As airfares become cheaper and the world gets more adventurous, India’s tourism sector has been reaping the benefits. Revenues are expected to rise by 7.9% over the next decade. In 2012, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounted for 6.6% of India’s GDP.
Here’s a list of India’s most lucrative historical sites, based on the revenues they earned in 2013-2014.
1) Taj Mahal, Agra
Revenue: Rs. 21,84,88,950
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s marble tribute to third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is by far the most iconic structure in India, as well as the country’s biggest-earning monument.
2) Qutab Minar complex, Delhi
Revenue: Rs 10,16,05,890
The Qutub Minar was built in the early 13th century and is the second-tallest tower in India (after Mohali’s Fateh Burj). It is made out of red and buff sandstone and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3) Agra Fort, Agra
Revenue: Rs 10,22,56,790
Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed under the third Mughal emperor Akbar over the remains of the ancient site known as Badalgarh.
Revenue: Rs 7,12,88,110
The tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun was built in 1572 by his widow, Bega begum.
Revenue: Rs 6,15,89,750
The Red Fort was originally built as the fortified palace of Shahjahanabad under Shah Jahan. It was the residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
6) Group of monuments, Fatehpur Sikri
Revenue: Rs 5,62,14,640
The city of Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar. It served as his capital from 1571 until 1585.
7) Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram
Revenue: Rs 2,72,93,480
The sculpted temples and buildings in this town, 60 kms south of Chennai, are the remains of a port from where ancient Indian traders travelled to South East Asia.
Damien Roué/Flickr
Revenue: Rs 2,43,52,060
This 13th-century temple in Odisha was conceived of as a gigantic solar chariot with 12 pairs of exquisitely-ornamented wheels pulled by seven rearing horses.
9) Group of temples, Khajuraho
Revenue: Rs 2,24,47,030
Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, is synonymous with this large group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, some of which have erotic sculptures.
10) Ellora Caves
Revenue: Rs 2,06,72,820
Ellora Caves are among the largest rock-hewn monastic-temple complexes in the entire world. The site includes one of the world’s largest monolithic structures, the Kailash temple.
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