Face mask to beautify Taj Mahal

Indian officials say a deep-cleansing mud pack may be the only way to return a yellowing Taj Mahal to the cultural landmark's former white marble glory.

Pollution particles have collected on the 17th Century marble mausoleum, built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan for his wife.

A report put before India's parliament recommends caking the building in clay to draw out surface impurities.



"To restore the pristine glory of the Taj Mahal, as a conservation measure, the clay pack treatment, which is non-corrosive and non-abrasive, should be carried out for the removal of the accretionary deposits," the report said.

The report recommends that the application of a mud pack should be a regular event to keep the marble's surface clean.

The process is not cheap - restoration will cost $230,000 (£116,000).