Taj Mahal tops ASI charts with INR 98 crore ticket sales in FY24, outshines Red Fort

The iconic Taj Mahal continues to reign not just as India's most visited monument but also as its most profitable one. According to recent data shared by the Union Ministry of Culture, the Taj Mahal has emerged as the highest-earning monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), clocking an impressive INR 98.7 crore in ticket sales during the financial year 2023–24 (FY24).

This architectural marvel in Agra, often hailed as a symbol of eternal love, has not only captivated tourists from across the globe, but has also proven to be a significant contributor to India's tourism economy. The earnings from the Taj Mahal accounted for a substantial chunk of the total INR 198.07 crore generated by all ASI-protected monuments in the same period.

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Strong revenue in post-pandemic eraAccording to the data, tourism has recovered well from the pandemic hiatus. The Taj Mahal led the ticket revenue rankings each year from FY20 to FY24. It made Rs 119 crore in FY23, which was much more than this year's, demonstrating the enduring popularity of tourists.

In FY24, it was closely followed by Red Fort and Qutub Minar in Delhi. The Red Fort made Rs 41.3 crore from ticket sales, while Qutub Minar made Rs 30.6 crore. Even though they are popular tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Taj Mahal outperforms them in terms of money, securing its undisputed status as India's most well-known historical site.


E-ticketing boost and tiered pricingThe growing use of e-ticketing and differentiating prices for local and international travelers has been a major factor in the income gain. At the moment, entrance costs Rs 50 for Indian nationals and Rs 1,100 for foreign visitors. Access to the main mausoleum also costs an extra Rs 200.

These measures have not only streamlined the ticketing process but have also increased transparency and accessibility. The surge in digital ticketing has made it easier to track earnings and plan better conservation efforts for these historic sites.

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Taj Mahal’s global pullThe Taj Mahal's enduring attraction is demonstrated by its ongoing popularity. The monument receives more visitors than few others, whether they are domestic or foreign visitors hoping to experience the magnificence of the Mughal era. The wider expansion of India's historic tourism industry is also reflected in its earnings.

With India promoting its rich cultural and historical heritage under campaigns like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and the G20 presidency giving global attention to Indian monuments, revenue from ticket sales is expected to remain strong. The Taj Mahal, with its romantic lore and photogenic beauty, will likely remain the crown jewel.

While the revenue figures are impressive, experts emphasise the importance of reinvesting these funds into the upkeep and conservation of these heritage sites. As monuments like the Taj Mahal continue to draw millions, ensuring their preservation for future generations becomes all the more crucial.