25 Most Forbidden Places In The World You’ll Never See – #1 Is Truly Chilling
Our planet is full of mesmerizing places, rich in history and beauty. In these modern times, visiting most of these wonderful places is totally possible (when there are no viruses on the loose) – However, today we will take a look at the places you absolutely can’t visit under any circumstance! So grab a snack and kick back, as we take a look at the most mysterious locations you won’t see with your own eyes.
The Forbidden Island In India, North Sentinel Island
Located in the midst of the Bay of Bengal, the North Sentinel Island is home to the indigenous tribal group named Sentinelese. They are known to be hostile to the outside world and, at times, even attack foreigners in their land. Given this behavior, the Indian government decided to ban entry into the island in recent times.
In fact, after the devastating Tsunami of 2004, many humanitarian missions and rescue helicopters were sent out to help them, but all of them were attacked with arrows. This makes the Sentinelese one of the most isolated and dangerous tribes of the world.
Lascaux Caves is Shut For Future Preservation
Despite being named a UNESCO heritage site, the French destination of Lascaux Caves remains an inaccessible region. Home to prehistoric art works from the Paleolithic age, they depict various animals like stags, cattle, and bisons which are pretty useful when it comes to the study of early humans.
Due to archaeologists’s belief that human contact might spoil the paintings, in 1963, it was decided that these caves will remain shut for general public. In the past six decades, the area has been largely free from all sorts of fungal invasions, and is visited only by few security guards every week!
Steer Clear of Surtsey in Iceland
It might be surprising to see such a young island on this list, but Surtsey faced a massive volcanic eruption between 1963 and 1967. Due to its track record of being a dangerous place, only scientists and researchers have been able to get access in all these years.
Most people who head there are studying how the ecosystem is affected when there are no human factors affecting it. While the experts have asked people to keep the place untouched, some of them did manage to throw a few tomato seeds in there!
The Life Revival Vault in Norway
Popularly known as the Doomsday Vault, this Norwegian place is responsible for preserving the legacy of life on earth. It has over 100 million seeds from the plant kingdom that can restore life on earth in case a disaster strikes us.
The Global Seed Vault is located somewhere between Norway and the North Pole, and it isn’t possible to see the storage facility from close quarters. While the access is restricted, it is excellent insurance for us since the vault can withstand earthquakes and explosions for another two hundred years.
Don’t Go To Queimada Grande, Unless You Are a Snake Charmer
You know how dangerous the place is when it is called Snake Island! The Ilha da Queimada Grande seems like an Indiana Jones set with venomous reptiles covering every square mile of the vicinity. It is also home to the golden lancehead viper that can melt flesh with a single bite!
The Brazilian government decided to shut down the place for visitors, whereas research scholars can go there only when there is a doctor in the team. If it isn’t scary enough for you, go on an read about the lighthouse keeper, who was attacked by the snakes.
Mezhgorye’s Mysterious Cordoned Off Zone
Russia, being a large land mass, is home to many ghost towns, mysterious places, and abandoned villages. And the one place that has piqued everyone’s interest over the years is Mezhgorye! Set in the midst of the Ural Mountains, the region is believed to be a launch site for nuclear missiles.
The nearby locals claim that these missiles can be fired automatically, although the government hasn’t confirmed any such reports. We do have strong reason to believe them since two battalions of the Russian military keep encircling the place periodically, but it’s surely up for debate.
The ‘Australian’ Heard Island
The Heard Island is called one of the most isolated territories in the world for a reason. Reaching the nearest habitable landmass takes nearly two weeks, and there’s the fact that it is closer to Madagascar than Australia!
By the turn of this millennium, many unusual activities were observed in Mawson’s Peak volcano of the island, and the weather conditions started becoming erratic. Owing to these factors, only researchers and scientists are allowed in the place – that too, only if they make a compelling enough case for their project!
