Agra, Dec 15 (IANS) Showers early Tuesday morning washed the dust off the Taj Mahal's white marble making it look sparkling white.

'Over the months, dust and sand particles had been deposited over the monument, giving it a pale look especially in the afternoons. But this morning's shower made it look so beautiful,' Vishal, a photographer, said.

With the holiday season approaching, hoteliers are delighted and are hoping for a plethora of tourists.

'Business had not really picked up along expected lines particularly after the swine flu scare in Rajasthan. But we hope the coming days will boost tourism in Agra,' said Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association.