Monument of Love
In the recent fiscal year, the Taj Mahal, often called the “monument of love”, had an impressive turnout of 6.9 million visitors. Managed and protected
by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this number represents a substantial 12% of all tourist entries across the 145 ticketed monuments under ASI’s care. The data highlights the Taj Mahal's significance in the nation's tourism sector, a position it has firmly held for over a decade. The monument saw approximately 6.26 million domestic tourists and 0.645 million foreign tourists. The release of this information coincided with the ongoing recovery of post-pandemic tourism, which showed strong growth.
Key Tourist Numbers
The Taj Mahal stood out as the top attraction in the fiscal year, with approximately 6.26 million domestic tourists and 0.645 million foreign tourists. Other notable destinations included the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, with 3.57 million visitors, and the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which welcomed 3.20 million domestic visitors. Among foreign visitors, the Agra Fort and Qutub Minar followed the Taj Mahal, each attracting around 0.22 million tourists. These figures highlight the wide appeal of historical sites across India, showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage and its attraction for both local and international visitors. This data was included in the India Tourism Data Compendium, released on World Tourism Day, September 27.
Tourism Sector Boost
The resurgence of tourism in India is clearly visible, as shown by the data. The total Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) reached 9.95 million in 2024, marking a 4.52% increase from the previous year. The Taj Mahal's ability to draw such large crowds is a key sign of this positive trend, reflecting the sector's growing strength. The monument's enduring popularity underlines its role as a vital part of India's tourism growth. The data, released by the Ministry of Tourism, offers a valuable insight into the trends in the sector, and the impact of the Taj Mahal's popularity cannot be overstated.
Mughal Era Marvel
The Taj Mahal, a stunning Mughal-era mausoleum in Agra, keeps its status as India's most visited centrally protected ticketed monument. Emperor Shah Jahan built it between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The exquisite white marble structure remains an iconic symbol of India's historical and cultural heritage. Its beauty and historical importance continue to attract millions of visitors each year. Its significance as a popular tourist destination is a testament to its timeless charm. The Taj Mahal is a major contributor to tourism and stands out as a key element in promoting India's cultural history on the world stage.
