Although it’s easier than ever to reach the ends of the earth today, there are still some forbidden places in the world that you’ll likely never see in person for one reason or another. The following are 10 such places that will remain off-limits to most of us. Does their forbidden nature make them all the more intriguing or are you happy to steer clear of them? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
1. Interior of the Ise Grand Shrine
Unless the reader of this article happens to be a certified member of the Japanese Imperial family, don’t expect to ever catch a glimpse inside the Ise Grand Shrine located in the city of Ise, Mie-ken. Regarded as the nation’s most revered Shinto shrine, access to this sacred place is strictly limited to Japan’s royalty, one of whom must serve as the shrine’s chief priest or priestess.
2. Snake Island
Those with a death wish might be intrigued, but the rest of us don’t want to venture onto Snake Island (Ilha de Queimada Grande), home of the extremely venomous golden lancehead viper along with many other deadly species. Apparently its venom melts human flesh, which is one of the reasons tourists aren’t clamoring to visit here. Located 90 miles from the Brazilian city of Sao Paolo, Snake Island is closed to the public because of its immense danger. Visits are actually banned by the Brazilian government, and only a few brave scientists ever dare to visit. The 110-acre island is home to roughly 4,000 snakes, making this one of the most deadly islands on the planet.
3. North Sentinel Island
You might fare better with the snakes than the islanders of North Sentinel Island off the coast of India. These island inhabitants prefer to remain completely closed off from the rest of the world, and they’ll resort to spears and rock throwing to protect their isolation. A couple of fishermen were killed after they strayed too close to the island by natives. Fortunately, there are many other islands worldwide that are perfectly amenable to tourists, so your best bet is to let them be.