Pravcicka Brana, On the Brink of Collapse
Why would the Czech not want you to witness this beautiful site from close quarters? It is because of the fact that the Pravcicka Brana sandstone arch is eroding by the day and might collapse at some point. Moreover, a high influx of visitors would lead to faster erosion of what is one of the largest arches in the world.
It is a pity that tourists have been able to see the place only from afar since 1982. But it is a good step considering the fact that the preservation of this natural wonder should be the first priority.
Poveglia Island, the Place With a Dark Past
Imagine a place that was a quarantine zone for nearly 160 thousand people infected with the plague! Yes, that’s the story behind Poveglia, a small island located between the Lido and Venice. What was even worse is the fact that most of them succumbed to the disease, and the place went on to have human remains in 50% of its soil.
In recent times, the island has been a mental hospital with stories, and once in a while, past tales of secrets and sinister experiments on the island come out.
The Ghosts of Bhangarh Fort in India
Bhangarh Fort might not be restricted for public access, but it comes with its own set of caveats. Tourists can visit the place during the daytime to witness the beautiful Rajasthani architecture, whereas, after sunset, it is completely off-limits.
The folks who have ventured into the fort at night have mysteriously disappeared, and this prompted the Indian government to officially declare it as a haunted place. There are numerous spooky stories of ancient curses and ghosts that often do the rounds in the adjoining areas, and most of them can send shivers down the spine!
Diego Garcia On British Indian Ocean Territory
Diego Garcia is heaven from afar! But the nearer you go to it, the horrifying it gets. This is why tourists are forbidden to enter the premises of this overseas territory. The exquisite island of Diego Garcia is a prominent U.S. military base and is home to nearly 4000 British and American military personnel.
Unfortunately, the story behind the place is marred by loss. The original inhabitants of the island were driven out of their homes and were pushed into the region of Mauritius for resettlement. There has been a constant struggle between the authorities and residents to reclaim the land.
The Eerie Secret Archives of Vatican In Italy
The place that holds forbidden secrets is closed to the public. You may have read about it in a Dan Brown book! Only, this place isn’t fiction. The secret Archives of Vatican, as the name suggests, harbors the bulk of hush-hush scripts, letters, and documents relating to the Roman Catholic Church.
Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Rumor has it that it also contains evidence against famous popes with implications of their actions during World War II. Needless to say, the media has been trying to get access, but with no success!
Rebuilding Ise Grand Shrine In Japan
The Ise Grand Shrine of Japan is a sacred place for the Shinto religion. It is said to be purposely demolished and then reconstructed after every 20 years. The bizarre tradition of demolition and reconstruction is done to honor the religion’s idea of rebirth and the process of life.
Naturally, the tradition has captivated the fascination of many tourists! However, entry to this Shrine is strictly prohibited. The public is only allowed to enter the area that surrounds the main Shrine. However, only the members of the Japanese Imperial family can access the actual place.
The Forbidden Spy Museum In China
It’s no surprise that the Chinese have some secrets that they don’t want outsiders to know about! In this case, it’s the secrets about their communist regime. No wonder the Western World has been clamoring to take a peek inside the mysterious museum!
However, the building that is said to contain explosive secrets of the debated regime is forbidden to tourists, and with good reason! It has some of the largest espionage artifacts on display, including guns disguised as fountains, pens, and maps disguised as a deck of cards. Thriller-lover’s dream, right!?
Powerful Bohemian Grove Based In New York, USA
It’s a men’s club. But not all men are invited! Bohemian Grove is a secret meeting spot for its members – a group of the most powerful and wealthiest men of the United States! The Republican Presidents, high-ranking military officials, American capitalists, oil barons are all participants. You are allowed if you are a member or accompanying one.
But don’t count on Mr. President sending you an invitation. This place should be avoided by tourists at all costs. The Washington Post has described the site as “where the rich and powerful go to misbehave.” We can only guess what that means!
