India has many beautiful and historic places, but not all are open to the public. Some areas are restricted due to security, safety, tribal protection, or environmental reasons. These restrictions apply to both tourists and locals, except authorised personnel. Here are 10 places in India that are completely off-limits to the public.
1 / 101. North Sentinel Island, Andaman and Nicobar | North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese tribe, one of the world’s most isolated communities. Entry is completely banned to protect the tribe from outside contact and diseases. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
2 / 102. Bhangarh Fort at Night, Rajasthan | Bhangarh Fort is open during the day, but entry after sunset is strictly prohibited. The Archaeological Survey of India has placed warning boards citing safety concerns. (Image: Canva)
3 / 103. Siachen Glacier, Ladakh | Siachen Glacier is one of the highest and coldest battle zones in the world. It is restricted to the Indian Army, and civilians are not permitted due to extreme weather conditions and security concerns. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
4 / 104. Barail Wildlife Sanctuary Core Zone, Assam | While buffer areas may allow limited access, the core zone of Barail Wildlife Sanctuary is off-limits to protect rare wildlife and fragile forest ecosystems. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
5 / 105. Mount Kanchenjunga Peak Area, Sikkim | The upper reaches of Mount Kanchenjunga are closed to climbers. Locals consider the peak sacred, and the ban also helps preserve the sensitive mountain environment. (Image: Canva)
6 / 106. Nicobar Islands (Several Areas) | Many parts of the Nicobar Islands are restricted for tourists. Entry requires special permits due to tribal protection laws and strategic concerns. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
7 / 107. Rashtrapati Bhavan Restricted Sections, Delhi | While parts of Rashtrapati Bhavan are open to visitors, several areas remain strictly off-limits due to security protocols. (Image: Canva)
8 / 108. Chambal River Ravines, MP–UP Border | Some ravine areas along the Chambal River are restricted because of safety risks, difficult terrain, and wildlife protection measures. (Image: Canva)
9 / 109. Strategic Border Areas in Arunachal Pradesh | Several border villages and zones near the India-China border need special permits. Some areas remain completely closed due to military sensitivity. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
10 / 1010. Sacred Tribal Groves in Central India | Certain forest patches protected by tribal communities are closed to outsiders. These groves hold cultural and spiritual importance and are preserved through local customs. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
