The impact of severe heat and heatwave conditions in Agra is now becoming visible on tourism activity, with a decline recorded in the number of visitors to the Taj Mahal during the weekend.
According to available information, around 20,000 tourists visited the Taj Mahal on Saturday and Sunday. The figure is considered lower than the usual visitor count during normal days.
Intense sunlight and hot winds have increased difficulties for tourists. During afternoon hours, the ground and marble surfaces inside the Taj Mahal complex are becoming extremely hot, causing inconvenience for visitors while walking.
According to the India Meteorological Department, temperatures in Agra have consistently remained around 40 degrees Celsius. Strong sunlight and hot winds have created heatwave-like conditions in the city.
Several tourists visiting the Taj Mahal also fell ill due to the heat. Some reported dizziness, vomiting and dehydration. Medical teams stationed at the complex provided first aid to several visitors.
Local guides and shopkeepers in Agra said tourists are preferring to visit early in the morning or during the evening because of the extreme heat. Crowd levels decline significantly during afternoon hours.
Foreign tourists are also facing difficulties due to the weather conditions. Many visitors were seen carrying umbrellas, hats and water bottles. Some tourists were seen sitting under trees and in shaded areas in an attempt to get relief from the heat.
The Archaeological Survey of India is also focusing on arrangements for drinking water and first aid facilities for visitors at the monument complex.
Sales of lemon water, juice and cold beverages have increased among vendors outside the Taj Mahal complex. Visitors are continuously relying on cold drinks to cope with the heat.
People are also sharing their experiences of visiting the Taj Mahal on social media. Several users wrote that the heat is so intense that standing in direct sunlight for even a few minutes has become difficult.
The Taj Mahal is counted among India’s most visited tourist destinations. Thousands of tourists visit the monument on regular days and during holidays.
Experts said heatwave conditions also affect the tourism industry, as excessive heat leads people to postpone travel plans or prefer sightseeing during morning and evening hours.
Several cities in Uttar Pradesh are currently experiencing severe heat and hot wind conditions. The weather department has advised people to avoid exposure to sunlight during afternoon hours and to drink sufficient water.
At present, there are few indications of relief from the heat in Agra, and its impact on tourist footfall at the Taj Mahal continues to be visible.
