Taj Mahal for the rich and famous only?

Access to the Taj Mahal, the epitome of Mughal art and one of the world's most recognisable structures, may be limited to the rich and famous only, a new report has suggested.

The report by the influential Future Laboratory in Britain claims that the Taj Mahal in India, the Pyramids of Egypt and Venice should be made the exclusive playgrounds of the wealthy class in order to protect them. It warns that drastic action is needed to protect these World Heritage sites or else they could be lost in just 20 years' time because they are being crushed under the weight of mass tourism, the Daily Express reported.

The report says that in time access to the sites may be limited to the wealthy, with ordinary tourists having to make do with viewing platforms.

Futurologist Ian Pearson said: "We take World Heritage sites for granted today. In the future we won't be able to go wherever we want. There'll be tourist levies on key locations and only the rich and famous will be able to afford a ticket. "You might need to win a lottery for the right to pay a fee to visit places such as the Taj Mahal."

Taj Mahal, built in 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, is considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love. In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.