India hoping to attract more tourists with new Taj Mahal website

With an eye on the upcoming Commonwealth games, the Indian government has created a website for one of its main attractions - the Taj Mahal - in hopes of reeling in more tourists during the next several months.

The site, www.TajMahal.gov, provides its visitors with a virtual experience of the building, showing it from several different angles, which users can adjust, and also offers in-depth information about its history. The building has been in existence since 1653, after taking nearly 20 years to erect.

The website is similar to one launched by the French, www.Tour-Eiffel.fr, which showcases the famous Eiffel Tower, also in hopes of drawing more tourists.

While some of the information provided on the site has been protested by local newspapers, it nonetheless is drawing visitors and potential tourists.

The Commonwealth games is a multinational, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, held every four years. This year's event will be held in Delhi, India after taking place in Melbourne, Australia in 2006.