Many people have a bucket list of things they want to do and see in their lifetime, with hopes of travel being one of the most common items on that list. However, there are some places in the world that are forbidden to visitors, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to these locations. Here is a list of 10 fascinating places that are also illegal to visit, each with its own unique reasons for being off-limits to the public.
1. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil: Also known as Snake Island, this beautiful yet dangerous island is home to a multitude of venomous snakes, including the Golden Lancehead Viper. The Brazilian government has deemed it as one of the most forbidden places to visit due to the risks associated with its wildlife.
2. North Sentinel, Andaman: This remote island is home to the indigenous Sentinelese tribe, who have had little to no contact with the outside world. Their isolation and vulnerability to modern diseases make it a forbidden place to visit in order to protect their way of life.
3. Uluru, Australia: Formerly known as Ayers Rock, this sacred site to indigenous peoples has been off-limits to climbers since 2017 to respect the wishes of the Anangu people. The surrounding area can still be visited, but climbing the rock itself is now prohibited.
4. Bhangarh Fort, India: Deemed “legally haunted,” this abandoned fort has a dark history and is said to be home to dangerous animals, making it unsafe for visitors.
5. North Brother Island, New York: Once used as a quarantine site for contagious diseases, this island is now a bird sanctuary and off-limits to visitors due to safety concerns and the overgrowth of nature.
6. Heart Reef, Australia: This picturesque part of the Great Barrier Reef is protected to preserve its delicate ecosystem, but can still be seen from a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view.
7. Lascaux Cave, France: Home to ancient cave paintings, this site was closed to the public in 1963 to prevent damage to the artworks. A replica cave nearby allows visitors to experience the paintings without harming the original site.
8. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway: This vault holds over 1 million seed samples from around the world to ensure food security in case of disasters. It is off-limits to the public to protect the valuable seeds inside.
9. Heard Island: This remote island with an active volcano is forbidden to visit due to safety concerns and the difficulty of reaching it by boat.
10. Alleged Home to the Ark of the Covenant, Ethiopia: A church in Aksum is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, but access to this sacred artifact is restricted to protect its integrity.
These forbidden places may spark curiosity and wonder, but their off-limits status adds to their mystique and allure. While it may be tempting to visit these locations, their protection is necessary to preserve their unique qualities for future generations.
