About 12 years ago our sunset visit to the Taj Mahal was cancelled, without notice, so that the President of Romania could have a private tour of the monument.

We are planning to make another visit during our holiday to Goa in either late January or February and are anxious to avoid the same thing happening again. I would be grateful if you could let me know whether any state or official visits are planned during this period. Also, should we book a tour from the UK or wait until we get to Goa? - Felicity Harrison, via e-mail

Times travel expert Julia Brookes responds: You were extremely unlucky. A spokesman for Transindus, which specialises in tours to India, said that such closures are rare. But any such visit would be announced only at the last minute, making it impossible to plan ahead, so I'm afraid that you will just have to hope for the best. You should book well ahead from the UK.

Day Tripper (00 91 832 2276726, www.daytrippergoa.com), based in Goa, offers a two-night trip for about £440pp, staying in a four-star hotel. If you book early, it will try to get you flights with a budget airline such as Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com).

Times recommends

• The 10 best bits of travel gear
• Soho's classy, cheap new townhouse
• Germany's perfect Christmas city