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India is popular all over the world for its diversity, historical heritage and mesmerizing tourist attractions. But do you know that there are some places on the map of the country which, despite being naturally beautiful, are completely banned for the general public and tourists?
Some of these places are related to national security, some are located on very sensitive international borders, while some are blocked for the protection of primitive tribes. Interestingly, having money alone is not enough to reach these places. At many places, even special government permits do not work and there is a lifetime ban on entry of ordinary tourists. Let us know about those 7 most mysterious and restricted places in India, which you can see only in pictures.
1. North Sentinel Island, Andaman
North Sentinel Island of Andaman Nicobar Islands tops the list of most mysterious and restricted places in India. This island located in the Bay of Bengal Sentinelese Tribe Is the native place of. This tribe has been completely isolated and cut off from the modern world since the Stone Age.
Legal Restrictions: Under the Indian Tribal Protection Act, it is completely illegal and a punishable offense to enter the mainland of the island and within a radius of 5 nautical miles around it. The main objective of the government is to protect this primitive tribe from the diseases, viruses and human interference of the modern world. Even boats of the Indian Navy or Coast Guard are not allowed to go to the shores of the island.
2. Barren Island, Andaman Sea
If you dream of seeing India’s only active volcano closely or setting foot on that island, this dream will always remain unfulfilled. Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea, where South Asia’s only living volcano exists.
Tourists can only view the smoke and volcanic peaks from a distance at sea via customized cruises or chartered boats, but are strictly prohibited from setting foot on the island’s surface. Due to continuous geological movements, emission of poisonous gases and security reasons, entry of common citizens is completely restricted here. This contrast of black volcanic stones and deep blue sea attracts from a distance.
3. Cholamu Lake, Sikkim
Tso Lhamo Lake, located very close to the Tibet (China) border in North Sikkim, is counted among the highest lakes in the world. Situated at an altitude of about 18,000 feet above sea level, amidst snow-capped mountains and tranquil valleys, this lake looks like a supernatural paradise.
But due to strategic viewpoint and sensitivity of the international border, common domestic and international tourists are completely prohibited from visiting here. In this high-altitude zone, mainly only the Indian Army and top administrative officials are allowed to go for patrolling or special operations. Common people can understand its amazing beauty only by looking at its satellite photos.
4. Aksai Chin, Ladakh
Aksai Chin is a vast, high and extremely cold desert area. Geographically, huge white salt lakes, icy ancient valleys and far-flung desolate but extremely beautiful natural scenes can be seen here.
Since this area has been the main focus of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) border dispute between India and China for a long time, this area has remained a completely impenetrable fortress for the common global tourist. This place may seem like a fantasy for adventure lovers and trekkers, but the ground reality is that it is impossible for any common citizen to reach here.
5. Restricted Section of Pangong Tso
As soon as we hear the name of Pangong Lake of Ladakh, scenes from Bollywood films, bright blue water and the beautiful allure of brown mountains spread all around come before our eyes. However, the administration has allowed tourists to visit only a certain Indian part of this lake (up to Spangmik and Mann Village).
But a large part of this huge lake comes under the highly sensitive international border zone. The restricted section of Pangong Tso, which has not been seen by any common tourist till date, still remains a part of strategic maps and army posts due to its extreme secrecy and military security.
6. Restricted Islands of Lakshadweep
Many islands of Lakshadweep are making their mark in global tourism for their postcard-like immaculate beauty, velvety white sand, turquoise transparent sea and the marine world of colorful coral reefs.
But you will be surprised to know that This beautiful union territory group of 36 islands In most parts of India, ordinary domestic and foreign tourists do not have the freedom to move around freely. A select number of islands (e.g. Agatti, Bangaram, Kavaratti) are accessible only with a special Inner Line Permit (ILP), while many islands are completely sealed and restricted to the outside world in view of the sensitivity of the local ecosystem and the security of strategic naval bases.
7. Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, located in Trombay, Mumbai, is not a natural tourist spot or valley, but its extreme secrecy, national security and scientific importance make it one of the most restricted places in India.
This complex is the main center of India’s nuclear research, strategic energy projects and highly sensitive defense engineering. There is 100% legal ban on entry of common citizens or tourists here. Only authorized nuclear scientists, credential-verified researchers or senior officials with special written permission from the Office of the President/Prime Minister are allowed inside after a stringent three-layer security check.
After all, why is there a complete ban on these beautiful and important places?
According to interior and defense experts, mainly the following three big reasons work behind these stringent restrictions:
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Basic protection of tribal communities: Due to the visit of outside humans to islands like North Sentinel, the tribal people there may get infected with modern viruses (like common flu or corona), against which their body does not have the immunity to fight. In such a situation, this separation is necessary to save their entire breed.
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National and strategic security: The interiors of Aksai Chin or Pangong are kept away from the general public to maintain the secrecy of military activities on the international borders (China-Pakistan border) and to prevent espionage.
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Fragile Eco-system: Due to excessive human activities (over-tourism) in places like Lakshadweep and Cholamu, the delicate environment, rare vegetation and aquatic animals there can be destroyed forever.
