Agra, Jul 23: Looking to capitalise on tourism on the sidelines of Commonwealth Games 2010, the government of India has released an official website for Taj Mahal.

The official Taj Mahal website not only takes visitors on a virtual trip to one of the seven wonders of the world but also informs its visitors on complete historical background of the white marble wonder, timings and ticket rates.

The website was launched on Thursday, Jul 22 by Uttar Pradesh"s director general of tourism and secretary tourism Ananeesh Kumar Awasthi.

The website is aimed at garnering interest, answering questions and also providing solutions to common problems that tourists face.

“Subsequently other monuments like Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra, Etmauddaula and Agra Fort too will have their Websites," tourism officials told a news agency..

Hindi and Urdu versions of the website is in the pipeline.

The home page of the website offers a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal. The visitors can chose front, back or side view of the wonder.

In comparison with other government websites, this website dedicated to the Monument of Love is a pleasure to the eyes with simple flash animation and authentic Indian designs.

However, the usability of the website to a serious tourist could be an issue.

OneIndia News