India’s Archeological Survey Creates Common Attractions Ticket

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASIA) has introduced Common Entry-Tickets for visitors to protected monument sites. With a view to facilitate visitors/tourists to buy entry tickets of ASI monuments more conveniently and without hassle, ASI releases a common entry ticket for its World Heritage sites and another one for its other ticketed monuments. A specially designed entry ticket for Taj Mahal is also being released.

A visitor/tourist will be able to buy the entry tickets from any of over 250 designated outlets. Besides the ASI offices and its ticketed monuments, the common entry tickets would also be available at the outlets of ITDC, Department of Tourism, Government of India. Hotels, travel agents and tour operators can buy these tickets in bulk in advance for selling to their clients.

The World Heritage sites don’t include the Taj Mahal. They do include Fatehpur Sikri, Humayun’s Tomb, Agra Fort, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho, Sun Temple at Konarak, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Group of Temples-Pattadakal, Group of Monuments-Hampi and Group of Monuments-Mamallapuram. One common entry ticket for all foreign tourists is priced at Rs.250 ($5.40)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is one of the prime mandates of the ASI.

Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.