India, in all credit, beholds the most stunning places in the world. Myriads of attractions ranging from heritage, culture, religion, arts, to impeccable landscape and vistas, this country never fails to surprise any visitors. This sub-continent showcases a distinctive diversity of ethnicity and positively gorgeous geographical features. Quaint hill stations, majestic mountains, pristine valleys, outlined beaches, and dotted deserts, you name them, and this country has it all. However, most people barely know certain places are forbidden to explore here. Fascinating, ain’t it? Despite its well-spoken charm and beauty, it is blighted information for nature enthusiasts without a herculean task laid out in front of their eyes. Hence, we have shortlisted 10 forbidden places for tourists traveling to or visiting India.
Mount Kanchenjunga, Sikkim
Sikkim is a phenomenal state that looks like no other place in the world. Glistening lakes, majestic mountains, and picturesque landscape determine this lovely region in the northern part of India. It also takes pride in housing Mount Kanchenjunga on the Himalayan ranges, the world’s third tallest peak. The imposing peak is one of the top attractions that lure visitors from around the world. While the rugged structure is inviting for those many adventurers and mountain climbers, unfortunately, Mt. Kanchenchunga does not entertain such interest.
On account of religious sentiments, Mt. Kanchenjunga holds a great reverence and is the most sacred place for the Buddhist community. Hence, activities beyond the foothills are not allowed to carry forward whatsoever. The Government of Sikkim prohibited expeditions to the mountain in the early 2000s to help protect religious sentiments. They did so after the Buddhist habitants convey their dislike of intruding on the holy grounds by non-believers. Therefore, the destination becomes one of the forbidden places in India to visit. However, hope is there to conquer the mountain from the other side of the international border.
North Sentinel Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The truth stands out that the archipelago in the Andaman and Nicobar is sheer beauty. Most of the Islands are charming making them the best destinations for beach lovers and avid travelers alike. Among the many islands there, only a few are open to visitors and the rest are yet to explore or are extremely dangerous. One of such unexplored islands discouraging a visit is the North Sentinel Island. The habitat of just 50 to 150 typical tribals does not have any intention to accept any visitors into their homeland. Besides, they cut off their connections from the world beyond and do not comply with civility.
Any efforts to link with the natives of Sentinel always fall short as they isolate themselves from any outside world. The inhabitants dwell as in the primitive stage and behave neanderthal which makes many other sophisticated people miserable to communicate with them. Hence concerning their wish, the Indian Government in 2006 banned tourists from going further than 3 miles on the island. This is concerned with the safety of any visitors from the Sentinelese’s exploitation. Thus all these sums up to make North Sentinel Island one of the forbidden places in India to visit.
Upper part of Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh
Ladakh is a hastening highlighted tourist destination in India owing to its arduous beauty. The location is idyllic for various adventures, trekking, bike riding, and many other activities. No matter how benevolently charming it looks, there are places tourists cannot risk their lives visiting. Yet, you may wonder why Pangong Tso Lake Ladakh pops up in one of the forbidden places to visit in India.
The pristine Pangong Tso Lake at Ladakh is popular among the beautiful lakes in India. The mesmerizing color-changing mystery of the lake is the sole reason why people love to visit. Where part of it is accessible to explore, 50% of the lake remains impassable. The Line of Actual Control or a demarcation line draws the separation of India and China that runs through the lake. Hence, to marvel at the circumscribing landscape from part of the lake from the Indian border is truly a perk for visitors. Nevertheless, the leavings apart from the Indian territory is rigidly banned. Trust me, no daring and risking your life there, if you have that nasty thought while visiting.
The Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Island
Sitting pretty on the Bay of Bengal, Nicobar is a constitutional Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Island in India. The untrodden island appears inviting to visit with a splendid view and charming milieu but sadly it is off-bound for visitors. The untainted looks of it make an impression that it must have been more charming than their counterpart islands in the region. Although the region of Andaman Islands is unceasingly thriving for tourism, the Nicobar Island remains to conceal from the marveling mystery and discovery of fascinating places of interest.
The reason Nicobar Island is one of the forbidden places to visit is, like the Sentinelese, the primitive tribals on this island do not take interest in taking part in development activities. Hence, visiting this pristine island is exceptionally for few researchers, scientists, and wildlife specialists that also with vigorous formalities. The beauty around the island is hard to ignore but who dares to face the barbaric hostility of the habitants ready to welcome any visitors with bows and arrows! The fact is, even the locals from the nearby islands such as Port Blair cannot approach there. Hence, to preserve and respect their feelings, the government of India forbids the entry of tourists there.
