Written by Rhea Kapoor
The Ministry of Culture shared detailed data regarding revenue and visitor statistics at India’s famous and protected monuments in response to an question raised by Kerala MP Abdul Wahab in the Rajya Sabha. The data, released by the ministry, includes monuments and year-wise figures for the amount earned through ticket sales by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The data also has footfall recorded at these sites over the past five years.
Here are top 5 monuments that have received the highest income through ticket sales in FY 2023-24:
1. Taj Mahal
One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal stands on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built the magnanimous tomb as an ode to his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The UNESCO World Heritage Site received a footfall of 67,80,215, and generated a revenue of Rs 98.5 crore through ticket sales–the highest amount collected by any protected monument in India.
Qutb Minar received a footfall of 33,43,660 and generated a revenue of Rs 23.8 crore. (File Photo)
2. Qutb Minar
Qutb Minar was built as a victory minaret by Delhi Sultanate ruler Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in A.D. 1199, and was completed by his successors Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tuglaq, who drew inspiration from their homeland in Ghurid. Qutb Minar received a footfall of 33,43,660 and generated a revenue of Rs 23.8 crore, the second highest amount collected by a protected monument in India.
Red Fort generated a revenue of Rs 18cr from a footfall of 28,78,260. (File Photo)
3. Red Fort
Red Fort, or Lal Qila, was commissioned by Shah Jahan after his decision to make Delhi the capital of his empire. The fort was built on the banks of River Yamuna which provided the people an easy access to water, while also providing it with protection from the king’s enemies. Red Fort generated the third-highest revenue of Rs 18 crore from a footfall of 28,78,260 in FY 2023-24.
Agra fort had a footfall of 1628541 and collected Rs 15cr. (File Photo)
4. Agra Fort
Built by Akbar in 1565, Agra Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperors until the capital shifted to Delhi in 1638. Spread across 94 acres, it lies parallel to the River Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and saw multiple dynasties, from Lodi to Maratha. The fort had a footfall of 16,28,541 and collected Rs 15 crore.
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Sun Temple generated a revenue of Rs 12.6cr from a footfall of 32,01,973. (File Photo)
5. Sun Temple, Konark
Built in Kalinga temple architecture style, the Konark Sun Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun god Surya. It is located in Puri, Odisha and attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists every year. This World Heritage Site generated a revenue of Rs 12.6 crore from a footfall of 32,01,973.
