SURPRISE ME!

Oh No! Taj Mahal and Big Ben are Both Breaking Hearts this Year!

Ankita Sharma Sukhwani

Last updated: Sep 19, 2017

Here is some tragic news. After chiming every day for over 150 years, London’s iconic Big Ben has been silenced for the next four years. So if you are visiting London any time after August 2017 up until 2021, the silence of the city might feel just as deafening as the 118 decibel bongs did, announcing the commencement of every hour.

Your visit to Taj Mahal will be even worse! The monument of love is undergoing a mud-pack therapy. While small parts of the walls and minarets are being done right now, the main dome will be covered by the end of 2017 and will remain out of sight for over a year.

taj-mahal

Why? Oh Why?

Restorations.

The great clock is undergoing a massive restoration to keep its ancient Victorian mechanism working. While locals will be checking their clocks a lot more in these 4 years, visitors will also feel the absence of clanging gongs that made for a good Instagram story.

Now let’s talk about the world’s most iconic monument of love, the Taj Mahal. Well, it’s over 360 years old and is now in need of some TLC. Due to ever increasing pollution in the monument’s vicinity, the lovely white marble has taken on a yellow hue which is being revived with mud pack therapy. (Read our good old multani mitti beauty treatment!)

Au revoir- Until We Meet Again

Over a 1000 people gathered in the streets to bid adieu to the chimes of the Big Ben on the noon of August 21, 2017. The crowd also included a number of parliamentary members, and teary eyed locals, who recorded the bongs. But at least you can still see the Big Ben!

Sorry lovebirds! Even though the exact date has not been announced, if you are planning a trip to the Taj Mahal, do your research first. While you will still be able to take in the splendour of the beautifully carved interiors, the picture perfect capture of the exterior might elude you; even on Valentine’s Day!

We know we will miss them both! You too?

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Ankita Sharma Sukhwani Follow

When Ankita is not busy scribbling and sketching away on little pieces on paper, she is found cozying on her recliner enjoying movies and cartoons or feeding her dogs. A dreamer and an artist, Ankita is in love with all things beautiful.

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