Flying home Lessons from Taj Mahal

It was a great trip. And a visit to Taj Mahal was the greatest treat of India. I have heard a great deal about this monument that I had to visit it. So, on August 24, 2014 as I was winding my India trip I managed to visit it. I can't describe how spectacular it was - it was simply amazing! One has to see with his/her own eyes and physically be there - only then can he/she realize what is meant by that!

It was truly memorable event of my life; second to the birth of my daughter, of course. And for now I will leave all information and historical facts about how this monument came into being to the historians and researchers!

It was Sunday. And I think there were more than 10,000 visitors. It was crowded. It was hot. I found that running the monument was an organization in itself - I am sure it employs thousands of people. Taj Mahal is one of the greatest treasures of the mankind and showcases the magnificent piece of human creation.

An Indian visitor pays INR 20 while the visitors from SAARC regions have to part with INR 510. The visitors from elsewhere pay as high INR 750. I think people won't mind paying any amount to visit such a monument.

We have many historical sites in the country; the most talked about one being the Taktshang. Many tourists make it a point to visit it.

My visit to Agra made me believe that we can similarly institute visitors' fees for some of our historical sites. Well, in most temples and holy Buddhist sites, I know some visitors offer nyendar, but again it is not mandatory. In order to create funds to sustain these treasures for the posterity, we need to think of ways to generate revenues. Entrance fee is one viable option I see for now! Anything that is offered free is not often valued.

How far can our meagre domestic tax take us?

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