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There are many places in India, which are known for their natural beauty, cultural heritage or strategic importance. But it is not easy to reach them, as these areas are either near the border, are preserved to tribal communities, or closed for military reasons.

The places of India where not everyone can go, permission from the government. These include Haseen Vadis of Arunachal Pradesh, blue beach of Lakshadweep, tribal culture of Nagaland, mountains of Mizoram, Sikkim and Ladakh border areas, and some islands of Andaman and Nicobar. To visit these places, Indians have to take the inner line permit (ILP) and foreigners have to take Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Let us know the details of these places and permit process.

Arunachal Pradesh: Earth of rising sun

Arunachal Pradesh, called the “land of the rising sun”, is adjacent to China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Areas like Tawang Monastery, Jiro Valley and Sela Pass are famous for their beauty. But due to strategic sensitivity, Indians are required to take the inner line permit (ILP) and foreigners to take Protected Area Permit (PAP). ILP is available online from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong or Arunachal government websites ilp.arunachal.gov.in. Foreigners have to take Pap from Indian Embassy or FRRO. The permit remains valid for 30 days and is necessary for areas like Tawang, Rowing, Pasighat.

Lakshadweep: Sea heaven

The blue beach of the Lakshadweep and the ancient beach it to heaven. But due to tribal culture and naval base, only some islands like Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat are open to tourists. Both Indians and foreigners have to take permits from the Lakshadweep administration, which get online from Kochi’s Willingdon Island Office or website Lakshadweep.gov.in. The permit remains valid for 5 months. Entry without permits is illegal, and strict checking occurs.

Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung of Nagaland and Mizoram

Nagaland is known for its 16 tribes and Hornbill Festival, bordering Myanmar. Indians need ILP for areas such as Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung, which are found at Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar or Dimapur Airport. Foreigners have to take Pap from the Indian Embassy. The permit is valid for 15 days (temporary) or 6 months (regular). Mizoram, adjacent to Myanmar and Bangladesh, is famous for FongPui Hills and Wantwang Falls. ILP is found at Langapui Airport in Guwahati, Kolkata or Eisol. Foreigners need PAP, and validity ranges from 15 days to 6 months.

Sikkim and Ladakh: Border’s beautiful players

Areas such as Nathula Pass of Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley and Tsomgo-Baba Temple are adjacent to the border of China and Bhutan. Indians need ILP from Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, which is found on Bagdogra Airport or Rangpo checkpost. Foreigners have to take RAP from the Indian Embassy. In Ladakh, areas such as Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Khardung La are adjacent to the border of Pakistan and China. Indians get ILP Srinagar, Leh or website from leh.nic.in. Foreigners want PAP. ILP was removed from some areas in 2021, but permit is still necessary for areas such as Nyoma, Dah and Hanu.

Andaman-Nicobar: Tribal and military security

The beauty of Andaman and Nicobar is unmatched, but Nicobar and North Sentinel Islands are completely banned. Tourists are forbidden to protect Nicobari and Shompan tribes in Nicobar. The North Sentinel has the Sentineliz tribe, which does not want to contact the outside world. After the assassination of an American tourist in 2018, the island has an entry into the 4 km radius. Foreigners need RAP for islands like Port Blair, Havellock and Neel, which is found at Port Blair Airport. Indians do not need permits in most places except Nicobar.

Why the permit needs

Permits at these places are required for strategic security, protecting tribal communities and protection of environment. The permit system ensures that there is no unauthorized entry to these places and the local culture and environment are safe.