Half the hassle of visiting a monument lies in standing in queue to get tickets. The task is now easier as the ticketing process to visit these historical sites goes online. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) tied up with website Book My Show and Yatra to begin the online sale of tickets for monuments under its wing.
The list includes most of the well-known monuments in major cities including the Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Purana Qila and Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, Charminar and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, among many others. They also include other monuments like the rock-cut sculptures in Kangra, Chandagiri in Tirupati, Archeological Site museum in Vijaywada, to name a few.
On Book My Show’s website and app, the tab can be easily spotted, as it’s next to popular categories such as Movies, Events and Plays. Tickets can be bought to access over 116 monuments, including the famous the Taj Mahal. You are required to select the type of ticket (Indian, foreigner, SAARC or BIMSTEC, etc) and upload an ID type (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, for instance) on the website. The prices are the same as what would be charged on ground. Unlike other entertainment tickets, these don’t have an additional Internet handling fees.
On Yatra, one of India’s leading travel and ticketing websites, there is a new tab for Indian Heritage monuments that has found place amidst categories for flights, hotels, trains, homestays and activities. There is a detailed description under each monument, along with added details such as the recommended season to visit, facilities, a Google Maps location and even a few options of accommodation near each monument. Unlike Book My Show, one isn’t required to upload an identity proof online, but will have to carry it to the monument. The e-ticketing feature is also available on the official website of the Archaeological Survey of India.
This foray into the digital space comes as an especially helpful move for travellers visiting India who’d like to plan their itinerary in advance. In addition, there is also another option for those who’d like to survey each monument before deciding to visit it. The ASI’s page on Google Arts and Culture gives one a virtual 360-degree view inside the monuments. You can access it here.
Book tickets to monuments via Book My Show here and via Yatra here.