Taj Mahal hosts tourists for free on World Tourism Day

Tourists from across the globe paid a free visit to Taj Mahal here on the occasion of World Tourism Day on Sunday.

Marking this year's theme of 'One billion tourists, one billion opportunities', the Archaeological Survey of India has allowed free entry to at least 200 monuments across the country except in Bihar.

On normal days, Indians pay Rs. 20 while foreign nationals pay Rs. 750 as entry fee to the Taj Mahal. Tourists were elated on gaining free entry to the 'monument of love'. "It's just an incredible monument. We were privileged that we came here and we were able to visit it for free," said a tourist from New Zealand, Loylkar.

"Today is World Tourism Day and we felt very happy that today it is free to see Taj Mahal, a monument which is visited by so many people. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and people from abroad also come to watch it and so they are also happy as it is free for everyone. Its beauty is unique in its own style," added a tourist from New Delhi, Nitesh.

The monuments in India where tourists can gain free entry on World Tourism Day include Agra Fort, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, 35 Museum sites under the Archaeological Survey of India and Museums under the control of the Ministry of Culture.

September 27 is observed as World Tourism Day across the globe.