No.11: Lascaux Cave (France)
Source : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Hidden in the southwest of France, Lascaux Cave houses some of the most remarkable prehistoric wall paintings, dating back approximately 17,000 years to the Upper Paleolithic period. After its discovery in the 1940s, the cave was initially opened to the public. However, the influx of visitors led to severe damage—carbon dioxide from tourists’ breath and introduced fungi caused mold to grow on the priceless murals.
To preserve this irreplaceable heritage, the French government fully sealed off the cave in 1963. Since then, access has been strictly restricted to researchers only. The cave’s internal temperature and humidity are meticulously controlled, and to protect the original art, a full-scale replica known as “Lascaux II” was constructed nearby for visitors.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lascaux Cave stands as a testament to early human creativity—intentionally kept off-limits to ensure its preservation for generations to come.
No.10: North Sentinel Island (India)
Source : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
North Sentinel Island, a remote land in the Indian Ocean, is home to the Sentinelese—a tribe that has lived in complete isolation for tens of thousands of years. Fiercely protective of their independence, the Sentinelese have aggressively repelled outsiders. There have been tragic incidents, including the killing of shipwrecked fishermen and an American missionary who attempted to land on the island.
To protect both the islanders and potential visitors, the Indian government has legally designated the island as a No Entry Zone. Approaching within five kilometers of the island is strictly forbidden. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard patrol the surrounding waters to ensure that the Sentinelese remain shielded from external contact and exposure to potentially deadly diseases.
