All across the globe, there are certain locations that are dangerous to visit and as a result are outlawed for tourism. That is the case with our country too. India has a plethora of beautiful destinations for tourists to explore, but there are some places that are off limits. The reason for prohibition of tourism in these areas ranges anywhere from security concerns to protection of locals and biodiversity. In this blog, I have picked some of the most beautiful spots India has to offer but are banned for tourists.
North Sentinel Island, Nicobar
The North Sentinel Islands in the Indian Ocean are prohibited for tourism as per the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956. This isolated island is home to the Sentinel tribes that have only 50–100 members remaining. The Indian Government has declared this island to be forbidden for travel as it is believed that the natives kill any tourist that ends up on the island. In 2018 an American man who reached the island secretively and attempted to preach Christianity to the tribals was killed by the natives. Therefore, as a precaution, the Government of India has banned travel within 3 miles of the island as an attempt to protect the tribals & the tourists.
Chambal Valley, Madhya Pradesh
If you think that dacoits or bandits don’t exist in the 21st century, then Chambal Valley will prove you wrong. These bad guys seem to have made quite the impression as you would hear about them in numerous Bollywood movies. This valley has been the creative inspiration for many Bollywood film makers. Chambal Valley is the birth place of dacoits like Phoolan Devi. Even to this day the risk of falling prey to these dacoits in the valley is very high and due to this Chambal Valley is avoided altogether by travellers. These thugs raid trains that pass through this region and hence, railway police authorities advise passengers to shut all doors and windows.
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Stok Kangri, Ladakh
Stok Kangri is located in Ladakh in the popular Hemis National Park. This peak is one of the highest peaks in India for trekking and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world visit this peak. Trekking or travelling to this peak is banned due to over-tourism. In December of 2019, the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association stated that the Stok Kangri Peak is closed for trekking from 2020 to 2023. This ban in travel should hopefully give the region sufficient time to recover from the repercussions of over-tourism. This ban is a great reminder for tourists to always travel responsibly and be mindful to not harm the biodiversity of the region they are travelling to.
Barren Island, Andaman and Nicobar Island
Situated in the Indian Ocean, Barren Island is home to the only active volcano in the entire region of South Asia. Even though Andaman and Nicobar Islands are on of the most beautiful and dreamy travel destinations that India has to offer, a majority of it is not accessible for tourism. Barren Islands is one such location. The main reason for prohibiting travel here is safety. Tourists are allowed to have a look at the island from a safe distance in a boat or a ferry. Due to the travel ban, the water around the island is know to be untouched and home to the Manta Rays, stunning coral reefs and basalt formations.
Mount Kanchenjunga, Sikkim
Trekkers and adventurers all over the world have all wished at some point or the other to climb to the peak of Mount Kanchenjunga which is the third highest peak in the world. Under provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, the Government of Sikkim had to ban expeditions to Mount Kanchenjunga in the year 2001. This place has been closed for almost two decades now after the local Buddhist community showed their resentment by what they consider violation of the mountain’s sanctity by foreigners. However, trekkers who wish to make it to the top of Mount Kanchenjunga can do so from the other side which is in Nepal.
How many of these places did you know about prior? Let us know in the comments below what other places can make it to this list. As always, if you enjoyed reading this post, then follow our blog for more such travel-related content and be a part of our social media family for other fun stuff.
Author : Rachel D’souza
