Qutub Minar dethrones Agra Fort in historic tourist shift

Qutub Minar, a 13th-century marvel constructed by the Delhi Sultanate, has surpassed the Mughal Empire's Agra Fort to become the second most visited monument by foreigners in 2023-24, according to visitor statistics from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reviewed by Business Standard.

- DEEPAK PATEL

This shift is notable, as Agra Fort traditionally attracted more foreign visitors than Qutub Minar, even before the pandemic.

Travel agents credit Qutub Minar's newfound popularity to its improved maintenance, ample parking, excellent restaurants, numerous heritage walks, vibrant shopping areas, and a newly introduced laser light show, making it a magnet for international and domestic tourists.

ASI data reveals that Qutub Minar welcomed 220,017 foreign visitors, marking a staggering 90.9 per cent yearon-year (Y-o-Y) increase. Domestic visitors also surged, reaching 3.12 million, a remarkable 73.1 per cent Y-o-Yjump.

In contrast, Agra Fort's appeal has diminished due to poor upkeep, a lack of cafés and gift shops, and the long-term closure of the Sheesh Mahal and its son et lumière (sound and light show). According to travel agents, many tourists prefer to visit just the nearby Taj Mahal, further impacting Agra Fort's visitor numbers.

The number of domestic visitors to Agra Fort fell to 1.41 million, recording an 18 per cent Y-o-Y decrease.