The Taj Mahal continues to reign not just as India&rsquo;s most iconic monument, but also as its highest revenue generator among Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected sites. Over the last five financial years, the 17th-century Mughal-era mausoleum has consistently brought in the most from entry ticket sales, according to government data shared in Parliament this week.
The figures were disclosed in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, where Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented year-wise and monument-wise earnings from ticket sales between FY 2019&ndash;20 and FY 2023&ndash;24.
Despite temporary closures and reduced footfall during the pandemic years, the Taj Mahal remained unmatched in popularity&mdash;and profitability. It topped the earnings chart every year in the data set, underscoring its continued global appeal.
Other popular ASI monuments varied over the years. In 2019&ndash;20, Agra Fort and Delhi&rsquo;s Qutub Minar followed the Taj in ticket revenue. The pandemic-hit 2020&ndash;21 saw a shift: Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram and the Sun Temple at Konark moved up to second and third place, respectively. By 2023&ndash;24, Qutub Minar and the Red Fort in Delhi had reclaimed high-ranking spots.
These numbers don&rsquo;t just reflect tourism trends&mdash;they also highlight the enduring power of heritage in shaping cultural and economic narratives. The Taj Mahal, with its white marble splendour and timeless love story, continues to draw millions from around the world. But the changing positions of other monuments remind us of the diverse architectural legacy spread across the country.
With India pushing heritage tourism and digital ticketing, these trends may shift again. But for now, the Taj remains not just a symbol of love&mdash;but a symbol of legacy that pays for itself.

Taj Mahal remains top earning ASI-protected monument through ticket sales in the past five years

Wah, Taj! 400-Year-Old is India’s Top Attraction!

Taj Mahal remains top earning ASI-protected monument through ticket sales in the past five years

April 4, 2025 | 12:02 IST