By IANS,
Agra : Tourists at the Taj Mahal got almost roasted while walking on the red sand-stone lined pathways of the mausoleum Saturday afternoon as the temperature soared to 43 degrees Celsius.
“Almost all are in a hurry to have a look and return to their hotel rooms. Such is the scorching heat that a pleasure trip for many has already turned into a nightmare. Two tourists – a Korean girl and an Indian woman – fainted three days ago. But quick help was received from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel,” said Suresh, a tourist guide.
Though the Agra Development Authority (ADA) has installed cold water dispensers at two points, they cannot cope with the rush. “Most tourists carry their own water bottles, but how long can their stock last? Every few minutes one needs a sip of cold water and occasionally a little to sprinkle on the face,” said a CISF trooper.
Marie and Dicky from the US said they had never thought Agra would be this hot. “It was difficult to spend time in Sikri and the Fort as the red sand-stone had got heated up.”