Beautiful, yet forbidden, places in India where tourists are not allowed

Are you aware that certain areas in India that are beautiful, but are not accessible? This is because of various factors, such as security concerns, disputed territories, and more. Despite their unique and captivating nature, these locations remain off-limits for travellers till date. Read on to know more about these places in India where tourists are not allowed.

Under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956, visitors are expressly forbidden from venturing to the North Sentinel Islands. The Indian Government has also imposed a restriction preventing travel within a 4 km radius of the islands, respecting the Sentinelese tribe's isolation to prevent any potential harm. The Sentinelese, numbering between 50 to 150 individuals, have chosen to remain detached from the main island for an extended period, maintaining their desire for seclusion.

Aksai Chin is a haven for explorers and adventurers, and is dotted with pristine salt lakes, valleys, gorges, salt plains, and the untouched beauty of the Karakash River. Despite its allure, this region is one of the restricted areas in India, entangled in a longstanding dispute. India asserts its claim over Aksai Chin, considering it a part of the Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, whereas contrary to this claim, Aksai Chin is positioned along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This frigid desert landscape still remains largely unexplored by tourists.

Despite Pangong Tso being a renowned tourist destination in India, a significant portion of the surrounding area remains inaccessible to tourists. Approximately 50% of the lake falls within disputed territory, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) demarcating Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory, traversing through the lake. Consequently, visitors can only explore the portion of the lake situated on the Indian side.

Situated on the seismically active tectonic plates in the Andaman Sea, Barren Island houses India's only confirmed volcano. While the island's beauty can be admired from a distance aboard a ship, disembarking on the island is strictly prohibited. The island, devoid of human inhabitants, earned its name due to its uninhabited nature.

Lakshadweep, consisting of 36 islands, restricts tourist access to the majority of its islands for various reasons, including local interests and the island's significance as a naval base. However, permits are obtainable for certain islands, including Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, and Minicoy Islands.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai is a restricted area for tourists due to its status as India's premier nuclear research centre. Visitors, other than researchers and students, are barred from entering the facility for security reasons. Access is granted to these select individuals only after obtaining a series of permissions from government institutions.

Also referred to as Tso Lhamo Lake, this lake is one of the world's highest lakes, which unfortunately, is inaccessible by tourists. Situated just a few kilometres from the Tibet border, it falls within the category of restricted areas in India. Exclusive access to Cholamu Lake in Sikkim is granted solely to the army and Sikkim police/administration.