Places in India where tourists are not allowed; check out the list

India is home to numerous fascinating locations, but some of its most intriguing sites are entirely off-limits to the general public. From restricted research facilities to remote tribal islands, these forbidden places remain shrouded in mystery, protected for reasons ranging from national security to the preservation of indigenous cultures.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, for example, plays a crucial role in India’s nuclear program, while North Sentinel Island safeguards one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes. Other areas, like Pangong Tso Lake and Aksai Chin , are caught in geopolitical disputes, making them inaccessible to tourists.





Forbidden places in India where tourists aren’t allowed

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai

Located in Trombay, Mumbai, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is one of India’s most guarded sites. Established by Homi Jehangir Bhabha as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), BARC plays a critical role in India’s nuclear research and development.

Although there is no official classified reason for the public ban, access to this facility is highly restricted. Only research students, after completing extensive paperwork, are allowed inside the centre, which remains off-limits to the general public due to security and confidentiality concerns surrounding nuclear research.


North Sentinel Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, is home to the Sentinelese, one of the world’s most isolated indigenous tribes. These inhabitants are protected under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956, which strictly prohibits outsiders from entering their territory.

The Sentinelese have had no contact with the modern world, and this isolation has made them vulnerable to diseases for which they have no immunity. For the protection of both the tribe and outsiders, the island remains one of the most forbidden places on Earth.


Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of Pangong Tso Lake from the Indian side in Ladakh, but certain portions of this lake, which extend into Chinese territory, are strictly prohibited. The lake spans both India and China, and while tourists flock to the Indian side for its stunning views, the Chinese-controlled areas are off-limits due to political and territorial disputes. This delicate border region remains under constant surveillance, and entry into certain areas of Pangong Tso is restricted.


Aksai Chin

Aksai Chin is a region steeped in natural beauty, with salt lakes, valleys, gorges, and the Karakash River adding to its allure. However, this region remains largely unexplored by tourists due to its status as a restricted area. Caught in a long-standing territorial dispute between India and China, Aksai Chin is claimed by both nations.

The area falls along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), making it inaccessible to the public. Although it attracts adventurers, its political sensitivity and challenging landscape keep it off-limits.


Barren Island , Andaman Sea

Located in the Andaman Sea, Barren Island is home to India’s only confirmed active volcano. Though its beauty can be admired from a distance while aboard a ship, setting foot on the island is strictly prohibited. The island, devoid of human inhabitants, earned its name due to its uninhabitable nature. This isolated volcanic site remains a restricted zone, allowing only for distant observation.


Cholamu Lake, Sikkim

Known as Tso Lhamo Lake, Cholamu Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, sitting just a few kilometres from the Tibetan border in Sikkim. Unfortunately, this breathtaking lake is out of reach for tourists.

Its proximity to the border places it in a restricted area, and access is granted solely to the Indian Army and the Sikkim police or administration. The lake’s remote location and strategic importance make it one of the most elusive natural wonders in India.



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