Here's a detailed breakdown of the Taj Mahal's ticket revenue and related aspects:

Ticket Revenue In FY24

a) The Taj Mahal generated ₹98.7 crore (approximately USD 11.8 million based on current exchange rates) in ticket revenue during FY24.

b) This figure tops the list of all monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

c) The revenue from the Taj Mahal alone constitutes a substantial portion of the total ₹198.07 crore earned by all ASI-protected monuments in the same period.

d) Interestingly, while still the highest, this revenue is slightly less than the ₹119 crore earned in FY23, indicating a potential fluctuation in visitor numbers or other contributing factors. However, it is still the highest since FY20, surpassing even the pre-pandemic earnings of ₹97.11 crore.

Factors Contributing To High Revenue

a) Global Appeal: The Taj Mahal's iconic status as a symbol of love and its breathtaking beauty attract millions of tourists, both domestic and international, year after year.

b) E-ticketing: The introduction and increased adoption of online ticket booking have streamlined the process, making it more convenient for visitors and potentially increasing the number of ticketed entries. Online booking also offers a small discount (₹5 for Indian tickets and ₹50 for foreign tickets).

c) Differential Pricing: The ASI employs a tiered pricing system, with different ticket costs for Indian nationals, citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, and other foreign tourists. This differential pricing helps in maximizing revenue based on the economic capacity and origin of the visitors.

d) Additional Mausoleum Ticket: An extra charge of ₹200 is levied on all visitors who wish to enter the main mausoleum where the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are located. This optional ticket further contributes to the overall revenue.

e) High Footfall: In FY24, the Taj Mahal recorded the highest footfall in the last five financial years, with 67.8 lakh visitors.

Ticket Prices (As Of April 2025)

a) Indian Nationals: ₹50 per person (plus ₹200 extra for visiting the main mausoleum).

b) Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: ₹540 per person (plus ₹200 extra for visiting the main mausoleum). SAARC countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. BIMSTEC countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

c) Other Foreign Tourists: ₹1100 per person (plus ₹200 extra for visiting the main mausoleum).

d) Children below 15 years: Entry is free for both domestic and foreign children.

e) Night Viewing: Separate tickets are available for night viewing of the Taj Mahal on full moon nights and two nights before and after. These tickets need to be purchased in advance from the ASI office. The cost for Indian adults is ₹510, and for foreign tourists, it is ₹750. Children between 3 and 15 years pay ₹500.

Comparison With Other Monuments

a) While the Taj Mahal's revenue in FY24 was ₹98.7 crore, other prominent monuments like the Red Fort in Delhi earned ₹41.3 crore, and the Qutub Minar in Delhi generated ₹30.6 crore in the same period. This clearly demonstrates the Taj Mahal's dominance in terms of ticket revenue among ASI-protected sites.

b) Over the last five financial years (FY20 to FY24), the Taj Mahal has consistently topped the revenue charts, earning a total of ₹297 crore through entry tickets alone.

Significance Of The Revenue

a) The substantial revenue generated by the Taj Mahal is crucial for the upkeep, conservation, and development of the monument and its surrounding areas.

b) The ASI reportedly spent ₹23.52 crore in FY24 on the maintenance of all protected monuments in Agra, highlighting the importance of the Taj Mahal's earnings in supporting heritage preservation.

c) The revenue also contributes significantly to the local and national tourism economy, providing direct and indirect employment in various sectors like hospitality and transportation.

In Conclusion

The Taj Mahal's impressive ticket revenue of ₹98.7 crore in FY24 underscores its enduring popularity and its vital role in India's cultural heritage and tourism landscape. The combination of its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and effective revenue management through tiered pricing and e-ticketing ensures that it remains the top-earning monument in India, with the generated funds playing a crucial role in its preservation for future generations.