Terrifying North Brother Island In USA
A place where thousands of people struggled with fatal diseases and lost their lives, North Brother Island, is no ordinary amusement park. On the contrary, the site represents loss, illness, and an unsettling sense of foreboding. It is advised to stay miles away from this spot!
The haunting place once harbored a hospital that was used to quarantine people who suffered from highly contagious diseases. Now, it is used as a rehabilitation center. The site also cannot be accessed without prior authorization from administration. However, it is said to not be in the best shape.
Do Not Visit Extraterrestrials In Area 51, Nevada USA
Area 51 has been a top attraction for conspiracy theorists for decades! Although the United States government has labeled it as a classified facility of the U.S. Air Force, many believe that something sinister lurks behind the electrical wires. It is thought by some that the forbidden place is a facility for capturing and testing aliens.
The secrets circling Area 51 led various directors, writers, and content creators to make movies, books, and shows about the region’s possible inhabitants! The entry to this place is restricted to authorized personnel only and is under strict surveillance at all times.
Dangerous Morgan Island In South Carolina, USA
Tucked away in the Beaufort County of South Carolina, this immaculate sandy Island is every traveler’s dream. But it shall remain that- just a dream. If you do not wish to become the prey of 4000 something merciless monkeys, then stay away from this place as much as you can!
The entire expanse of the 2,000-acre land is inhabited by wild monkeys! These animals were once subjects of medical research. Now, constant breeding has boosted its population by a landslide. The breeding is promoted by the U.S. government for more prospects of research subjects.
Protected Chichen Itza Pyramid Of Mexico
The Chichen Itza Pyramid of Mexico is one of the largest attractions in the world. Thousands of tourists flock to the country to see the wonder of the exquisite Mayan pyramid! However, you can only admire from a distance; climbing the actual steps is forbidden.
The restrictions are part of a security measure and were enforced when a woman in 2006 tumbled to her demise from the pyramid’s steps. To avoid similar unfortunate events from occurring, the steps of the pyramid are sealed for the visitors. Tourists who violate this law are penalized heavily by the authorities.
Niihau Island Takes Endemics Seriously
You might want to go to Niihau Island to enjoy its lush-green beauty but can only admire the place in photos. A Scottish woman named Elizabeth Sinclair purchased it back in the mid-19th century, and her descendants own it since then.
But in 1952, the entire area got affected by polio. Due to this epidemic, a ban on the entry and exit of the land resulted. Thankfully, things got under control with time! But to date, people have to obtain a special gate pass to reach the island. Be it rich or famous – there is no exception to this rule. Fun fact- Niihau now houses approximately only 170 people!
Poisonous Gases Inside Pluto’s Gate In Turkey
Dare you to enter Pluto’s Gate in Turkey at night, and you might just end up breathing your last! Yes, the site is that dangerous. Even though scientists confirm that the place becomes safer in the afternoon, as the sunlight dissipates the high amount of CO2 present inside the building, we are sure, be it any time of the day, nobody would like to take the risk!
In 1965, the specialists confirmed that Pluto’s Gate’s atmosphere forms a type of lake full of poisonous gases. Whether it’s dusk or dawn, since then, no one is even allowed near this monument!
Most Heavily Guarded Place In The World, Fort Knox, Kentucky
If you’ve ever wondered where the United States stores nearly half of their gold reserve, you don’t have to look any further. This heavily protected fortress is considered to be one of the safest places in the world. Good luck to you if you decide to take a crack at breaking in there. Chances are you will fail miserably.
In fact, the vault where the precious metal is kept can only be accessed if several staff members work together. Everyone only knows parts of the whole combination which contributes to the incredible safety levels this insanely secure compound has.
Dulce Base, USA Is A Secret Laboratory
Not much is known about Dulce Base and what goes on there, but there are some rumors about what the highly secure compound might contain. There have even been rumors that it houses human-animal hybrids!
