Taj Mahal’s latest offering

The Taj Mahal may soon be opened up for night viewing, from a safe distance though. The Uttar Pradesh government is working on a roadmap to allow night viewing and a host of other measures to "pep up tourism at Agra", one of India's top tourist destinations. Chief Secretary Jawwed Usmani has asked officials to work on the project, which also includes creation of an eight-kilometre cycling track around the Taj and boating facility on the Yamuna.

Besides asking for "more suggestions on developing areas around the Taj Mahal", he has also sought a draft project report from the departments concerned within a month. The projects around the World Heritage monument would be taken up under the Nature Walk projects and eco-tourism vision of the state government, an official told IANS. Under the proposed project, the Taj Safari, Mumtaaz Eco-park, Camel Safari would be developed. Efforts were also on to begin the facility of boating in the Yamuna and allow tourists to view the Taj from the river, which flows adjacent to the monument to love. The Uttar Pradesh government, officials said, was serious about developing green patches and promoting tourism in a big way at Agra.