TOP 13 Forbidden Places You’re Not Allowed to Visit

13 Forbidden Places You Can’t Visit or not allowed to visit.

#### 1. Lascaux Caves, France

Discovered in 1940 by Marcel Ravidat while rescuing his dog, the Lascaux Caves near Montignac are home to stunning prehistoric paintings of animals, some dating back over 17,000 years. Initially opened to the public in 1948, heavy visitor traffic caused damage due to humidity and carbon dioxide. Closed in 1963, access is now restricted to authorized researchers, while replicas and virtual tours allow public appreciation.

#### 2. Maya Bay, Thailand

Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh gained fame after the release of "The Beach" in 2000, attracting up to 1.2 million visitors annually by 2015. This influx caused significant ecological harm, prompting the Thai government to close the bay in 2019. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with hopes of future reopening.

#### 3. Grand Shrine of Ise, Japan

The Grand Shrine of Ise, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, is a sacred Shinto site built using traditional methods without nails. It undergoes reconstruction every 20 years, with access restricted to priests and the imperial family, allowing only distant viewing for the public.

#### 4. Morgan Island, United States

Morgan Island, off South Carolina's coast, has been closed to the public since 1979 due to a colony of rhesus monkeys relocated there. The risk of disease transmission makes human contact dangerous, allowing only select researchers under strict quarantine protocols.

#### 5. Uluru, Australia

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is spiritually significant to the Indigenous Anangu people. Climbing was banned in 2019 due to environmental concerns and disrespectful tourist behavior. Visitors can now admire the rock from designated areas, respecting its cultural importance.

#### 6. Mezhgor'ye, Russia

Mezhgor'ye is a closed town in Russia, home to about 16,000 residents involved in classified military projects. Established in 1979, access is tightly controlled, fostering an air of mystery around its activities.

#### 7. North Sentinel Island, India

Home to the Sentinelese, one of the last uncontacted tribes, North Sentinel Island is strictly off-limits to protect their way of life. The Indian government enforces a five-mile exclusion zone to ensure the tribe remains undisturbed.

#### 8. Pravčická brána, Czech Republic

The Pravčická brána, a stunning sandstone arch, was once a popular tourist destination. Concerns about erosion and potential collapse led to its closure in 1982, allowing for some recovery while still remaining vulnerable.

#### 9. Poveglia, Italy

Poveglia, an abandoned island in the Venetian Lagoon, has a dark history as a quarantine station and mental asylum. Known for hauntings, access is restricted to prevent contamination from its historical diseases.

#### 10. Heard Island, Australia

Heard Island, in the remote southern Indian Ocean, is home to active volcanoes and unique ecosystems. Access is limited to preserve its fragile environment, making visitor entry extremely rare.

#### 11. Pluto's Gate, Turkey

Pluto's Gate, an ancient site in Turkey, is infamous for its lethal carbon dioxide emissions. Historically viewed as a portal to the underworld, it is off-limits for safety reasons.

#### 12. Snake Island, Brazil

Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, is notorious for housing the golden lancehead viper, one of the deadliest snakes. The Brazilian Navy patrols the area to prevent unauthorized access, protecting the ecosystem and potential visitors.

#### 13. Surtsey Island, Iceland

Emerging from a volcanic eruption in 1963, Surtsey Island serves as a unique site for scientific study. Access is restricted to researchers to prevent contamination and monitor ecological development.