Explore India's Timeless Treasures for Free on April 18: ASI Opens Monuments Nationwide

India is home to one of the world’s richest and most diverse cultural legacies, and the ASI plays a vital role in preserving this wealth.

On the occasion of International Day for Monuments and Sites, celebrated every year on April 18, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made a landmark announcement that is sure to delight history buffs, culture enthusiasts, students, and travelers alike. In a bid to promote awareness, appreciation, and public engagement with India's remarkable cultural heritage, the ASI has declared free entry to all ASI-protected monuments and sites across the country on April 18, 2025.

A Golden Opportunity to Discover India's Heritage

India is home to one of the world’s richest and most diverse cultural legacies, and the ASI plays a vital role in preserving this wealth. With 3,698 monuments and archaeological sites under its protection—including ancient temples, forts, palaces, mosques, stepwells, caves, and colonial-era structures—the ASI safeguards both well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lesser-known yet equally significant heritage landmarks.

On this special day, visitors will have the chance to explore iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hampi, Sanchi Stupa, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sun Temple at Konark, and hundreds more, all without paying an entry fee.

2025 Theme: Heritage Under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts

The theme for this year’s International Day for Monuments and Sites is “Heritage under threat from disaster and conflicts.” This global campaign emphasizes the urgent need to protect cultural heritage sites from both natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and climate change, as well as human-made threats such as war, vandalism, neglect, and urban development pressures.

By spotlighting these challenges, the initiative aims to encourage citizens, especially the younger generation, to understand the fragility of heritage and the collective effort required to conserve it for future generations.

Promoting Public Responsibility and Engagement

This fee waiver is not just a gesture of goodwill—it is a call to action. The ASI hopes that by inviting citizens to freely explore these national treasures, it will ignite a deeper appreciation for India’s historical wealth and encourage proactive participation in its conservation.

According to the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution (Article 51A), every Indian citizen is duty-bound “to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.” This initiative aligns with that spirit by reminding the public that heritage is not just the responsibility of archaeologists or historians, but of every citizen.

Educational and Cultural Importance

The initiative is particularly beneficial for students, researchers, and families looking to immerse themselves in India’s past. Schools and educational institutions are encouraged to organize field visits to these monuments, enabling young minds to connect with history beyond textbooks. Moreover, it supports the government’s broader goals of fostering cultural tourism and promoting India as a global heritage destination.

Many ASI sites will also feature guided tours, heritage walks, talks by experts, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns on the importance of monument preservation, further enriching the experience.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’ve long dreamed of visiting the majestic architecture of Rajasthan’s forts, the serenity of ancient Buddhist caves in Maharashtra, or the intricate carvings of South India’s temple towns, April 18 is the perfect day to do it.

So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and step into history this International Day for Monuments and Sites. Admission is free, but the memories—and the impact of understanding and preserving your heritage—are priceless.

For more details and a list of ASI monuments near you, visit the official ASI website.