The lesser you know, the more you want it. That saying is so true! Given the evolution of technology, we can know anything and everything in the click of a button. In times like these, we may wonder what are the parts of the world that are still yet to be discovered or ones that still remain a mystery to mankind.
Interestingly, there are some places in the world that are completely off limits to tourists for one reason or the other, except you’re a researcher or a daredevil willing to part with your good health, and sometimes, your life. Keep reading to know more as to why these places are forbidden and unravel the mysteries that mankind is yet to understand.
Here are some places in the world where visitors are not allowed;
1. North Sentinel Island, India
The North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese tribe of India, an indigenous people in voluntary isolation. They have rejected any form of contact with the outside world, often violently. Almost nothing is known about this tribe which has inhabited the Island for more than 60 thousand years. In fact, if you set foot on the Island, the Sentinelese would try to kill you. Two fishermen fishing illegally were killed in 2006 when their boat drifted too close to the Island. After several failed attempts to make a connection with this tribe, the Indian government prohibited travel within three miles of the Island. North Sentinel Island is one of the most dangerous and forbidden places in the world.
2. Snake Island, Brazil
Just as the name suggests, Snake Island officially known as Ilha de Queimada Granda is infested with thousands of the world’s deadliest snakes. According to some estimates, there is one snake in each square meter of the Island. It is also estimated that there are approximately 4000 golden lanceheads on the Island. Snake Island is closed to the public for obvious reasons.
3. Lascaux cave, France
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cave complex, home to some of history’s most famous examples of Paleolithic cave paintings ever discovered. The paintings are about 17000 years old and depict mostly images of large animals that have been proven through fossil excavation to have been living in the area at that time. The caves were completely closed off to the public in 1963 because the presence of visitors and influx of light created several problems like the growth of lichen, microbes, and fungi.
4. Poveglia, Italy
This small island off the coast of Venice is described by the locals as the most haunted place in the world. In the 1700s, Poveglia was used as a quarantine site for those afflicted with Bubonic plague. The Island buildings were later converted into an asylum for the mentally ill in 1922. It has been vacant since 1968 when the mental hospital was closed down. Rumour has it that the ghost of plague victims, war victims and the ghost of a murderous asylum doctor roam the decaying grounds.
5. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
Also known as the Doomsday vault, this global seed vault stores about 100 million seeds from all over the world to restore the plant kingdom in case something bad happens to the planet’s vegetation. It was opened in 2008 and built to last about 200 years. It can withstand explosions and earthquakes. It was placed on the side of a mountain so even if all the ice on earth melts, it will still be above sea level.

6. Area 51, USA

Area 51 in Southern Nevada is always wrapped in conspiracy theories. It is a US military base and has the reputation of being the testing ground for weapons and aircraft. But there is wider speculation about the same. Conspiracy theorists believe that the officials conceal alien evidence at the base. It is totally off-limits to the commoners, and even the USA barely acknowledges the existence of Area 51.
7. Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China

The Mausoleum of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang is buried deep underneath a pyramid for more than 2,000 years. It is one of the greatest discoveries of all times but remains a mystery for historians and archaeologists. The contents of the tomb are mostly sealed and unexplored. It is said that the burial complex comprises of various things that Qin Shi Huang will need in the afterlife. To pay respect to the ancient site, the Chinese Government has prohibited excavation of the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang and is one the most forbidden places in the world.
8. Pravcicka Brana, Czech Republic
One of the most spectacular landmarks of Czech Republic, Pravcicka Brana is the biggest sandstone arch in Europe. Till 1982, this landmark attracted tourists from far and near. Later, to minimise erosion, people are restricted to visit the arch. However, geologists think that this natural sandstone arch of Pravcicka Brana would soon collapse and hence it makes it a forbidden place.
9. Niihau Island, USA

Niihau Island, with a population of 160 inhabitants, is prohibited to the general public. The only way to visit this region is either to be a part of the US Navy or to have a relative on the island. To preserve the environment and wildlife on Niihau Island, the government has restricted the entry to outsiders. No wonder, it is a forbidden place that one cannot reach.
10. Surtsey Island, Iceland

Surtsey is a small island situated in an archipelago on the south coast of Iceland. It was created as a consequence of a volcanic explosion that continued for four years. Surtsey is also known globally for being the newest island on the globe. Right now, it only allows a few scientists and geologists to enter its premises. This forbidden place in the world is totally banned to grant entry for tourists. This is because it is supposed that human intrusion will upset the ecological sequence that is ongoing on the island currently.
11. Ise Grand Shrine, Japan
Japan is known worldwide for its shrine culture and has nearly 80,000 shrines in total. The most prominent out of all is the Ise Grand Shrine. It is one of the most expensive temples in Japan crediting to its architectural magnificence. To keep the Shinto traditions which go back to the 8th century, this temple is reconstructed once in 20 years. This is why this temple is so expensive. Only the members of the royal family are granted access to this prestigious ancient representation sacred to the Japanese.

Source: Different Internet Sites
So, are you feeling the chills yet? Don’t visit these eerie Forbidden Places in the World and keep yourself safe!
Would you like to get published on this Website? You can now email Uganda Times: an Opinion, any breaking news, Exposes, story ideas, human interest, articles or any interesting videos on: [email protected]. Or join the Ugandatimes WhatsApp Group or Telegram Channel for the latest updates.