"The forecast is not good for the next week or ten days, prospect of temperature shooting to 47 or even 48 look imminent," said Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association. "Extreme weather conditions naturally hit tourism. However students and domestic tourists from different parts of India can only afford to come to Agra during this season, due to summer vacations," Chauhan added.

The Taj Mahal which used to remain crowded with domestic tourists and students in particular presents a deserted picture. "Its so difficult to walk in the sun. Everyone has to carry water bottles. Why cant they provide umbrellas on rent," said Gopalakrishnan from Madurai. A group of 40 odd people from Salem, the other day had harrowing experience.

"Actually people down south have no idea about the extreme weather conditions up north, particularly in Agra. This certainly is not a good time to visit the historical monuments in the Taj city," said Tamil journalist Shaffi Munna.

"Actually the number of domestic tourists has not fallen so drastically, but certainly one sees few foreign visitors because of the heat," said Taj Mahal caretaker Munnazzar Ali. "Shoe covers are now available for Indian tourists also at a nominal cost. The three RO plants are working to full capacity," Ali told Agratoday.in.

But hotels around Taj Mahal were without enough customers. "Its lean season, so we dont get western tourists this time of the year," said hotelier Sandip Arora. "They should provide some shade, shamianas for the tourists who have to wait at the entry points in the queue for frisking or entry," he added.

The weather has been most unkind, though nothing unusual but "power breakdowns frequently and shortage of drinking water have added to the woes of the citizens," said Surendra Sharma, senior tourism industry leader and hotelier. "Due to intense heat a large number of tourists were not visiting other monuments and particularly avoiding Fatehpur Sikri."

For the convenience of tourists however the district authorities have started recently a special AC bus that taken tourists around monuments.

"The heritage bus is indeed a good idea with guide facility and attractive decor. Its comfortable," said a tourist from Udaipur Magan Bhai. Groups of tourists who are also on a pilgrimage to Mathura and Vrindavan have been pouring in Agra. "Soon the Jayreens headed for Ajmer Sharif would start dropping in large numbers. The district administration should gear up to meet the rush," says photographer Vishal.

The Taj Mahal was visited by more than 6 million tourists last year.