In a significant boost to digital tourism, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has rolled out online ticket booking for more than 170 centrally protected monuments and museums via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
This move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aims to make India’s rich cultural heritage more accessible to domestic and international visitors through seamless, multi-platform digital channels.
The integration allows users to book entry tickets effortlessly from various apps, eliminating the need for on-site purchases and reducing wait times at popular sites. “This initiative not only enhances convenience but also promotes transparent and efficient public service delivery,” according to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Key highlights of the program include preserved discounts for visitors—₹5 off for Indian nationals and ₹50 for foreign tourists—ensuring affordability remains intact. By leveraging ONDC’s open digital ecosystem, ASI’s ticketing inventory has been fully onboarded, courtesy of technical support from NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML).
Currently, tickets are live on user-friendly platforms such as Highway Delite (available on web, Android, and iOS), Pelocal’s innovative WhatsApp-based service (start by messaging “Hi” to +91 84228 89057), and Abhee by Mondee (Android and iOS). Several other consumer apps are in the pipeline for ONDC integration, promising even broader reach in the coming months.
This development aligns with India’s broader push towards digital inclusivity, allowing tourists to plan visits to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, or ancient museums without the hassle of physical queues. Experts believe it could significantly increase footfall at heritage locations while supporting sustainable tourism practices.
As digital adoption grows, initiatives like this underscore the government’s commitment to blending technology with cultural preservation, making history just a click away for everyone.
