š The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic landmark in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by various regulations to preserve its architectural and cultural significance. However, flying a drone in this area requires a permit. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to obtain a permit to fly a drone near the Taj Mahal. Give a š at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the India Drone Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
The Taj Mahal is in the India which follows the common rules of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. If you're looking for the unmanned aerial vehicle rules of India then click here.
In a nutshell, no matter where in India, you should fly:
at a maximum altitude of 120 m, within sight & in good weather conditions.
a drone which is equipped with a return home function & flashing lights to indicate its position.
from a static position (not while in a moving car for e.g.)
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
5 km away from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru & Hyderabad airports or 3 km from any other airport, heliports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
make sure to mark your take off & landing zone with a drone flight zone kit
only one drone at a time & do not carry or drop anything when flying your drone.
ask before flying any governmental, religious or military sites.
To be fully compliant, your drone will need to be marked with a fire resistant identification plate.
Can I fly a drone near the Taj Mahal?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which manages the Taj Mahal, has implemented a strict no-fly zone in the vicinity of the monument. When we say strict we mean it, in fact it is getting stricter by the year:
2017, a 5kms no fly zone was introduced.
2018, a 10kms no fly zone was introduced.
2020, a 15kms no fly zone around the Taj Mahal was introduced.
2023, local authorities contracted a drone catcher to enforce the no fly zone.
The Indian government has implemented measures to maintain the safety and security of the Taj Mahal for tourists, citizens, and residents in the vicinity. However, they have also shown openness towards allowing drone usage for specific purposes like education, commerce, and cinema.
Catching a plane to visit India? Be compliant & get your fireproof lipo battery bags
Drone Fly Map for Taj Mahal, India
ā India recently launched their no fly zone drone map which allows you to plan your flight's details and the software will remind you where you need a permit. Unfortunately for us, the software wasn't showing all regulations when we used it so we cannot explain how it works just yet.
Depending on the purpose of your drone flight, you may be able to obtain permits from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is important to obtain the necessary permits before flying your drone near Burj Khalifa.
šØ Understandably, recreational drones are not allowed to fly over landmark sites, including the Taj Mahal, ever. There are several reasons for you to need a permit but the main one being the amount of activity happening in this amazing place. The Taj Mahal is indeed one of the busiest places in the world as it welcomes:
8 millions visitors each year, that's 22,000 people everyday !
Is open from 6am to 6.30pm almost everyday of the year.
When considering the amount of visitors it attracts daily, its easier to understand why it is so regulated to fly a drone nearby.
How do I apply for a permit to fly near the Taj Mahal?
There is no official process as permits are extremelly rare and hard ot obtain. To start an application you will need to contact local administration by:
Email: info@tajmahal.gov.in
Phone: (+91) 562 24 21 204
šØ We expect a fee is required to secure the rights the fly near the Taj Mahal and some waiting time might be required to obtain permits. If you gain further information about applying for a permit to fly your drone near the Taj Mahal, please let us know in the India Drone Forum so we can update this post in turn.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally near the Taj Mahal?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such. Indian authorities however specified that the Aircraft Act 1934 & the Aircraft Rules 1937 will be referred to for any necessary action and may result in one or several of the below:
Jail time
Fines
Confiscation of your drone
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Flying a drone near the Taj Mahal can be a truly breathtaking experience, but it requires a responsible approach and adherence to regulations. By following the essential rules outlined in this blog post, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and legally compliant drone flight while capturing stunning aerial perspectives of the Taj Mahal. Remember, the preservation of this cultural treasure and the safety of its visitors are of utmost importance, so always fly with respect and mindfulness.
ā Please leave a comment or update India Drone Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone over India! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although greatĀ care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authoritiesĀ for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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