No Entry Fee at ASI Monuments on World Heritage Day, 18th April 2025.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced that no fee will be charged on visiting ASI monuments across India, on the occasion of World Heritage Day 2025 that is celebrated globally on 18th April, as the ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites’.
The Ministry of Culture, in its announcement today on 17 April 2025, states that this initiative aims to encourage visitors to explore India’s rich cultural heritage. The ASI, with 3,698 monuments and sites under its protection, is offering this opportunity to reconnect with India’s historical legacy and architectural marvels.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) posted today on X about this free entry to all ASI ticketed monuments on World Heritage Day, on 18th April 2025, stating that every monument holds a story - of people, time, victories, failures and everything in between. Celebrate World Heritage Day with free access to all ASI ticketed monuments across India. ASI also suggests us to take this opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of India with our friends and family.
This year, 2025's theme for "International Day for Monuments and Sites" is ‘Heritage under threat from disaster and conflicts.' which aims to spread awareness on safeguarding the heritage sites from natural or man-made disasters, threats, or conflicts.
By waiving off the entry fee on the World Heritage day on 18 April 2025, the ASI hopes to promote greater public engagement around the importance of conservation and management of India's built heritage and how citizens can play an active role in keeping our heritage preserved.
As per the Fundamental Duties laid down in India's Constitution, it is the collective responsibility of Indian citizens to protect the invaluable heritage sites and do one's bit to protect them.
This free entry is for ASI ticketed monuments in India on World Heritage Day on 18 April 2025 only.
India has 3,697 ancient monuments and archaeological sites declared of national importance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for their conservation and maintenance. ASI also ensures basic amenities at these sites, such as pathways, signages, benches, facilities for differently-abled visitors, sound and light shows, and souvenir shops.
World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on 18th April. It is also called the International Day for Monuments and Sites. This day is meant to honour and protect human heritage across the world. It also appreciates the people and groups who work to preserve it.
The World Heritage Day was started in 1982 by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), and later in 1983, UNESCO officially adopted it. Every year, ICOMOS gives a special theme for the day, and based on this theme, people and groups hold events and activities around the world to celebrate and protect heritage.
The World Heritage Convention is an international agreement created by UNESCO in 1972. It was adopted by countries around the world to protect important cultural and natural sites.
As of October 2024, there are 1,223 World Heritage Sites across 196 countries (952 cultural, 231 natural, 40 mixed). Among these, India has 43 World Heritage Sites. Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ajanta, and Ellora Caves were among the first to be listed as World Heritage in 1983. Out of the 43 World Heritage Site properties in India, 26 of those properties are maintained by the ASI.
- No Entry Fee at ASI Monuments on World Heritage Day, 18th April 2025 - Ministry of Culture, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 17 APR 2025 4:44PM by PIB Delhi.
- Post on X by Archaeological Survey of India @ASIGoI on 12:54 PM · Apr 17, 2025
- India’s Journey of Heritage Preservation - Ministry of Culture, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 17 APR 2025 4:23PM by PIB Delhi.
- Post on X by Archaeological Survey of India @ASIGoI on 11:04 AM · Apr 18, 2025