India's Supreme Court has ordered the government to find a way to restore the iconic Taj Mahal and reverse what it has called a disturbing change in colour of the famous building's facade.

Justices Madan Lokur and Deepak Gupta were shocked when they were presented with images showing that the famous tomb, built in the 17th Century from white marble and other materials, had turned yellow and was now turning brown and green.

The facade is peppered with green and brown spots caused by pollution.

Laborers from the Archeological Survey of India clean the Taj Mahal. Credit:New York Times

They ordered government officials to consult with local and international experts to prevent further damage to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.