7 inaccessible places on earth

People have always been drawn to little-known, exotic, and hidden places. However, there are locations in the world so restricted that even the most adventurous travelers cannot visit them. Each of these forbidden areas carries a unique and mysterious history, which only adds to their allure and fuels curiosity. Are you ready to discover these off-limits places and uncover their secrets that might just give you chills?

1. North Sentinel Island, India

The Sentinel tribe, living on North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal, India, has remained one of the world’s most isolated communities for over 60,000 years. Attempts to explore the island have resulted in tribe members contracting modern diseases, significantly reducing their population.

Why is it forbidden to go to North Sentinel Island?

•  The Sentinelese are recognized as one of the most aggressive tribes in India and are known for attacking outsiders.
•  Attempts to approach or contact the island have repeatedly ended in death. In 2006, two fishermen were killed, and in 2018, an American missionary who illegally entered the island was also killed.
•  The tribe has no immunity to modern diseases—even a simple cold could be deadly.

Today, the island is completely off-limits to outsiders. The Indian government has banned all approaches within 10 kilometers of the island.

2. Area 51, USA

Since 1955, Area 51 has been known as one of the most mysterious places on Earth. Officially declared a test site for the U.S. Air Force, the site wasn't publicly acknowledged until 2013. As a result, numerous conspiracy theories have emerged surrounding its purpose. While its exact operations remain classified, many believe secret research is conducted there.

In 1947, an unidentified object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico. Initially, the government announced it was a flying object, but later retracted the claim. This inconsistency has fueled speculation and led to the rise of the Area 51 legend.

Why is it forbidden to go to Area 51?

•  The area is heavily guarded, and unauthorized entry can result in hefty fines or over a year in prison.
•  It is equipped with advanced security systems, surveillance cameras, warning signs, and motion detectors.
•  In 2019, a viral Facebook campaign titled “Let’s storm Area 51” attracted over 2 million pledges, but only a handful of people actually showed up—and they were quickly removed by the military.

Most experts believe secret military research related to national security is conducted in the area.

3. Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China

Our next destination is an ancient tomb in Xi’an, China. Discovered in 1974, the site houses thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors built to guard the final resting place of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

It is believed that more than 8,000 statues were created over 40 years by around 700,000 workers. While the surrounding area is open to tourists, the emperor’s actual tomb has never been excavated—even archaeologists are not allowed to touch it.

Why is the tomb off-limits?

•  The Chinese government has restricted excavation efforts, fearing that exposure could damage the ancient site.
•  Some sources suggest that the tomb may contain complex traps that could endanger anyone who attempts to enter.

As a result, the tomb remains shrouded in mystery, and no one is permitted to approach it.

4. Snake Island, Brazil

Snake Island, located off the coast of Brazil, is one of the most dangerous places in the world. It is home to more than 4,000 venomous snakes, including the golden lancehead viper, whose venom can melt human flesh. Due to the extreme danger, the island is completely closed to the public. Tourists and locals alike are banned from visiting.

Only researchers with special government permission are allowed access—and even they must be accompanied by a qualified doctor.

5. Paris Catacombs, France

Beneath the city of love, Paris, lies a 273 km-long network of dark tunnels filled with the bones of over 6 million people. Originally constructed to support collapsing stone quarries, the catacombs were later converted into ossuaries when cemeteries became overcrowded. Due to its grim history, chilling architecture, and hazardous conditions, the site is considered one of the most haunted places in the world.

Why are the Paris Catacombs forbidden to visit?

•  Only 1% of the tunnels are open to the public, while the rest remain closed due to dangerous and unstable passageways.
•  Inside, thousands of human remains are stacked neatly in the cold, dark chambers.

6. Wittenoom, Australia

Once a thriving mining town, Wittenoom is now one of the most dangerous and haunted places on Earth. Asbestos—a group of fine fibrous minerals in the silicate class—was mined here, and thousands of people died from exposure to airborne particles.

The government began shutting down the town in the 1970s due to the toxic asbestos contamination. Today, it is completely abandoned, removed from maps, and no longer listed on road signs. This hazardous site has earned the nickname “Australia’s Chernobyl.”

7. Poveglia Island, Italy

Used as a quarantine site during the Black Death epidemic in 1793, Poveglia Island is now entirely off-limits. Over 160,000 people died there.

It is believed that the island’s soil is still mixed with human ashes and remains. In the 1920s, a mental hospital was built on the island, where patients reportedly suffered greatly, further adding to its terrifying reputation.

Today, the island is abandoned and said to be haunted by ghosts. Some legends even tell of human bones washing ashore on its beaches.

The world is full of mysteries. These forbidden places stir human curiosity, yet they remain closed for environmental, cultural, or safety reasons. While the desire to explore lesser-known destinations is natural, some secrets are best left undisturbed—especially when they lie beneath sacred or haunted ground.