The world is full of wonders and exciting places, but there are also several locations that are forbidden to visit, either due to safety concerns, cultural preservation, or political reasons. In this article, we will explore the top 7 places in the world that are off-limits to visitors.
- North Sentinel Island, India – This island is home to the Sentinelese people, one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world. The Indian government has declared the island a no-go zone, as contact with outsiders could lead to the spread of diseases that the tribe has no immunity to. Additionally, the Sentinelese have been known to attack outsiders who come too close to their shores, making the island a dangerous place for visitors.
- Area 51, Nevada, USA – This US Air Force facility located in the Nevada desert is one of the most famous and mysterious places in the world. It’s said to be a testing site for experimental aircraft and weapons, and conspiracy theories abound about what really goes on there. Access to the area is restricted, and anyone caught trying to enter without permission can be arrested and face serious charges.
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway – This underground vault is located on the remote Svalbard archipelago, near the Arctic Circle. It’s a repository for over a million samples of seeds from crops around the world, serving as a backup in case of disaster or disease. While the vault is open to researchers, it’s not accessible to the general public, as the seeds need to be kept in a controlled environment to maintain their viability.
- Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil – Also known as Snake Island, this small island off the coast of Brazil is home to one of the world’s deadliest snakes, the golden lancehead pit viper. The snakes are so dangerous and abundant that the Brazilian government has forbidden anyone from visiting the island, as it’s considered too risky.
- Ise Grand Shrine, Japan – This shrine is considered the most sacred site in Shinto, Japan’s traditional religion. It’s dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and is considered the spiritual home of the imperial family. While the shrine is open to visitors, only a select few are allowed to enter the innermost sanctuaries, as it’s considered a sacred space.
- Poveglia Island, Italy – This small island located near Venice was used as a quarantine station for bubonic plague victims in the 17th century and later as an asylum for the mentally ill. The asylum was closed in 1968, and the island has been abandoned ever since. Despite its gruesome history, the island is now off-limits to visitors, as the Italian government has declared it a nature reserve.
- Room 39, North Korea – This secretive organization is said to be responsible for generating illegal revenue for the North Korean government through illicit activities such as counterfeiting and drug trafficking. While the existence of Room 39 is widely acknowledged, little is known about its inner workings, and access is strictly prohibited.
While these forbidden places may seem mysterious and alluring, it’s essential to respect the restrictions put in place to protect both visitors and the places themselves. Whether it’s to preserve a sacred site, protect a vulnerable population, or maintain the viability of important resources, the reasons for keeping these places off-limits are crucial for ensuring the safety and preservation of our world’s wonders.