Question : Visiting Hours of Taj Mahal

(a) whether the Government has changed the visiting hours of Taj Mahal;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of such tourist places/sites in the country where visiting hours are proposed to be changed;

(c) whether the Government has fixed/proposes to fix the opening and closing time of tourist places located across the country particularly Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with existing opening and closing time of prominent tourist places in the country, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,
FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a)&(b) No, Madam. The opening / closing timing of visit to Taj Mahal has not changed. However, the ticket window would open 45 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes before sunset to facilitate the entry of visitors to Taj Mahal.


(c)&(d) Monuments namely Ajanta Caves and Red Fort are closed on Monday, Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesday and Taj Mahal is closed on Friday for visitors. Opening and closing time for the site Excavated remains of Nalanda Mahavihara and supposed site of the Ashoka place, Kumrahar is 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. For remaining monuments/sites in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar there is no change in timing which is from sunrise to sunset.