Situated in a remote area of New Mexico, it is said that a massive underground laboratory is housed here at which several mind-blowing scientific experiments take place. But everything there is kept on the down-low and guarded with the utmost care and secrecy, so we’re crossing our fingers and hoping that the tests are being done for the good of mankind!
Room 39 In North Korea Is Said To Be The Home Of A Secret State
Not much is known about this secret organization, but it is suspected that its headquarters are located in the Worker’s Party building in Pyongyang, North Korea.
No one knows exactly what the organization’s deal is, but it is rumored that they’re active in raising funds for the country with several different ventures, both legal and illegal. Some sources say that Room 39 has been able to attain nearly two billion dollars for North Korea to date and that they were behind a counterfeiting scheme that produced hundred dollar bills that were almost impossible to discern from real ones! This is truly a mystery fit for a spy film!
Coca-Cola Vault, Atlanta, The Best Kept Secrets In The World
Have you ever wondered what makes Coca-Cola taste so good? We all certainly have, but unfortunately, only a few company employees and the big bosses will ever know.
That’s because the secret recipe is kept under lock and key in a vault in Atlanta in the United States. It’s housed in an impenetrable vault with security guards and twenty-four hour a day surveillance. You even need to be registered on their biometric scanner to gain access. So it’s safe to say that the chances of finding out what goes into our favorite soft drink are almost zero.
White’s Gentlemen’s Club In The UK
What started out as a hot chocolate shop in the seventeen hundreds evolved into one of the most exclusive gentlemen’s clubs in the world. While it’s not impossible to get in, you’ve got to be well connected and be part of the alumni of several prestigious schools to even stand a chance of becoming a member.
With membership fees totaling over a hundred thousand dollars a year, and us not having graduated from Eton or Oxford and Cambridge, it’s safe to say that there is no chance we’ll ever get in? Do you think you’d make the cut?
The Dome Of The Rock In Jerusalem, A Sacred Place For Believers
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is truly a place where cultural and religious beliefs come together. It is the most sacred site for the Jewish people and already has very stringent restrictions in place regarding who is allowed in and who not.
Inside the Mount, you’ll find the Dome Of The Rock, which is the holiest area for those who follow the Muslim faith. No one who is not Islamic may enter here. The original dome collapsed more than a thousand years ago and has been rebuilt since and still remains one of the oldest buildings in Islamic architecture!
Queen’s Bedroom – A Place For The Monarch To Take A Break
While many parts of Buckingham Palace are open for tours to the public, there are a few places that are completely off-limits. One of these is the Queen’s Bedroom. It is a private space for the monarch to relax after a hard day of ruling the UK.
That is unless you’re Michael Fagan, who managed to pull off one of the greatest security breaches of all time by breaking in there! He got into a lot of trouble for that, but we have to admit that scaling a twenty-foot wall and drainpipes to win a bet is no mean feat!
U.N. Buffer Zone In Cyprus Is A Historic No-Man’s Land
In the seventies, there was civil unrest between the Greek and Turkish residents of Cyprus, and the United Nations had to step in to help deescalate the situation. The events that unfolded required them to find a way to split the rival factions.
The U.N. then created the Buffer Zone which separated the two factions and helped keep the ceasefire in place. Inside the zone, you can find old houses and businesses and even an airport, all of which have been abandoned. Stepping into that place is probably the closest you’ll ever get to see a moment that was frozen in time.
The Majestic Mausoleum Of Qin Shi Huang, China
This Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China’s First Emperor, is a thing of fascination for archaeologists and historians. The tomb of the Emperor is buried deep underneath a pyramid for some 2,000 years. That sounds like the perfect script!
The contents of the tomb, which is said to be the things that the King might need in his afterlife, is a big secret to historians even today. The excavation and exploration are strictly forbidden by the Chinese government. It is enforced to honor the memory of the lost royalty while the secrets of the tomb continue till today!