Barren Island, Andaman
Islands are the most charming mass of land, but they can be unsafe at certain points. That being said, the Barren Island in Andaman is one of the pristine yet very dangerous islands. It is eminently one of the forbidden places to visit in India as it houses the one and most active volcano in South Asia. Prioritizing the safety of any visitors, the island is rigorously shut from exploring. However, precise and special permission from the forest department may hopefully earn you to set foot on the island but not for very long.
The Barren Island looks captivating from a distance and easily makes out that it is uninhabited, secluded, and unblemished. The coral reefs and the crystal clear waters are astoundingly beautiful. The island though may sound vicious, humbly shelters species such as flying foxes, rodents, and birds. It appears barren as its name with lesser lush vegetation due to the volcanic eruption. From a safe zone in the ships, one can see the intensifying scene of hot lava at the mouth of the volcano. This escalates the interests and curiosity of any vivid explorer tempting them to discover anything mysterious.
Aksai Chin, Ladakh
The region in the northern part of India is explicitly beautiful in every accord. The extreme northern region such as Kashmir, and Ladakh touches the international boundaries that often face disputes and agitations from the other end of the borders. Despite the possession of captivating beauty, continuous brutal rampages, and attacks make the places forbidden to visit. Aksai Chin in Ladakh is one place to consider. However it looks outrageously stunning, one should avoid going there. It is the proximity where the infamous border of India and China lies and part of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It bounds the South Western part of Hotan Prefecture in China and considers as one of the highly disputed areas. The Chinese allegedly claim that Aksai Chin is part of the Hotan Prefecture.
Aksai Chin, a beautiful landmark is encircled by several soda lakes which looks beautiful. The high-altitude cold desert vicinity remains a place untouched by humans and extremely dangerous. Moreover, the bordering line is classified as the ceasefire line. Hence it is appropriate to say that it is one of the most threatening and forbidden places not only in India but in the world.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is located at Trombay in the suburb of Mumbai. It is India’s leading and premier multi-disciplinary nuclear research center. The proximity is well-structured with futuristic facilities for advanced research and studies. Although it is a popular sight of attraction, it is one of the forbidden places for tourists to visit in India. The reason is plainly for security purposes. The exceptional visitors are only students and researchers. However, they can enter the vicinity after series of security checks and permission from the government institutions.
China Occupied Arunachal Pradesh
The Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh near China territory is truly an enchanting destination. Lush green hills and picturesque landscape defines the feature of this inescapable beauty. Although the beautiful panorama is inviting, it is one place to consider not risking your lives.
Arunachal Pradesh lies in the extreme northeastern part of India near the China border. However, China allegedly claims around 90000 square kilometers of the Indian state’s territory. An approximate area of 50 square kilometers around the border is taken under the Chinese territory. Following a dispute, controversial fights, and invasion in 1959 and 1962, China did not give up and had its ways on the area. Consequently, the People’s Liberation Army built a village in the occupied area for airfields and other military establishments. However, the dispute does not cease between the two countries to date. This continual dispute turns this area into one of the forbidden places for tourists to visit in India.
Stok Kangri, Ladakh
It is sad to admit that humans’ consequences on any natural tourist destination are menacing for nature. If you have heard of any destinations ruined by over-tourism, Stok Kangri is on the list. Stok Kangri is once a highly sought tourist destination ideal for trekking and sightseeing. It is located within the Hemis National Park in Ladakh. The vistas around the peak are impeccably sensational and the scenic view makes it a place for any sort of visitor to love the destination.
Stok Kangri is one of the most popular expedition destinations and highest trekking peaks in India. Many avid trekkers and adventurers acutely trek this peak until December 2019. Thereafter the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association declares that it is banned from climbing or trekking till 2023. This is a serious measure to restore the place to its original state or get heal from over-tourism. Therefore, for a while, it is one of the forbidden places to visit in India.
Some Lakshadweep Island
The archipelago of Lakshadweep in the great Arabian Sea is benignly charming. It has a total of 36 islands where only 10 are inhabited. The glimmering scenic beauty, the golden sandy beaches, the coral reefs, and the abundance of flora and fauna enhance the sprawling beauty of these islands. The absence of a rustic lifestyle adds more allure to the liking of this destination. While some parts of these islands are thriving with tourism opportunities, some of the islands do not allow visitors to explore.
With respect to the inhabitants’ wishes, Lakshadweep becomes one of the forbidden places to visit in India. Another significant reason is that the island is also a chief navy base which aspect strict security from intrusion. However, the islands of Bangaram, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy Islands exceptionally allow Indian visitors. Entry for foreigners is only open in Agatti.
Also read: https://liamtra.com/blog/savvy-ideas-for-weekend-getaway-2021/